I will be updating this during to add the wonderful comments we've received this year. One neutral place to see many of our hats is The Fedora Lounge and search the hat section for Montecristi or straw. You'll see dozens of our hats there.

Hi, Robert! I received the hats yesterday - thanks! They fit perfectly and are amazingly light and comfy - much softer/pliable than I expected. Should be perfect for tropical wear (10 months out of the year here!). -Joe
December 10, 2005

Robert, I did compare the Montecristi ($99 Calado) that I just received from you to the $800.00 and $1000.00 Montecristi hats (from Hawaii).... The quality of work is definately comparable to the hats.-New Customer
November 15, 2005

Robert, I received my hat today and am very pleased with it. I marvel at the weaving. It's so small I had to get a magnifying glass to count it. Hard to believe someone actually did that by hand. I counted 567 wpsi. In our phone conservation you estimated 500+ wpsi----pretty close call old boy! -Roy
October 11, 2005

Mr. Weber: I received the hat today, as you said. Thank you. It was worth to wait. Is a beautiful hat, fit perfectly and looks wonderful.

You are a serious an honest business person. I was a pleasure do businees with you.

I wish you well and happiness.

Fernando
October 6, 2005

Robert, Thanks for the great hat. It is truly a work of art and I am sure I will get many years of pleasure from wearing it. I will definately be a repeat customer and will praise your business to everyone who enjoys looking at it as much as I enjoy wearing it. -Sam

Indiana Jones Inspired Hat. This was a commissioned hat that takes 3-5 months generally.

I’m hooked! My hat almost feels like cloth the way it is woven. The hat fit me right out of the box. Robert and the crew of Panama Hatworks of Montecristi were the first I could find to offer an Indiana Jones inspired version of the Montecristi hat. Because of the taller crown, this is the first straw hat that has ever looked good on me. Here is a photo of my hat.

Shipping from Ecuador takes longer than it does in the states. With weaving, blocking shipping, my hat took 4-½ months to receive it. So, order early and be patient. The hat is worth the wait.

Thanks to Robert, his family and crew. I’ll be in touch again.

High Regards,

Bill H.

Texas

Hey, The hat arrived this morning! It looks great, fits well and I am very pleased. Thanks for all your communications and please tell the folks in Ecuador how much I appreciate their craftsmanship.

(Hat blocked in Ecuador) Yours in Christ,

Pastor Erik Karas

Hi Robert: Just wanted you to know that I finally received my hat...and I'm totally thrilled with it; I've worn it nearly every minute since its arrival. It is a very fine hat, indeed.

(Hat blocked in USA.)

R. K.

Robert: I just received the hat. It's beautiful--the nicest straw hat I've ever seen. The size and style are also perfect. I've been buying my hats from high-class dealers in New York. No more.

Thanks!

Art, in NY. (Hat blocked in Ecuador)

Robert! I got the hat today at work and it was right out of a movie; coincidentally I wore my Guayabera shirt today and so when I lifted the hat out of the box, my office-mates laughed and offered to buy me a box of cigars to complete the outfit. I am VERY pleased with the hat; I can't tell you how happy you’ve made me and I CANNOT WAIT to wear it next weekend for my “we’re old now college guys trip to Mexico”

Joe C.

(hat blocked in Ecuador)

Hi Robert: Just got my hat. Left you an excellent feedback. The hat is great! It is really beautifully made. As I said earlier I have owned several other Panamas and this one by far is the best made!!

Thanks again.

Steve Sansbury

(hat blocked in Ecuador)

Hello Robert, I received the hat on Tuesday. It is a fantastic hat (is that the initial of the weaver inside the hat?). Now I have a problem of choosing the style for this beautiful unblocked hat.

Thanks,

K.B.

(hat blocked by buyer independently)

Hi Robert. The hats arrived and they look great. The quality looks super...better than I expected.

Mahalo,

Dave

Dear panamahat*net, Fantastic hat which exceeded all expectation Thaks very much

Thank you,

jimmygill88

(blocked in Ecuador)

Received my hat today and all I can say is WOW! Your Select 0 grade is far superior to the "Fino Fino" I bought several years ago for almost twice the price from a well known dealer somewhere in mid Pacific. ...the quality of the weave is exceptional and the fit was spot on. Many thanks. Glenn Ashmore

E-mail Glenn
Macon, GA

From Fedora Lounge

There are a few reviews on an internet lounge. Here are some excerpts:

"I ordered one of the standard Fino Finos in late Fall, and have been pleased. The hat doesn't have any visible pinholes or obvious flaws. There are very, very few straw stubs on the interior of the hat; the finish and trim of the straw splices in the crown are very good.

The backweave on the brim is well done and has only one or two very small straws sticking out. The hat comes with a dark brown leather sweatband; it's slightly thicker and stiffer than the hatbands on my felt Akubras, and comparable to some of the 1980s Stetsons that I have. The sweatband is carefully sewn in with white thread, and was done by hand; there are no broken straws or other signs that the hat was damaged in the course of installing the sweatband. The ends of the sweatband are butted together; there isn't a bow or other finish at the rear of the hat. The hat comes with a black elastic hatband which is not attached to the hat.

The hat was sized correctly - I wear a 58 consistently in various Akubras, ordered the Fino Fino in a 58, and the fit is fine.

Is the hat absolutely perfect? No. But it is a very, very nice hat, and definitely worth the $399 I spent for it. It is, however, as nice as some of the straw Borsalinos that I've seen."

This is an unblocked hat that was blocked in USA.

Another Fedora Lounge Excerpt:
"I got a very good quality hat body, came fast, and was priced very fairly. Thanks again Robert."

Love my hat, Best wishes and good luck, Patrick H. New Mexico USA 2003 Fino Fino Buyer

After having purchased numerous hats from numerous dealers (internet and face to face), I can say without qualification that you offer the best article at the best price anywhere!! The last hat you sent me is simply incredible! (Almost a 1400 weave count per inch). It is one of the best works of art (not just hats, but ALL works of art) that I could ever hope to own! New York K. 2003 Several hats.

RE: My hats.... They are 100% A-OK. Thanks Jim

Hawaii USA 2003 Select 2

Received my Panamas' in Post today. Am very happy...They created quite a stir in our small PO with all the stamps from Ecuador. The hats were in the safe, they were sent registered mail. They probably thought they were something else I imagine. Jack USA 2003 Select 2

Excellent hat, quick delivery from Ecuador, the real 'thing' D.T in UK 2003

REAL MONTECRISTI THIS IS THE 4TH HAT I HAVE BOUGHT FROM THIS HONEST SELLER

I have received the hat. It's very nice and people are envious. Thanks, Riccardo Florida USA 2003 Select 2

Thank you. It arrived last week. I love the hat. Yours, Brian GEORGIA USA 2003 Select 2

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