Orestes H.
Yelp
If you know anything at all about me, it's likely you know that I have a passion for traveling... and I love a good hat.
In the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is a small family owned shop called Olé Curiosidades. Olé is a hat store like none other in the Caribbean, much less in Puerto Rico. They sell a large variety of custom fit Panama hats with customizable ribbons for both men and women.
Sure you can buy a Panama hat from any random hat store. But at Olé, it's the hat-buying experience that sets them apart from all the rest. First, you pick out the style you prefer out of the dozens of styles throughout the shop. Next, the staff will help you find the size that fits best with a little measuring. Next, you get to pick out the color scheme of the ribbon that they'll manually attach to your personalized hat.
For the final Olé touch, they ask you inscribe their leather label with something of your choosing. Most buyers will write their initials, some include their date of purchase as well, while others will include a personal message especially if it's a gift. The staff will affix this leather Olé label on the inside of the hat's top with a dab of glue.
You're there for every step of the making of your new Panama hat. The experience of buying your hat at Olé is second to none and will leave you not only loving your new hat, but having a great experience and unique story to tell about how and where you got it.
There are so many unique family owned shops and restaurants in Old San Juan, and Olé Curiosidades is one you shouldn't miss.