Panama Hats
Panama Hats are actually Ecuadorian Hats as they are also known, as they are a traditional hat made from the leaves of the Torquilla Palm or more accurately palm-like straw that grows along the Ecuadorian coast. The palm is called Paja Torquilla in Spanish and genuine Panama Hats usually say 100% Paja Torquilla – Made in Ecuador on them.
The leaves are sun dried and hand woven. The finer the weave and lighter the straw, the more expensive they can be. They can be robust and stiff right down to fine enough to fold and or roll up. All of them though are light, easy to wear and highly breathable.
They were made famous during the 1800s as the then cottage industry picked up and they started being shipped from Panama to all over the world, hence the name. They particularly became well known during the building of the Panama Canal so the name stuck.
The two most common types of weaves are the cuenca and brisa. The cuenca weave has the appearance of a herringbone weave and utilizes slightly more straw than the brisa weave. The brisa weave has the appearance of chessboard pattern or diamonds.
Bleached white straw, mixture of sun and soak bleaching with black ribbon.
Bleached white straw, mixture of sun and soak bleaching with wider brim.
Genuine Panama Hat with a brim that naturally curves down from the crown.
Genuine Panama Hat is a lighter weave and with a leather hat band.
Genuine Panama Hat with a brim that snaps down at the front.