A Panama hat, also known as an Ecuadorian
Ecuador
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometres west of the mainland. Th…
Straw hat
A straw hat is a brimmed hat that is woven out of straw or straw-like materials from different plants or synthetics. The hat is designed to protect the head from the sun and against heatstroke, but straw hats are also used in fashion as a decorative element or a uniform.
What is a genuine Panama hat?
What is the original Panama hat? The characteristic natural smell, a genuine Panama hat is made from Toquilla straw (a short-stemmed palm cultivated in equatorial humid and tropical coastal areas), thus, that gives off this unmistakable distinct scent. How much is a real Panama hat? A Panama hat in Ecuador can cost from $20 to $1000. At least that’s what you will find in the Montecristi shops.
How much does a panama hat cost?
“The tighter the weave, the better the build.” Like most things, prices vary widely with higher end Panama hats cost upwards of $200. After some heavy negotiating, we were able to get two hats for $30, which included a wooden box and alternative band for each.
How to choose a panama hat?
Why Does One Hat Cost More Than Another?
- Fineness of Weave. Summary: Look closely at the woven straw of the hat. ...
- Evenness of Weave. Summary: In the mythical perfect Panama, the rows of woven straw are straight and regular, the straw is the same fineness throughout the hat, there are ...
- Color of Straw. ...
- Shaping and Finishing. ...
- Size of the Hat. ...
Where to buy a panama hat?
Panama Hats at Village Hat Shop. Given our base in Southern California, we have always considered panama hats to be our specialty. We, in fact, are also Panamas.com if you happen to forget our primary name. If you've visited our web site before, you probably know that panama hats are not from Panama but from the lowlands of western South America, primarily Ecuador.
Why are Panama hats called that?
The construction of the Panama Canal caused a great demand for toquilla straw hats from Ecuador, because of their qualities to protect from the sun. From Panama the hat was internationally known and people began to call it “Panama Hat” even though the place of origin is Ecuador.
What do Ecuadorians call Panama hats?
Paja Toquilla"Panama hat" quickly became the name people all over the world called the hat. All over the world,that is except in Ecuador. Proud as they are, for Ecuadorians the name of the hat still remains 'Sombreros the Paja Toquilla'.
Why are toquilla straw hats called?
In the 1880s, a construction company, that was building the Panama Canal, purchased a huge batch of straw hats for all the workers – the perfect solution for Caribbean West Indian workers that helped them to stand a burning sun. That is where the name of a Panama hat derived from – in honor of the Panama Canal.
What kind of hat did Teddy Roosevelt wear?
Rough Rider hat hanging on Wapiti antlers in the North Room. According to Edith Roosevelt, these metal riding spurs were worn by Theodore Roosevelt in the Santiago Campaign during the Spanish American War.
What is the Cuban hat called?
The Canotier Cuban Hat, Boater or Pork pie is a straw hat that supports both a formal and informal styles, adaptable to all kinds of situations. It is therefore considered among the best hats for its elegance, versatility and timelessness.
Can you wear a Panama hat in the rain?
We recommend never wearing your Panama in the rain. The straw can absorb a small about of moisture, and this won't damage the material itself, but prolonged dampness can make it fall out of shape. Your hat can most likely be re-blocked if this happens, but prevention is always better than a cure.
How can you tell if a Panama hat is real?
If a hat is hand-woven in Ecuador, using the Toquilla palm, it is a genuine Panama hat. The easiest way to tell is to look at the top of the hat. If the straw fibres flower out from the centre of the hat (like the photo above) then it is a genuine Panama.
Where are the best Panama hats made?
Montecristi, EcuadorToday, the legendary genuine Panama hat continues to be made of toquilla palm, and the very finest Panama hats are hand-crafted by artisans in the small town of Montecristi, Ecuador.
What Is a Panama Hat?
The Panama hat goes by many different names, including the Montecristi Panama hat, Ecuadorian hat, Jipijapa, and the Toquilla hat. Nonetheless, all of these names refer to the same general design. Though it shares a similar shape and brim size with the fedora, a genuine Panama hat is unique for its materials and the way in which it is made.
Why Are Authentic Panama Hats So Expensive?
You can pick up a cheap imitation Panama hat at just about any souvenir or hat shop in various countries around the world. However, if you want a genuine Panama hat made of authentic, high-quality toquilla straw, you are going to have to pay for it. Though prices vary, the best Panama hats typically fall somewhere between $200-$400.
What is a Panama hat?
The traditional Panama is a fedora-style hat shaped with a central dent in the crown which is pinched at the front, with a variable width brim and made from creamy toquilla straw. But they vary in style and must be chosen carefully to suit your face shape.
How does a Panama hat look?
Like any item of clothing, a Panama hat will look best when it fits properly – which in turn ensures it’s not going to blow off with the faintest of breezes. The hat should fit comfortably without you having to jam it on your head to make it stay put. On the other hand, it shouldn’t move around or feel as if it’s too loose, either.
How to judge the quality of a Panama hat?
Dallison of Laird Hatters agrees about the origins of the true Panama and adds, “You can judge the quality of a Panama by its weave, its colour and the quality of the blocking . The weave is a determining factor – the finer the weave is, the more expensive the hat will be. Montecristi is famously known for its fine weave, with party-trick ability to roll and fit in a wedding ring. That being said there is no standardised grading system – it’s down to each producer to grade its range so, a word to the wise, be wary of Montecristi hats being offered at lower prices”.
How long does it take to weave a sun hat?
The weaver then begins the laborious process of weaving the hat which can take anywhere from a day for a standard weave sun hat to 3-4 days for a fine rollable hat. Hats like our incredibly fine connoisseur hats can take weeks to weave.”.
When did Mick Jagger wear a straw Panama hat?
Mick Jagger, 1973. Until a few years ago hats were effectively dead. Few men wore them. Yet from the 19th century to the 1950s it was rare to be seen out without one. A fur felt fedora or homburg for autumn and winter and a straw Panama hat for spring and summer would be part of every man’s wardrobe.
What is a good hatter?
A good hatter will help you choose a style and decide on quality and a colour to suit you. Sophie Dallison of Laird Hatters says, “When someone walks in looking for a Panama – we would usually ask if they are buying with an occasion in mind, whether they are looking for a traditional bleached white/black ribbon combo or a natural straw colour. A tan Panama tends to look more casual but you can easily dress it up with a suit.”
What does Massimo Dutti say about hats?
“If you have a round or square face select a hat with a lighter coloured, or narrower hat band. This makes the hat appear taller which will add some length to your face shape, so it won’t appear squashed by your hat”. Try on a few different styles and get used to wearing him.
What is the Panama hat?
5 Little Known Facts about the Panama Hat. The Panama hat is an icon of Panama. They keep the sun off your face in an incredibly stylish fashion, as well as being a perfect souvenir for your loved ones back home. The Panama hat has been around for over 100 years. Theodore Roosevelt and his team proudly sported their Panama hats ...
Why are Panama hats called Panama hats?
These hats became known as “Panama hats” due to their massive export from Ecuador to Panama during the 19th century, promoted by Manuel Alfaro y Gonzalez and his wife during the construction of the Panama Canal.
What is the weave pattern of a Panama hat?
The two most common weave patterns for the Panama Hat are the Brisa and the Cuenca. Read more about Panama hat weave patterns here. 2. The Panama hat is made from toquilla straw. Toquilla straw comes from the leaves of the toquilla palm, whose scientific name is “carludovica palmata”.
How long has the Panama hat been around?
The Panama hat has been around for over 100 years. Theodore Roosevelt and his team proudly sported their Panama hats upon returning from Panama in 1906, during which they visited the Panama Canal construction. US President Theodore Roosevelt using a “Panama hat” at the opening of the Panama Canal.
How to tell the quality of a Panama hat?
A Panama hat’s quality is determined by a variety of factors, most notably the straw and the weave. The Straw: In general terms, the finer, the more identical, and the more evenly colored the straw, the better the quality of the hat. The Weave: The denser the weave and the more even they are, the better the quality of the hat.
What are the characteristics of a Panama hat?
A Panama hat’s style is determined by two primary characteristics: the shape and size of the brim and the crown.
What is the name of the hat that Clark Gable wore in Gone With The Wind?
Monte Carlo Panama hat. The original Planter style, as immortalized by Clark Gable in Gone With The Wind. Charlton Heston wore a very wide brim version in his portrayal of a South American plantation owner in Naked Jungle. Nowadays, the most common interpretation of this style is usually called a “Gambler”.
What was the President's Panama hat?
This photo showed President Theodore Roosevelt wearing a black-banded straw hat - nowadays known as Colonial style - while officially visiting Panama Canal excavation. This photo spread around the world and became the iconic photo known as the “President’s Panama Hat”.
Where did the Panama hat originate?
The origin of the famous Panama Hats can be traced from the 16th century when the Spanish conquerors first noticed the beautiful headpieces worn by the natives of the region which is now called Ecuador, in fact, the Incas located on the costal regions of Ecuador were the first people who were observed weaving hats from the fibrous Toquilla palm plant.
Why were straw hats so popular?
The hats started to be called Panama and become famous in the 18th century, the attractive and lightweight straw hats that Panama Canal workers often wore, caught the attention of many Americans who travelled through Panama to reach California - United States, in search of gold. They became rapidly appreciated by everyone because the hats helped them to the resist the strong sun during their long journey.
How big is a Panama hat?
It starts with the characteristic initial button on the top of the hat, called “plantilla”, using only a few pieces of straw and subsequently adding more until reaching a size of 2 to 4 inches in diameter (5 to 10cm).
Why do people wear panama hats?
The “Panama Hat” has deep ancestral roots. The aborigines of the coast of what is now Ecuador used “tocas” made of toquilla straw to protect themselves from the sun. The lightness and flexibility of this fiber favored its use to make hats that over time have become a symbol for Ecuador, being a fusion of nature, manual dexterity of Ecuadorians, and their culture.
WHY IS IT CALLED PANAMA HAT IF IT IS MADE IN ECUADOR?
The construction of the Panama Canal caused a great demand for toquilla straw hats from Ecuador, because of their qualities to protect from the sun. From Panama the hat was internationally known and people began to call it “Panama Hat” even though the place of origin is Ecuador.
How does a Panama hat work?
The process starts with lashing the edges to prevent it from undoing and excess fibers are trimmed, followed by the washing and dyeing of the hat.
What is the most popular style of Panama hat?
Shapes. You can find Panama Hats in most of the other shapes you find men’s hats. The most popular style is the fedora, but there are huge variations within that - wide brim, short brim, flat brim, tall crown, short crown, brim up, brim down, curled brim….
Where do Panama hats come from?
First of all, despite their name, Panama Hats are not from Panama - the most famous hats come from Ecuador, but Mexico and Colombia also make top-quality Panamas. Since I’m writing from Bogotá, I want to give some special attention to the little-talked-about Colombian Panama Hats.
How long does it take to weave a Panama hat?
A good-quality, ‘super-fino’, Panama Hat can take six months to weave and will set you back $10,000 to $25,000 in the US.
What is the magic of Panama hats?
The magic of Panama Hats. Nicolás summed up the beauty of Panama Hats. He picked up a stunning, extra-fino hat, and pointed to the crown: “Look, there’s a hole, this shouldn’t happen, the weave should be very even. However, that’s the magic of them, because it’s one piece, unrepeatable - a piece of art.
How to make a straw hat?
The more traditional method is to tuck the end of each straw in - there is no stitching. You can’t see where the straw ends! This needs an extra level of attention to detail from the artisan, and is something to look out for.#N#There are some variations in the weave and finish you might like, for example: 1 The ‘unfinished look’ - some hats leave the straw loose at the end. 2 Material around the edges - sometimes discreet, in a similar color to the straw, other times in a different material, in order to stand out. This has two purposes: to finish off the edges, or as a feature of the hat. 3 The open weave crown - intentional spaces in the weave around the crown to let air circulate. Popular with golfers!
Where are the Aguadero hats made?
There is also a hub of communities in Nariño, Colombia (the neighboring state to Ecuador) which produce amazing hats. In the center of Colombia there is another culture of Panama Hats, where they get the name Aguadero Hats, because they are made in the town of Aguadas.
What color is habano?
Many nowadays use peroxide. Nicolás, at Martin Pescador, told me that the natural color is a darker brown called habano. Cream or white can be quickly achieved with peroxide, but you know the habano hats have not been left in the chemical bath. They are, therefore, more resistant and less likely to crack.
What is the best Panama hat?
Up to these days, the Montecristi Panama Hats are considered the finest, most authentic Panama hats.
Where did the Panama hat come from?
If you have read something about the origin of the Panama hat you might know already that it comes from the Coastal region of Manabi in Ecuador, where the Toquilla palm is cultivated.
How are Panama hats made?
The process to make the authentic Panama Hat is long and laborious and starts from the cultivation of the toquillales, the toquilla palms. They harvest the stems before separating the fiber , called cogollos (the unopened, central leaf spikes), from the green outer skin .
What is the most popular hat?
Fedora Panama hat – It’s the most popular style today but it’s started to gain popularity in the 40s when it was one of the main accessories used in the male protagonists of holliwood movies, but also worn by the celebrities in their real life.
What is the name of the handkerchief that women wear to cover their heads?
The name toquilla came later when the weiving become so fine and light that the hat could be folded and put in pockets. Toquilla in Spanish is the name for a small triangular handkerchief that women used to cover their heads.
When was the panama hat added to the UNESCO list?
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE PANAMA HAT – The art of weaving the traditional Ecuadorian toquilla hat was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists on December 5th, 2012
Why are hats used in field work?
The hats were mainly used by field workers for their practical characteristics of being robust and lightweight and great protection from the sun.
Where did the Panama hat come from?
The Panama hat is one of the more beautiful and timeless styles around. Technically Panama hats come from Ecuador, not Panama, but the widespread use of these hats during the construction of the Panama Canal granted them the name we all use today. Panama hats are not one style.
What is a beanie cap?
The beanie is a knitted close fitting cap typically made of wool or cotton created to provide warmth to your head in cold weather. Throughout the years many different variants have been created such as the long stocking cap. This style is the same as the beanie just with a longer crown meant to be too large and hang off the top or side more for style than warmth.
How big do pool hats get?
These brims can get up to 10 inches but more often are between 4 and 6 inches.
What is a baseball cap?
The baseball cap is an American tradition and is one of the most common hats seen on people’s heads around the world. Simple, casual, and easy to wear, they are great grab and go hats. They have a short to medium size bill that can be curved or flat in front that is normally attached to 6-quarter panels ending in a button at the top.
What is a boater hat?
The boater, or skimmer, hat is a style that many love and few actually wear. It is commonly associated with barbershop quartets, proper boating or sailing events, and men’s formal summer wear from the late 1800’s to mid 1900’s. It is made of straw with a small to medium sized brim, a shorter crown, and a flat top. It is typically embellished with a two-tone ribbon around the crown. The hats worn by the Gondoliers in the canals of Venice are very similar with the exception that they normally have a thinner and wider brim, and the ribbon extends off the back of the hat in two tails.
Where is Hats Unlimited located?
We're a family-owned and -operated business with multiple retail locations across Southern California. Founded in 1994 as a retail store in Ventura, California, we've committed ourselves to selling hats in as many colors, styles and varieties as possible.
What is a cloche hat?
It is a close-fitting bell shaped style that is round at the top and often flares a little at the bottom. It is typically embellished around the crown.