Origin
Ecuador
The tradition and making of the original Panama hat belong to Ecuador.
PanamaHatters
Panama Guides
Origin, weave, fit, and care. The information you need, without noise.
The original Panama
Made in Ecuador, not Panama.
An original Panama hat is woven by hand in Ecuador from Toquilla fibres. Its name does not identify its place of production.
It travelled through commercial routes and with travellers crossing the Isthmus of Panama. Images of Theodore Roosevelt during construction of the Canal contributed to its international recognition.
Material
Toquilla
Fibres are prepared, selected, and woven to build the crown and brim.
Name
Panama
The name became established along trade and travel routes through the isthmus.
Craft and quality
Quality is read in the detail.
Fineness alone is not enough. Weave regularity, weight, uniformity, fibre response, and finishing quality must be considered together.
01
Weave
Look for continuity and regularity from crown to brim. Small variations are consistent with handwork.
02
Material
The straw should feel coherent in weight and response, without fragile or stiffened areas.
03
Finish
Shape, edge, band, and inner band complete perceived quality and comfort.
Size and fit
Measure before choosing.
A correct Panama sits steadily, without pressure and without moving loosely. The measurement in centimetres is the starting point.
01
Position the tape
Pass a soft tape across the forehead and around the back of the head, about one centimetre above the ears.
02
Do not tighten
Keep the tape close but without pressure. Repeat twice and record the measurement in centimetres.
03
Check the model
Compare the measurement with sizes on the product page: fit and construction can vary.
Indicative conversion
| Size | EU | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 55–56 cm | 6 7/8–7 | 6 3/4–6 7/8 |
| M | 57–58 cm | 7 1/8–7 1/4 | 7–7 1/8 |
| L | 59–60 cm | 7 3/8–7 1/2 | 7 1/4–7 3/8 |
| XL | 61–62 cm | 7 5/8–7 3/4 | 7 1/2–7 5/8 |
Care
Protect shape and fibre.
Toquilla straw is natural. Water, prolonged humidity, alcohol, pressure, and heat sources can alter its shape and fibre.
01
Handle with care
Use clean, dry hands. Lift from the brim close to the crown and avoid pinching the same point repeatedly.
02
Keep it dry
Avoid heavy rain, alcohol, and trapped humidity. If wet, allow it to dry naturally away from heat sources.
03
Preserve its shape
Store without weight on top, in a suitable box or on a dry surface that will not distort the brim.
04
Do not fold by habit
Roll or fold only models specifically described as suitable. Other constructions can develop permanent marks.
Need a check?
Choose with the right measure.
For size, shape, intended use, or maintenance, Client Care can check the details before and after purchase.