History of the Panama hat: discover the origins of the fashion classic

The accessory is usually part of the travel bag of anyone going to a hot destination. Sophisticated and timeless, you know what the history of the Panama hat? Contrary to what its name suggests, it wasn’t even created in a Central American country, but in one in South America. Check out details about it, which provides sun protection and a lot of style to your look!

History of the Panama hat

Despite the name, the origin of the world-famous hat is not Panama, but Ecuador. There, it is better known as “sombrero de paja toquilla” or, simply, straw hat. It is so immersed in the South American country’s culture that UNESCO added their weaving to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Legend has it that the use of the accessory began with the people who lived in the coastal provinces and a city called Montecristi. It has been woven in Ecuador since the early 17th century, when it was used and traded locally. Production grew and spread over time. In the 19th century, it was exported for distribution in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

The name “Panama” came about due to “confusion”. In 1834, gold rush miners who were traveling to California, in the United States, via Panama and bought hats there, which caused him to be identified by the “misleading nickname”.

The continuous flow of miners through Panama supported the term. But its popularity was boosted in the United States, when then-president Theodore Roosevelt was photographed, in 1906, wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal construction site. In 1944, it became Ecuador’s main export.

How is the Panama hat made?

The original is made in Ecuador with toquilla straw, but the model can be found with other materials following its two main characteristics: the shape and size of the brim and crown. Ecuadorian artisans have the job of weaving the thin strips, in a complex and time-consuming process that can take up to six months to complete.

The material is taken from Carludovica Palmata, a species of palm tree native to Ecuador. When dry, it is selected according to its color, elasticity, size and thickness.

“After being selected, the hats go through the bleaching process. The pieces are submerged in tanks with biodegradable products at a temperature of 60°C. Each tank holds 360 units that remain in the container for 12 days. It is necessary that the hats be ‘turned’ once a day inside the tank, so that they have a uniform tone”, reported Portal Terra.

“After this step, the hat is washed and dried in the sun, when it takes on a shape that resembles a bell. To return to its original shape, it goes through a manual process called “composure”. In the final phase, it is molded with iron or in steam presses, the process most used today. In the presses, the sombreros spend between 30 and 35 seconds to receive their final shape”, concluded the publication, which visited a factory in Cuenca.

Personalized Panama Hat

The white accessory and natural straw colors are more classic. But it is possible to find the format with different dyes and colors. The bands can also be of different shades and even personalized with initials. The result is stylish and captivates both men and women.

How to use?

Enjoy daytime and outdoor events. Lunches, charity parties and teas are good options. Enjoy festivals and shows with it in your head. Wear your hat on daytime walks. Beach and pool are quite an invitation for the model. On the field, he also does well. In urban environments, it has the power to transform any basic look into an outfit full of fashion information.

“Without a doubt, it is the most suitable for the Brazilian climate as it is not a warm hat. Furthermore, the model is perfect for men and women”, explains . “It’s a thin straw that lets you sweat. For walking in the sun, it is the most suitable”, says the businesswoman, who produces hats from straws from Brazilian coconut trees.

Where to buy Panama hats?

All straw Panama hats displayed in this article are from . The brand was born in Rio Verde, a city in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul, from the passion for the beach, sun and all the atmosphere that surrounds the favorite time of the year for most Brazilians: summer.

It is known both for the extraordinary quality of its pieces and for its unmistakable style. It is also worth mentioning all the timeless elegance of its personalized accessories. Unmissable, right?

So, buy at