Panama Hats

Panama hats are traditionally summer hats woven from the toquilla palm found in Ecuador, and are still primarily woven there today. They are light colored, more often than not in their natural straw shade, breathable and blocked into a fedora or wide brimmed shape. Hat weaving was one of the primary industries in Ecuador in the 17th and 18th centuries and continues to be a large source of export for the region. They are called Panama hats not because they are from Panama (a common mistake) but because in 1904 US President Teddy Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal construction site wearing an Ecuadorian straw hat, which was featured in photos of the president and thus the hats became popular in the US under the name "Panama hat". Despite their popularity and the amount of hats still produced in Ecuador today, only about a dozen artisans still exist who make the "superfino" straw hats by hand- hats so finely woven they can hold water, roll into tight tubes, and develop the feel of fabric over time. The highest quality hats can go for thousands of dollars and are some of the most expensive hats in the world.