Panama hat: elegance and style in any look
When discussing style and elegance, one must mention the famous Panama hat , or toquilla straw hat . A truly authentic piece from the Americas, it has captivated people worldwide. Its classic white color, accented with a black band, has made it one of the most sought-after accessories on the planet. Its simplicity and versatility, allowing it to complement any look, have made it a favorite accessory for both men and women. All it takes is the desire and good taste to own one. However, there's a detail that might initially leave you feeling disappointed: the Panama hat we've been describing doesn't actually come from that country. Curious, isn't it? "Made in Ecuador" is the label on the boxes where the hats are stored.
A bit of history
A genuine Panama hat, crafted from straw by skilled artisans, is made in Cuenca. This Ecuadorian city sits at 2,500 meters above sea level, nestled like a natural treasure in the Andean mountains. These hats became famous in 1906 when U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt posed for a photo on the excavators digging the Panama Canal. Hence the name, so we hope you no longer feel cheated. Since their inception, the primary means of transport used to deliver them to their fans were horses and donkeys. These pack animals crossed El Cajas, the 4,000-meter-high Ecuadorian mountain range that connects to the city of Guayaquil. From there, they ended up in Panama, the country that opened its doors to the world.
France, dear France!
France was one of the European countries that helped boost the popularity of the hat. In 1849, twenty thousand of these hats left Ecuador and arrived in Paris, one of the world's capitals, in 1855. The man responsible for this journey was a Frenchman living in Panama. After being captivated by the style the hats exuded, he decided to present them at the Universal Exposition in Paris. From that moment on, the city's inhabitants were fascinated by this item made of fine, delicate material. Parisians soon dubbed it the "straw hat," thus making it an absolutely essential accessory in their style of dress. Its popularity in France was enough to spread throughout Europe, making this milestone of classic fashion a reality.
A town where hats are also woven
We've spoken of Cuenca as the birthplace of these hats, but little information can be found about another town that has served as a guardian of this tradition. It's the village of Pile, located about 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean in the province of Manabí, with approximately a thousand inhabitants. In this land grows Toquilla straw , one of the many plants used to weave the hats. Its inhabitants defend this territory as the genesis of the talent that has flourished with the Panama Hat, which then spread to Cuenca and Montecristi , and later throughout the world. Its artisans, concerned about being forgotten, reaffirm their place in the history of fashion. It's hard to imagine that from this town with dirt roads and limited communication opportunities, a hat that imitates silk in its finish and texture was born. A territory on the edge of the Pacific with weavers who produce hats that sell for thousands of dollars across the international market.
Essential materials for making the hat
To own one of those coveted Panama hats, you'll basically need a lot of enthusiasm. Even if you have all the materials, you might never get your hat to turn out exactly the same, so it's best to buy one and enjoy having it with you. Artisans use three different weaving techniques to make them, which makes each hat unique. Incredible, isn't it? Well, despite appearances, due to the quality and precision of the weaving, no artisan uses a sewing machine. A natural dye is also necessary. • The acorn plant (Carludovica palmata) For a good Panama hat, using the acorn plant is ideal. To make it with the highest quality, you must use the buds of this plant. These are the new, closed leaves. The goal is to achieve the characteristic whiteness of the hat, and this cannot be achieved using the open leaf because it is already mature and has a color that is difficult to alter. • Chonta or chunga palm (Astrocaryum standleyanum) This is the other plant that can be used to make the hats. The fibers it produces are ideal for weaving. It grows in the mountains and is characterized by a trunk covered in thorns. Its heart is easy to work with. Chonta differs from the acorn in its texture, color, and distinctive natural sheen. Black dye is produced from it; when its fiber is soaked in chisná dye, it produces an intense red color that later turns black when the fiber is dyed with mud from the streams. • Rush (Cyperus sp.) This is another material used in weaving techniques. Rush grows in humid areas, especially near streams. To speak of the making of the Panama hat is to refer to the work that symbolizes an entire community. It is about recognizing the unique style that this accessory imparts to each person who wears it, which is why it is well-received all over the world. When someone wears a hat, in addition to enhancing their image, they inspire others to embrace fashion and good taste, and also uphold the name of those who contributed their effort to create that piece.
Hat making processes
No two Panama hats are alike. Their creation can take days or even months, depending on the style. The craftsmanship is complex and demands the artisan's full attention. There are three fundamental stages: harvesting, weaving, and finishing. 1. Harvesting: At this stage, a group of people collect the raw material and transform it into fibers or strands, which they then sell to artisans or weavers. The plants grow in humid, tropical climates along the coast of Ecuador. The coastal people extract the fibers from the plants. Then, to whiten them, they cook them with sulfur. Once they reach the ideal texture—when they are soft and pliable—they transport them to Cuenca for distribution to the weavers. 2. Weaving: Once the artisans have the plants, they begin weaving the hats. Depending on the order, they create hats in various styles, sizes, and qualities. One option for many weavers is to sell the semi-finished hat to other merchants. 3. Finishing: In this stage, a group of people complete the hat-making process, adding the final touches. With the semi-finished hat, these artisans have the opportunity to create new designs. From this point on, they sell them to cities like Montecristi and export them worldwide. A group of people collaborates in each phase, dedicated exclusively to their work. In most cases, there are three members in the group, one person for each stage. However, it is rare for only one person to be involved.
Women who make it
If you visit Cuenca, Pile, or Montecristi, you can witness firsthand the women spinning each thread to create each hat. They stand in their doorways with a peculiar tranquility, born of the concentration and patience required for weaving. Those who observe them will see ear-to-ear smiles and distinctive attire: a white blouse and a brightly colored skirt, such as red, purple, green, or yellow. And, of course, there is always the traditional straw hat, the hallmark of the artisans of this region.
Hat styles
In the market, you can find various styles of these hats. Each one is designed for a particular occasion or has a distinguishing feature. Their names are striking because they don't depend on the material but rather on the intended purpose of the piece. Keep reading and you'll be surprised. • The little white hat: this is the classic and is also known as the Ocueño hat. It has no decoration, but sometimes you can see a small paint mark on the edge of the brim. • Rope hat: these date back to ancient times when grandmothers wore them during periods of mourning. This hat was paired with black mourning dresses. • Four-point hat: men wear this for religious activities. It is very similar to the rope hat but is made with layers of talcum powder. • Painted lover's or engagement hat: this is the typical gift a man might give a woman to win her heart. The suitor has it made with a wide variety of talcum powder designs. Legend says that the more decorations it has, the more love the lover feels. • Mosquito hat or Guate seed hat: This is the typical hat that represents the work done by farmers in the fields. • Man-knocking hat: Although the name suggests that only men can wear it, it is also made for women. It is worn at parties and on festive occasions. • Fanged hat or Marseille hat: This hat is a legacy of the French community in Panama. The weaving technique they use is different.
Tips for keeping hats in good condition
Toquilla straw hats require specific care to ensure their longevity. With such a delicate product as these exclusive pieces, the goal is to preserve them in perfect condition and extend their lifespan. Below, we'll tell you how to successfully meet this challenge. • In dry climates, the hat becomes somewhat stiff, which can make it a bit uncomfortable. It's ideal to dampen it with the steam from an iron or simply leave it in the bathroom while you shower. This will make it more flexible and comfortable. • In humid climates, the hat can become so damp that it develops mold. We recommend storing it in the driest places you can find in these areas to prevent the straw from deteriorating. • To put on or take off the hat, hold it by the brim. Avoid placing your hands on the front top, as this is the most delicate area. In dry climates, improper contact could break the fibers. • Never, under any circumstances, leave the hat near direct heat sources. Due to the magnifying effect, high temperatures can burn the material. So avoid placing them on top of your vehicle's trunk heater. • If your hat gets wet, first use a clean, dry cloth. Then let it air dry. Do not use electrical appliances such as hair dryers or heaters. • To stiffen and shape the brim, use an iron. Place a clean, white cloth between the iron and the hat to avoid direct contact, which can damage it. Use a medium temperature setting. • To remove stains from the hat caused by the weather or rough handling, use a clean cloth slightly dampened with mild soap lather, such as hand soap.
Where are Panama hats exported to?
Germany, Australia, China, Spain, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Syria, and Turkey are countries located in different regions of the world, but they share one common element: the Panama hat . Ninety-eight percent of this product is exported from Ecuador to nations as far away as those mentioned above. It was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012 by UNESCO. Its traditional weaving technique earned it this recognition, placing Ecuador among the countries on the lists of this global organization. At that time, the government of the Republic of Ecuador expressed its pride in this designation. In its statement, it declared the event an act of historical justice that vindicates the nation as the original territory of these hats. In doing so, they dismissed the assumptions that the hat actually originated in Panama. The Panama hat may soon be more than just a Hollywood movie staple, like in films like "Indiana Jones," "The Godfather," and "Pretty Woman." If you can afford it, treat yourself to one. Its value is directly proportional to its quality, elegance, and the style it will bring to your head. Remember, it's a unique, lightweight, and breathable hat that will last a lifetime. Remember to follow us on Instagram and stay up to date with the latest trends :)