What is a Panama style hat?
What is a Panama style hat?
A “Panama hat” refers to a lightly-colored, finely woven hat made from the straw of the South American toquilla palm plant. Although the name implies that the origins of this world famous hat lie in Panama, original Panama has always been made in Ecuador.
Can a Panama hat be folded?
Although Panama hats are flexible and can be rolled without difficulty, they should not be folded, scrunched up or mistreated. Such treatment will soon cause the straw to crack and damage the weave.
How do you clean a real Panama hat?
Cleaning your Panama hat
- Spot clean using a damp cloth with mild soapy water or a wet wipe using gentle strokes following the grain of the fibres.
- Be sure not to rub the stain further into the weave.
- Pat dry and allow the hat to dry naturally.
- Do not use chemical cleaners as this may stain and cause discolouration.
What is the original Panama hat?
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.
What is the difference between a Panama hat and a fedora?
They are similar in style and design, but the essential difference between these two hats is undoubtedly the fabric used to make them. Panama hats are made of straw while the fedora may be made of felt or other materials. The panama hat is favored as a summer hat with its ability to keep the wearer cool.
Which country does the Panama hat originate from?
Ecuador
Know about the origins and quality of the Panama hat, actually from Ecuador. Finely woven Panama hats are made in Ecuador.
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.
Are Panama hats cool?
The Panama hat keeps you cool because of its distinctive jipijapa weave, making it a prized style for summer and tropical travels.