Women’s Hat

Women’s hats were largely associated with elite classes before the 20th century. Hats were not worn for its functionality practically during those times. Rather, it was for showing off their status and procession. Most of their hats were adorned with feathers, jewels, and exotic fabrics. For upper class women, being fashionable was much important than anything.

Today, the adorning hats with jewels, feathers or metals seem to cease a bit. Now this kind of decoration is limited for cocktail parties, racing events and weddings. Now, women are more practical regarding the use of hats today. There are not far behind their male counterpart regarding the use of hats in the fashion industry. Most of the women’s hats are still adorned with creative design to exude a sophisticated style.

Today the women's fashion hats can range from simple berets, rib knits hats, felted hats, cloche hats, beanies, baker boy caps, Panama hat and trilby hats.

Panama hats

Women’s straw hats are mainly made from materials like toquilla straw, twisted grass, coberg, shantung, raffia, vegetable fibers and Milan. The Women's Panama Hats are the most famous among the straw hats. Panama hats are known for its popularity among the hat lovers. The Panama hats are made from the toquilla straw found in Ecuador. Most women’s Panama hats are weaved with a laced crown and wide brim. Even today, the Panama straw gives a stunning and elegant look when it is worn. The Panama straw hats are finely handmade taking months to complete and it can last ages if taken great care.

Trilby Hats

The Trilby gained quite a status as the hat of choice when it supplanted stiffer styles in the 1920s. Now the trilby is made from a wide range of materials from angora to classic wool checks. The style is much loved among today’s women.

Berets

The berets are worn by almost all women. The beret is simple yet gives a fashionable style. It comes in multitudes of colors. The crown is round but it is typically pushed to one side.

Straw Handcrafts in Manabi

Manabi is famous for its straw handicrafts and the most famous of all of them is the Panama hat. The Panama hat is the widely and most popular purchased souvenirs from Ecuador. The Manabi inhabitants have been hand weaving the straw hats for years, and they are truly master weavers. The toquilla palm straws are widely used in Manabi region to weave the Panama hats. Way before the discovery of America by Columbus, pre-Hispanic cultures in Manabi used to weave straw headgear to protect against the heat.

Manabi lies on the northernmost province of Ecuador. It is also well known for its fauna and flora. The town of Montecristi is the home of the famous Panama hat, “Montecristi hat”. Montecristi is where many master artisans live weaving the famous Montecristi hats. Several people in this region have dedicated their lives weaving the Panama straw hats.

The Montecristi Hats are regarded the finest Panama straw hats in the world where people around the world eagerly seek to lay its hand on it. This Panama hat from the Manabi region is the most expensive straw hats. The weaves are so fine that is as supple and soft as silk. The straw hats are also smooth and light as a feather. The Panama hats are also weaved in Cuenca but quality wise the Montecristi hats are more superior. The Cuenca hats are quality straw hats however, the Montecristi hats are still well known for its finer quality weave.

The Panama hat is the famous straw handicraft of the Manabi region, but there are also many other handicrafts that are made out from the toquilla palm straw. The toquilla straws are not confined in making the Panama hats only. You will find baskets, carpets, handbags, bracelets, toys and much more. Next time you are in Manabi, you can pick up many straw handicrafts as a souvenir but don’t forget to pick one Panama straw hats as this is perhaps the most wonderful straw handicraft in the country.

Prince Charles in Ecuador

Prince Charles tour in Ecuador could not be complete without the famous Panama straw hat. The Panama hats are the trademark of Ecuador. This famous straw hat has been a favorite among many princes.

The Ecuador tour was a part of the Latin American tour to promote the energy efficiency and measures to fight climate change in the world. Prince Charles with his wife, Camilla flew to the capital Quito for a brief meeting with the senior government officials.

While arriving in the capital Quito, the Princes and the Duchess explored the place, the first capital city to be elected as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The duo won the heart of the people there who have been eagerly waiting for a glimpse of their favorite prince. They tour of the historic building of Compania of Jesus, a 17th century church with the mayor. He was presented a Panama straw hat, famous in the region. Although the hat is named after the Panama City but the origin has always been in Ecuador where many weavers still hand make the straw hat. Well, the Prince did wear the famous Panama hat almost in his entire tour but he is already an aficionado of this famous hat from before. He is of course also the most best dressed man in the world. Prince Charles always dons his clothes with an air of dressed-up confidence.

The Prince thereafter left Quito for the Galapagos Island for a two days tour. The Prince of Wales along with is his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, toured the Galapagos Islands before ending their Ecuador tour. Seen mostly in a light double-breasted linen suit and his Panama hat that protected him from the strong equatorial sun, the Prince tour the unique island admiring the wildlife preserved there. The Panama hat did become a great help from the 95-degree midday heat he faced on the island.

Popular Hats for Men and Women

Hats have been a popular style accessory in today’s modern world. You can wear it in parties, beaches, disc or just shopping. Some of the most popular hats with men and women are the felt, woolen, velvet and straw hats.

Summer

For summer, the most popular hats among men and women are the straw hats. In hot climates, the straw hats being light and airy offer a convenient shade from the heat. The most famous straw hat is of course the Panama hats. This is a light, smooth and airy straw hat made from the toquilla palm leaves. The toquilla is a special straw that makes the Panama straw hat light as a feather, fresh and stylish for any attire. Do not get carried out by the name ‘Panama’ hat. Many people believe that the Panama straw hats are from Panama City. Well much to their disappointment they are not. Panama straw hats are hand made exclusively in Ecuador.

The Fedora model in Panama hat is a favorite among men. These hats are most commonly seen on actors and singers attending parties or award functions. It gives an tropical and at the same time elegant look to men.

Felt hats are also a preferred among men. Not as These felt hats are most commonly seen on actors and singers attending parties or award functions. It gives an adventurous look so it is famously preferred by men.

Felt is a non-woven cloth that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibers. Not as fresh and light as the Panama hat, the Felt hats offer a variety of color that can be suited for any type of clothing.

The cocktail hats are a much for women to attend evening parties. They are brimless, perched forward on the head that often tilt over the eye with a veil. The cocktail parties are adorned on the head for special holiday parties, weddings, luncheons, horse race, afternoon teas or any special occasion.

Winter

For winter, the woolen beret and bucket hats are most popular with the women. The winter hats are most made of wool, fake fur, velvet, suede and much more. Since it is for protecting the head from the cool weather, hats in winter often cover the ears. For comfort and fashion wide brims are favored during this time otherwise the beret and bucket hat styles are common. The fake fur roller hats are common in harsh winter climates. While the bomber hats are a must have for men.

Panama Hats-More than Just Headgear

Whether you are out on a dinner party, at the beach or on a meeting, the Panama hat is just the thing to complement your whole attire. This straw hat became famous overnight when it was seen on the head of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Even before that, the Panama straw hats were famous for its unique trait.

The Panama hat has been widely recognized in the world for its unique characteristics and experts believe that it is the finest of hats in the world. The outstanding quality of the Panama hat has outshone other hats in competition, and it has stood unbeatable for centuries. The Panama straw hat has a strong legacy, and it dates back to 4000 B.C.

The Panama hats have its origin in Ecuador. The Incas were the first who wore straw hats that are made of the same material of today’s Panama straw hats. The Spanish who came in Ecuador made a significant improvement on the hat design and started wearing it. The Panama hat is the perfect remedy of the hot climate, and it offers shelters from the sun and even repels light rain.

Since people started discovering the light straw hat, many became a huge fan. The straw hat has been adorned by many people rich or poor through centuries. Often hats were a symbol that tells the status of the wearer in the society. However, the Panama straw hats had been worn by many people regardless of the class and status.

This straw hat has been on the limelight of the hat world, and today it continues to endure and fit properly in the modern fashion world. Even in this modernized world, the Panama hat still maintains its purpose to provide shelter and crown in the people’s head. In this hat world, the Panama straw hat will rule oblivion to the time, style and changing fashion.

Panama Golf Hats

Princes loved it, actors adore it, workers need it and now golfers popularly don the Panama hats while playing their game. This wonderful straw Panama hat has adorned the heads of some of the greatest golfers and been a favorite among many golfers as well. Hats play an important part in golf. Golf is a summer game and players would definitely want to protect themselves from the heat of the sun.

The straw hats were popularized by the famous golfer Sam Snead and later on by Greg Norman. Sam Snead, the legendary golfer who won sanctioned tournaments for six decades was famous for his straw hats. With the straw hats making ways into the gold world, the Panama hat being the prince of straw hats would be the first choice of many golfers.

The Panama hats actually make a great golf hat. Panama straw hats are light and airy. It has been used by many people from centuries to protect against the heated sun. Since the Panama hats can be modified into any style, it can be well suited according to the taste of the golfers. The number one priority of the golfers is to protect their head, neck and ear tops. The open weave Panama straw hats are the favorite among many golfers. The open weave in the crown lets the breeze to go right through the head and the wide brim protects the neck and ears. However, caps are a trendy choice with many golfers, but it does leave you with tan ear tops. The Panama straw hats make sure the wearer is well protected.

The Panama straw-hat structure appeals to any golfers. It is light, airy, protects from the sun and of course it is trendy. If you off to play golf then, get a Panama hat and swing into action.

Optimo Panama Hat

Summer is the season for straw hats and the best you can get is the Panama straw hat. The Panama straw hat has been ruling the hat industry for ages and much-admired as the ‘Prince of Straw Hat’.

There are many Panama hat styles. The unfinished Panama straw hats can be blocked into different styles. The Optimo Panama hat is perhaps one of the classic styles you can ever find. Known as Colonial or also as Natural in Ecuador, the Optimo Panama straw hat is the number choice for travelers. The fact that the Optimo Panama hats can be rolled up to carry while traveling makes it a favorite among them. The Optimo was highly popular during the 18th and 19th century. This Panama straw hat style may have lessened in terms of its demand, but it remains a classic Panama hat style. The classic Optimo Panama hat style is wearable with any wardrobe.

The Optimo Panama hat has a distinctive center ridge, full blocked crown and a narrow lengthwise ridge. The shape of the Optimo Panama straw hats was an outcome of a natural consequence when people started rolling their unblocked Panama hats. When they unrolled it, a center ridge is created. The round topped of the Optimo Panama hat is a classic version, which can be folded and fit perfectly for traveling.

The Optimo hat was used by the British Empire during their conquest in Asia, therefore it is also known as Colonial Panama Hat. Still today, this model is very popular in the UK.

The Optimo Panama hat style is famously associated with many Hollywood actors and films. You can see this Panama straw hat in the Charlie Chan movie series, Peter O’Toole in ‘The Last Emperor’, Sean Connery in ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ and Just Cause, Paul Newman in Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, Sidney Greenstreet in ‘Casablanca’ and Gregory Peck in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. That would ring a bell on how the Optimo Panama hat would look like. If you want a perfect straw hat to go with you all the time then, the Optimo Panama hat is just the ideal choice.

Men Dress Hats

A hat and a suit are the two most stylist combination when it comes to men’s fashion. No matter what, this classic combination always works with men. Men dress hat always compliments a suit. Whether it is a casual or formal suit, donning a hat will complete your whole attire. The 1960s saw the popularity of men's dress hats. It performed the role that indicates social distinctions among men. From presidents, actors, singers and entrepreneur donned various dress hats daily. It was an important part of every man’s wardrobe and no men was hatless. A dress hat was a mark of cool sophistication and confidence.

Some popular men’s dress hats

Panama hats

This prince of straw hats is the most popular men’s dress hat from ages. This is one straw hat that remains intact in terms of its popularity. The Panama straw is a summer hat well suited with light colored suits. This straw hat comes with many styles and they last for ages if you take care of them properly. No other straw hats come close when it comes to style, fineness, smoothness and lightness of the Panama straw hat. Panama hats have always been the favorite men’s dress hat. A traditional Panama hat comes with a black ribbon around the brim.

Fedora

Taken as one of the most stylist dress hats, the Fedora is one of the favorable choices of many men as a dress hat. This hat has a teardrop shaped crown with a nip on both sides.

Trilby

Trilby is a narrow brimmed hat with a deeply indented crown and a pinch at the front. The famous personality that is associated with trilby is Frank Sinatra. Many imitated Frank Sinatra’s trilby hat with a suit. It sure did the trick.

The Homburg

This hat stiff felt hat has a fold along the length of the crown and there are no pinches. Remember the movie, ‘Godfather Hat’. The homburg is now very famous with the Rock or Rapper personalities.

Charlie Chan in Panama and with Panama Hats

Do you know a movie that has Panama hats everywhere in the entire film? You would say there are quite a lot of movies with the Panama hats worn by many actors. However, there is one classic movie, which is famously known for the Panama hats.

In the movie, “Charlie Chan in Panama”, the Panama hat are adorn by the actors all through the movie. The protagonist, Charlie Chan stars as a police detective posing as a Panama hat purveyor, Fu Yuen. In the movie, Charlie Chan is an undercover agent of the US government, posing as a Panama hat dealer.

The film is action packed with lots of Panama straw hats. The film is center in Panama. To make the idea that everything is held in Panama all along, many artists wore the Panama straw hats in abundant. The Panama hats did make a strong presence with the protagonist, Charlie Chan wearing the straw hat throughout the movie. The shop run by Charlie Chan is named "FU YUEN PANAMA HATS”.

One of the signature parts of Charlie Chan’s outfit was the Panama straw hat. Fully logical as he was playing a part of a Panama straw-hat dealer in the movie. The Colonial Panama hat style, also known as Optimo, is often associated with the movie character Charlie Chan. Throughout the movie, you can see the Optimo Panama straw hat adorn by Charlie Chan. The Colonial is a classic Panama hat style, which originated as consequences of people rolling up the hat and the result is a crease on the center of the crown.

The Colonial may be Charlie Chan’s favorite but there were other Panama hat style worn in the movie like the Panama Fedora Hat, the cowboy style and much more. This film is a truly one movie where people can see many Panama straw hat models.

Buying a Panama Hat-Here Are Some Tips

To own a Panama hat is a great pleasure for anyone. The legendary straw hat is known for their fine artistry. Authentic Panama hats are made in Ecuador from the dried Toquilla palm straws. The Panama straw hats are the most expensive hats in the world. A very fine Panama Montecristi hat can exceed beyond $ 10,000 while a Cuenca Panama hat can be affordable.
If you are going to buy a Panama hat, here are some tips, which might help you out.

• Montecristi hats are the finest of all Panama hats. They straw is smoked with sulfur fumes so you will find them in natural light ivory colors. While Cuenca Panama are bleached to white or tinted to Montecristi alike colors. Cuenca hats are affordable but there are no less when it comes to quality. You will find many attractive colored Panama hats in Cuenca.

• The Panama hats are all hand woven by the master artisans in Ecuador. Do not get alarmed with the high price tag of some fine Montecristi Hats. They are the finest of all straw hats so the cost is more, but it is worth every penny.

• If you are looking for the finest Panama hat, you can do so by determining the quality of the weave. The best way is to hold them up on a light or sunlight. The fine weave will become obvious against the light. A super Panama hat will have a fine weave as compare to the rest. You can also count the rings inside the crown.

• A high quality Panama hat takes months to complete. They are soft as a silk and light as a feather.

• Panama hats mostly come with sweatbands. Better buy with one if you sweat a lot as that will prevent your sweat from contacting with the straw. If you travel a lot, guess what? The Panama hats are roll up hats. These roll up hats are easy to carry, and they come with a small wooden box to store.

The Cuenca Panama hat Weavers

The Panama hats are known to accentuate and magnify the personality of the wearers. These straw hats are a remarkable handicraft of the master artisans in Cuenca and Montecristi. The Panama hats are considered by many as a stylist accessory rather as an ordinary hat. The hat production in Cuenca is larger than in Montecristi.

In Cuenca, the Panama hats take less time to weave than a Montecristi hat. A Panama hat usually takes time from a day to months depending on the delicacy of the weaves or the weaver’s skill. If you visit Cuenca, you will see straws lined up in straw market days. Many weavers, especially women are seen busy with their hands weaving the straw into different patterns. This is very common in Cuenca. It is claimed that baby girls are often born with a toquilla straw in their hands. However, it is not known whether that this statement is true or not, but with the everyday scene of the women weaving the straw hats in Cuenca, anyone will believe that.

In Cuenca, hundreds of people depend on the Panama hats for their livelihood. The weaving is quite different from the Montecristi hats. The straws that are used here are mostly thick, and it takes only few days to complete one Panama straw hat. When they complete the weaving, the straw hats are passed down to the hat factories to complete the outer brims. The shapes are also given in the hat factories before shipping out.

Cuenca produces the Panama hats in all quality level. Though, they have less reputation than the Montecristi hats, but they are all straw hats of fine quality. The Cuenca Panama straw hats are produced in large numbers. They keep up the demands of the mass that is increasing day by day, something which the Montecristi hat weavers cannot compete.

Taming the Toquilla Straws

The Panama hats are made from the toquilla straws. These straws are taken from the tropical rain forest wild plant known as Carludovica Palmata. The scientific name was given by two Spanish botanists in the 18th century in honor to the King Charles of Spain (Carlos) and his wife Ludovica. To get the best quality of the straw for weaving the Panama hats, the plant is harvested when the leaves hold less moist. Each stalk has wrapped fingers inside of large multiple leaves. The Panama hats are made from these leaves, but first they have to go through certain procedures to get the straws to weave the Panama straw hats. There are four stages actually to tame the toquilla straw. All these steps are necessary to get the best straw to weave the Ecuador panama hats.

First, you need to get the straw out of the leaves. The stalks of the toquilla plants are opened and the inner tender leaf fingers are separated and split into thin straws. This takes a long time separating the individual strand of leaflets. The leaf fingers have to be split into several thin straws using the hands and bundled.

The next stage is to boil the straws in water for an hour. The straws are carefully submerged and stir constantly in the water so that the strands remain separated. All the straws must be carefully boiled. When it is boiled properly it is taken out to dry.

The Panama hat straws usually need shade for protection. They are not dried directly under the sun. Often straws are hung to dry beneath the houses or under a roof.

When the straws are dry, the next step is to bleach them. The Cuenca and the Montecristi hats differ in the process of bleaching. To make the Montecristi hats, the straws are fumed with sulfur while the Cuenca Panama hats use peroxide. The difference you get is the color of the straws. The Montecristi hats are ivory in color and the Cuenca Panama hats are white. However, the quality of the straw remains high in quality.

Style or Necessity

Why do people wear hats? Is it for fashion or necessity? Some hats are worn for its style while some for its practicality. But, do you know a hat that is worn for both? This is surprising but the Panama hat is famous for its unique styles and usefulness.

Today, the Panama straw hat is a hot trendsetter available in a variety of styles and is wearable with any attire. Celebrities and fashion connoisseurs love to don the Panama hat. You might notice the Panama hats with many famous people in pictures or movies or in fashion ramps.
Back in Ecuador where the Panama hats are woven, the straw hat is not a style thing. In the tropics, the Panama straw hat is a perfect remedy for hot sun. It is light, airy and cools the head while providing shades. People wear the Panama hats for the intense heat, and it gives a distinctive look for both men and women.

The Panama hats are worn by the tourists to the natives in Ecuador. It is almost an obsession for the people who lands in Ecuador to get a Panama straw hat. The elegant patterns, smoothness and softness have made the Panama hat one of the most sought after straw hats in the world. The Panama hat is an elegant protection from the heat and great for any occasions.

Whether you are out for a party, playing golf, smoking a cigar, wearing a guayabera, gardening, watching a horse race, running around the beach you will be protected with style. You can wear it with your casual or classy attire. The Panama straw hats flatter most faces and for traveling, it is very easy. You can just roll them up. The Panama hats exhibit the exemplary fine artistry of the master weavers in Ecuador.

The Ecuador Panama hats are attractive and functional. It allows wearers to enjoy the outdoors with style and without feeling the heat. Get remarkable designs, get protected from the heat and enjoy the attention.

Panama hat-A Hat for the Elites

The legendary ivory colored, light weighted Panama Straw Hat has been the most preferred straw hat of some of the most influential men. Historically, the international politicians and royalties have popularized the trend of wearing the Panama hat. This Straw Hat was worn by the rich and famous right from the olden days and it became a status symbol for men.

The reason why this straw hat became a must-have for the elite is that, it is beautifully and artistically craft from the finest straw. This straw hat is tightly weaved but remarkably, it is very light and airy. When you feel it, it gives you the smoothness of a satin. Not to forget, this straw is one of the most expensive hats in the world. Even though the price seems a little high but no one seem to mind as long they have the Panama hat. Wherever the straw hat went, it made a craze.

During the mid 1800, Napoleon III spread the trend in Europe when he wore a Montecristi Hat. In England the Panama Straw Hats became the most fashionable summer hat, much encourage by the royals. Prince Edward had to part with £90.00 and told his Bond Street hatter to get the finest Panama hat available. The Men's Panama hat during the old era represented a mark of high ranks. The world news photograph showed President Roosevelt hovering on a Panama Canal steam shovel wearing his Panama hat in 1905. That triggered the fashion for these straw hats afterwards.

Even today, the panama straw hat is still Men's Vintage Hats. The Panama hat is now a favorite among the celebrities. Presidents, movie stars, business tycoons all love to wear this straw hat.

Panama Hat Centers

The Panama hats are made in Ecuador and not in Panama. The natives of Ecuador have been mastering the art of weaving the Panama hat from the toquilla straw since 4000 B.C. Ecuador is the only place where the Panama straw hats are produce throughout history. The true name of the Panama hat is Sombrero de Paja Toquilla (toquilla palm hat). This name is known to the Ecuadorian people and to the rest of the world the straw hat is famously known as the Panama hat.

The straw hats were weaved in small villages but in small quantity. However, there were no big productions of the straw hat. After Ecuador got independent from Spain, Manuel Alfaro, an entrepreneur who settled in Montecristi, a little coastal town in the Manabi province, realized the profitable potential of the straw hat. He established a straw-hat production business in 1835. He used his own straw plantations and hired skilled weavers for his hat business. His hat business began to boom and the straw hats were exported to Panama as it was a prime commercial center during the time. He opened hat shops in Panama attracting many buyers that passed by. Manuel Alfaro had made Manabi the hat-producing center but with the demands rising up sky high, the production of Manabí could not meet up the satisfaction.

Since the demands were overflowing and the hat production was going slow in Manabí, Cuenca located in Azuay province soon took over the action. In 1836, a hat factory was opened in Cuenca. However, the sole motive behind this was an attempt to boost the local economy. For this, master weavers were brought in to train the locals who were interested in learning the art. The Panama hat industry in Cuenca became a powerful economic booster for the city of Cuenca. Today the Panama straw hats are produced in large numbers by weavers of Cuenca. These days, they utilized modern methods to finish the Panama straw hats meeting the demands easily.

Heading to US

The Panama hats were famous on its own in Panama, where the straw hats were sold. However, the US contributed a lot in bringing the straw hat into the limelight. It was during 1800s, when the Gold Rush began that the relationship between Panama hat and USA started. People rushed to California crossing the Isthmus of Panama, as that was the easiest way at that time. While passing through Panama, they bought the fine straw hat on the way. Words soon spread about the Panama straw hats in USA. The Panama straw hats were fine, airy and gave the protection they needed from the strong heat. The demands soon started to flow in and Ecuador exported 220.000 hats to California. The international presence of the Panama hats grew enormously after this.

In 1898, during the Spanish American War, the US Government ordered around 50,000 Panama straw hats from Ecuador for protecting the soldiers from the sharp heat of the Caribbean sun. The straw hat was a perfect solution to offer shades for the troops.

It was during the construction of the Panama Canal construction that the popularity of the Panama straw hats took to a new horizon. In 1906 the construction of the Panama Canal started. US workers and engineers arrived in Panama for the canal construction. The Panama hats were crucial for this project as the climate in Panama was hot and humid. Working under the strong heat made the workers to wear the Panama straw hats daily and the finest of the straw hats could hold water to refresh them while they dug the soil. When the then President of USA Theodore Roosevelt came to inspect the Panama Canal construction, the Ecuador Panama hat rose to fame. The picture of Theodore Roosevelt wearing a Panama hat appeared in The New York Times. That triggered the popularity of the Panama straw hat in USA. Though, people mistaken the origin of the Ecuador Panama hat as they didn’t know the straw hat really originated in Ecuador at that time. The name ‘Panama hat’ was stuck but whatever the name was, the hat was welcome in US enormously.

Cuenca Panama hats

Cuenca, in Ecuador is a haven for most historians and cultural buffs. This city is surrounded with narrow cobbled streets, dozens of fine architecture churches, museums, art galleries and red tiled roof houses with ironwork balconies. Cuenca is famous for its colonial architectures, but it is also known for the Panama hats that are sold in great numbers.

The Panama hat weaving business in Cuenca began in 1836, to increase the local economy. For that, the authorities opened a modern hat workshop with several hat-making tools like bleaching powder, hat blocks and toquilla straws brought from the coast plantations. Master weavers from Manabí were brought in and people were trained to weave the straw hats. The hat industry grew up immensely as well as the demands. The development of the hat industry in Cuenca became the most powerful and profitable economic activities.

The Cuenca Panama hats are weaved from a thicker straw and that allows the hat to be complete in just days of weeks. Though, the Cuenca hats have a lesser reputation than the Montecristi Hats, but they are no less when it comes to quality. The Cuenca panama hats are bleached white and most people seem to prefer that color. The Cuenca Panama hats are weaved thicker than the Montecristi hats, but they are still the Ecuador Panama hats. The quality is good and hand weaved by the local artisans. These hats are regarded as affordable of overall good quality.

Next time you are in Cuenca, the Panama hats will be served to be a luxury souvenir. You will find many hat factories selling the genuine Panama hats in affordable prices. You can also have the chance to view the Panama hat being made in arrays of colors. You don’t have to just dream about getting the Panama hat. Make it possible with the Cuenca Panama straw hats.

A Perfect Beach Hat

Going to the beach is great fun but do not forget to take your Panama hat with you. The beach is a great idea to enjoy your day but without the hat, you will as well burn yourself from the heat. A perfect beach hat will be the one that is light, airy and provide you enough shades. For that, the Panama hat is just perfect. The Panama hats are made from the finest straws. With the thin weaving and softness of the straw, the Panama hat will just make your day at the beach. It is light, airy and makes a wonderful beach hat.

There are many Panama hat styles available. All the Panama straw hats are as good as beach hats but few styles are more suitable. All Panama hats are comfortable to wear. With its lightness, you won’t even feel the hat is there. The Panama straw hats are woven very tightly in most cases, but it is airy and keeps your head cool.

For women, the Panama hat style with large brim and small crown is just right. These Women's Panama Hats with brim wide as 7 inch and short crowns are often bought as a beach hat. The large brim provides the perfect shade from the heat on the beach. Often the crowns are laced, which most women prefer. The laced crown Women Panama hats add extra grace to the whole outlook of the straw hat, but it also offers extra ventilation. Push the brim up or down as you like and enjoy your day at the beach. If you don’t like the large brim, the short brim Panama hats are also an ideal choice. Choose the brim that is not that short as you need shades and a short brim will not offer you that.

The choice for the men's beach hats is many. The plantation Panama hat style would be perfect if you want to grab the attention on the beach. Two brim styles for the men’s beach hat are quite popular, the Panama hat with the western style and the pencil-roll Planter brim.

Carry these Panama hats with you next time you go to the beach. You will rather enjoy the attention you get from the onlookers.

A Hat Worn By Princes and Paupers

Hats were worn to identify the status of the person in the past. Aristocrat men preferred to be seen with the most stylist and expensive hats in public. The hats they wore were elaborate to symbolize their powerful role in the society. The natural purpose of wearing a hat that is for protecting against heat was restricted to the lower classes or laborers and these hats were not as stylist or sophisticated as the hats worn by the rich people. In olden days, the hats were an important part of men’s outfit, and it represented their status. However, one hat that was loved by both the royalties and the laborers was the Ecuador Panama hat.

The Panama hats are lightweight, airy, and durable. These great feature suits perfectly for hot climates. During the gold rush, these straw hats were bought by people on the way to California. The workers of the sugar and tobacco plantations in Cuba bought these straw hats, as they were highly comfortable for the hot climate. During the construction of the Panama Canal in early 1900s, workers wore the Ecuador Panama hats for protecting them against the burning sun.

The Panama hat soon became a hat for the royalties when it was taken to Paris by a Frenchman in 1855. It was displayed in the World Fair. It became a fashion sensation in Europe when Napoleon III wore a Montecristi hat and spread the trend to other European countries. Soon the Prince of Wales took fancy of the straw hat and wore one to the races. The Panama hats were a favorite among the royalties. Sweden’s King Gustavus V wore his Panama hat whilst playing tennis.

The Panama straw hats have been adorned by the rich and famous and it was seen on the heads of the poor as well. The straw hat is loved by all no matter how rich and poor they are.

A Hat of Symbol

There have been many chances in the fashion history of hats but the Panama hat seems to be oblivion of this fact. The Panama hat reigned over the hat industry for centuries and hasn’t moved from the vogue till date.

Actually, the straw hat was purchase as a hat of convenience in the olden days. The straw hat was sold in Panama, but it has its origin in Ecuador. At first, the Panama straw hats were bought by workers, mainly for the shade it provided. The straw hat was very light and a perfect remedy for the intense sun. Ecuador exported huge amount of Panama hats each year for the workers.

The Panama Straw Hats, however, became a symbol of status only after it was introduced in Europe. A Frenchman took the straw hat to Paris and exhibited it in World Trade fair of 1855. Then, the Emperor of France was presented the finest Panama straw hat and since then it became the most sought after Straw Hat by the royalties. Soon after the Prince of Wales also became an aficionado of the Panama hat. For obtaining a first class quality Panama hats, exorbitant prices have been paid over the years. Aristocrats loved donning the straw hat, as it was the finest in the hat world.

The symbol of status soon changed during the 20th century. During the Hollywood Golden Age, the popularity of the Panama Hats boomed. Many celebrities popularized the Panama Straw Hats, and soon it became a symbol of style and glamour. Now, panama hats are seen on movies, fashion magazines, ramp and many more. Today people might not wear the Panama hat for their status but more about bringing out their personality. Although the Panama Hat is worn by the royalty, and celebrities, nowadays less expensive and authentic Panama Straw Hats are affordable to ordinary men.

Panama hats moved from a hat of convenience to a symbol of status and now glamour. The Panama hat survived all these years. The only change it has made is the symbol it represents. The straw hat is still the favorite among many. N ow to have this fine straw hat is a dream come true for many hat lovers.

Why You Need To Care Your Panama Hat

The Panama hat is fame for its gracefulness and fine quality but it is also known for its high priced tags, specially the fine weave Montecristi Hats. Since it is not those kind of straw hats that you can buy it again and again, of course unless you have that much of money, it needs to be taken care of. This is an authentic hat, which you must take good care to lengthen its longevity.

The Panama hats are made from the Toquilla straw found only in Ecuador. This straw contains some amount of humidity and due to its thickness becomes very flexible. It has the ability to absorb additional humidity and in dry places expels it. If the hat remains in dry places it will gradually weaken the straw and if not taken care it will eventually break or crack the Straw Hat. Handling the Panama hat carefully is also important. Some people grip the crown with much pressure and that will make the straw weaker. If you don’t take care of your Ecuador Panama Hat then it can last only for a couple of years of continuous use.

If you want your authentic Panama Straw Hat to last for long, then taking care of it and handling it properly will be the solution. There are certain tips, which can help you to prolong the duration of your panama hat. Following this tip, you can have your panama hat to last for longer.

The Ecuador Panama Hats are a very exquisite, sophisticated and finely woven Straw Hat that takes a long process to complete it. It can enhance any wearer and add a graceful touch in their face or overall outlook. It will be a bad idea if you do not pay much heed. A wonderful handicraft needs to be treated with much care. The Panama Straw Hat brings the wearer alive. Do not kill its gracefulness by being careless. The Panama hats if taken good care can last generations.

Through Several Hands

The Panama Straw Hats, as we know are hand woven by the Ecuadorian weavers. That takes months to come to the halt but before the Panama Hats are completely finish from making it has to go through several hands of different artisans. All these artisans contribute a lot in creating the world’s finest Straw Hats.

When the weaving is done, the Panama Straw Hat is passed on to hands of the artisans one by one. There are five hands, which the Panama Straw Hats have to go through. The first is the rematador or rematadora. They do opposite what the weavers do-back weave the Straw Hats. They use some specialized weaving, quite different from the weaving done overall straw hat. The back weave done by the rematador or rematadora are on the brim’s outer edge. For a more finely woven hat, the back weave is also done more finely. Well you have to match the weaves.

After the rematador or rematadora has done their part, the Panama Hat ten goes to the hands of azocador. The azocador’s job is to tighten the back weaves carefully. The back weaves needs to be tightened each time round it goes.

There are always some loose ends of the straws hanging out from the weaving. This is the work to sort out for the cortadors. The cortadors will trim out the long straws and the brims of the Panama Hats. How they do, they will first cut off the straws on the edge to an inch long. Then, the Panama Straw Hat is turned inside out and cut the loose straws off.

When the loose straws are cut off, it is time for pounding the Panama Hats. This is done to soften the Straw Hat. The apaleador handles this job. They use big and hard mallets to pound the Panama Straw Hats. With the pounding, the straw of the Panama Hats becomes softer and flexible. The job is more hard than the pounding as they have to make sure that the Straw Hats are not pound too hard as that would damage the straw or too light as that would make the Straw Hat less softer. While the apaleador pound the Straw Hat, he will keep on dusting sulfur powders.

Meanwhile the Panama Straw Hats will again go on through the hands of the cortador from time to time. The Panama Straw Hats also have to go through the hands of the planchador. The job of the planchador is to iron the hat thoroughly. It is not an easy job to iron the Straw Hats. You need to iron it carefully with great effort to bring out the smoothness. The ironing just as weaving also depends on the artistry to get the best shape.

The Art of Ironing the Panama Hat

When the Panama Hats are finished from weaving, they are taken for ironing. Ironing the Panama Hat is one of the procedures that are required to complete the whole process of making the Straw Hats.

To iron the hat, you need tools like several forms made out of woods, leather belts and sulfur powder. These wood forms are shaped into several types, which is used for putting the panama hats on to iron. The planchador is the person who takes up the job to iron the Panama Hats.

What they do is fit the Panama Hat into the form and put on the leather belt on top of the hat’s crown. The belt is made very tight and then it is pushed through on top of the hat till it reaches far bottom of the wood form. When it is done properly, the Panama Straw Hat is wiped with the sulfur powder. The ironing begins at that moment. Ironing the Panama Straw Hats is not an easy job as it looks like. The planchador puts a piece of cloth between the hat and the iron. This is the way a Panama Hat get its ironing.

Ironing the Panama Straw Hat takes a lot of muscle work. It is not ironed the way a cloth is done. While ironing, the planchador will push hard as he goes. You need to put some strong effort while ironing. The ironing of the Straw Hat is done all over-from the hat crown to that of the side and that of the brim. Meanwhile, the planchador often rub the hat with sulfur powder as he does the ironing. It takes a great hand and mastery to iron the Panama Straw Hats. A master planchador always brings out the best ironed Panama Straw Hat. You can always tell the finishing touch of an artist.

The Art and Crafts of Ecuador

In Ecuador, you will be amaze to find many handicrafts. The country has highly skilled artisans who can make anything from hats, to woodcrafts to paintings. Every place you go in Ecuador, there is always a thing of artistry to appeal you. Some of the handicrafts have made Ecuador famous in the eye of the world. These handicrafts are not only beautiful but also quite practical.

The Panama hat

One of the most exquisite and world-renowned handicraft from Ecuador is the Panama hat. Do not get fooled by the name. This straw hat was named after the place where it was sold, the name struck but the fact has been out that the panama hats are from Ecuador. The Ecuador Panama Hats are the most excellent handicraft straw hat. The texture, the smoothness and the weaving is so fine that it is also the most expensive of all hats. The Montecristi Hats is the finest of all and you will never find a finer and superior hat anywhere. Apart from the fine weaving, it is said the Panama hat can hold water if your turn upside down and at the same time be airy. The straw hats also serve as a Roll Up Hats where you can roll it for storage without breaking the original shape. Perhaps because this straw hat is both a beauty and very practical, it makes it the most expensive straw hat in the world. The finest Panama Hat takes months to weave and it goes through a long process to produce this satin like Straw Hat.

Woodcarvings

In Ecuador, you will find many wood crafted artifacts. In the churches woodcarving are in done in the interiors. San Antonio is the main center where you will find many woodcarvings figures for sale. Most people in San Antonio are skilled wood carving masters.

Bread figures of Calderon

The Ecuadoreans are very skillful that they even changed the shape of the bread. Often in the street of Calderon, you will find colorful figured bread. Do not get confused this bread with dolls as there are made in the shape of men, women and other figures.
Apart from these handicrafts, there are lots to discover in Ecuador. There are truly skilled and produce the best crafts in the world.

Spinning Straws into Gold

Do you remember the story of Rumpelstiltskin, where straws were spun into gold? This is exactly how the panama hats are weaved. It is weaved from one of the finest straws in the world into the most exquisite straw hats. Why we are comparing the panama hats with gold is that they are weaved into a flawless Straw Hat that feels like satin when you touch it. The Panama Hats are more than just a hat, it is a treasure that most people would love to acquire.

Acclaimed as the prince of straw hats, the Panama Straw Hats dominates over the hat world and is a favorite among the hat lovers. The Panama Straw Hats are not made in Panama but in the Ecuadorian coast since the year of 1600’s. The straw that the Panama hat is made of comes from the leaves of the Toquillo palm. Just like you heat up gold time over time to get its purest form, a Panama Hat takes up months to weave by hands and through different processes to make it to the finest Straw Hats. If you are lucky to have one, you will come to know the true value of the hat when you feel it with your hand. It is extra light, superbly weaved, thin as a cloth yet strong.

The Panama Hats comes from two main town of Ecuador-Cuenca and Montecristi. The Montecristi Hats are more finer in quality than the Cuenca hats. In Cuenca, the hats are produce in mass and the quality level is lesser. While in Montecristi, you will find a fewer hat but the quality is the most superior. Often a Montecristi Hat can cost you more than the Cuenca hats. In fact, the Montecristi Hat’s price can be quite exorbitant. When it takes much sweat, effort and time to weave, the price must credit the hard work. No one bothers about the price, as their only concern to have the finest Straw Hat on their head.

Panama Montecristi Hats-Legendary and Unique

When you hear the news that the price of the Panama Montecristi hats are sky high then, you would probably think people are exaggerating so much on the hat. But when you see and feel the extra fineness of the quality of the weave and of the Panama Montecristi Hats, you would think otherwise. Both the price and the quality of the Montecristi Hat are pretty and sky rocking.

The Montecristi Hat is a legend in itself. These Panama Montecristi Hats are woven painstakingly by hand and takes months to finish it. The making process is long and often tiring- From selecting the toquilla straws to the Panama Straw Hat blocking. Each step of making this legendary Straw Hat takes high amount of time and great efforts. When such efforts are taken to make a Panama hat then, obviously it is the most expensive Straw Hat.

In Montecristi where the Panama Montecristi Hats are made, the quality is very much fine then the Panama Straw Hats made from Cuenca. When the quality is more the quantity becomes less. The weave is so fine that the Straw Hats more almost look like a cloth and the feel of a satin. It is a fine example for great craftsmanship and artistry. Each Montecristi Hat differs from one to another since it is hand woven.

The comparison of the Montecristi Hats is baseless even with the Cuenca hats. All Montecristi hats are roll able and that adds up the extra value and uniqueness of the Montecristi hat. From the weaving to the colors to the duration, a Panama Montecristi Hat tops the rest in all aspect.

When it comes to wear a hat that defines class and elegance, the Panama Montecristi Hats comes as a top favorite among the elites till now. Often you see the Montecristi Hats on the head of famous people and in fashion. It is irreplaceable.

Panama Hats-A Timeless Fashion Icon

Who wouldn’t want to be fashionable? From movie stars to athletes to presidents to singers, all wants to look the best if not a trendsetter. The fashion trend changes but one fashion icon that stayed on till now for ages is the Panama Straw Hats. Sure, you would see many famous people donning the unique Straw Hat on their head. Those powerful men love to don them and the Panama Hats almost become synonymous with power. That is another story but the fact is that the Panama Hat is a timeless style icon that both men and women are finding it hard to leave after so many years.

The Panama Straw Hats found their way to the heads of the workers and then to the head of the royalties. However, it soon found its way towards the world of fashion when it was showcase in the Paris universal show. This was in 1855 when a Frenchmen introduce the Panama Straw Hat to the French people. Knowing the taste of the Frenchmen, they were highly impressed with the fine quality of the Straw Hat. It was unthinkable of them to wear any other style than the fine Panama Straw Hat.That led to a craze of the Panama Hats. This captivating Panama Straw Hat became the fashion accessory of the elite. Starting from that moment till now the Panama Straw Hats holds the number one spot of being the most graceful accessory of portraying a fashionable person.

So where do you find the Panama Hats now. Of course, they are still on the heads of the most fashionable and elite people but the Panama Straw Hats also make a frequent appearance in movies and on the ramp apart from appearing in
magazines and newspapers. Whatever outfit the person is wearing the Panama hat always bring out a plus point.

Panama Hats-A Dying Art or a Reviving Art

If you see the number of weavers now in the Montecristi where the finest Panama Hats are made, it is very less. Today the hand weaving art of making the Panama Straw Hats seems to be dying with less number of weavers. As compared to the golden hats eras with the situation now, the Panama Hat seem to be heading the road of extinction. If that happen, it would be such a shame to loss a fine straw hat that cannot be replaced by other Straw Hats.

The weavers in Montecristi are known for their artistry of weaving a superb quality of Panama Straw Hat. But the hat are diminishing as years goes by. The very reason would be the weavers are paid less. They seem to be suffering from the old feudal system of mercantile where the weavers are still at the bottom of getting the credit. The Panama hat weavers are the silent lamb where their hard works are paid less but the dealers or the buyers enjoying the icing on the cake. There is no pricing system or grading system. The weavers had to take what the buyers give them. That led to more of quantity of the Panama Hats and less of the quality. The market practice was not fair to them and they had to do what seem right.

However, now the Panama Straw Hats seem to grow slowly its mark. No one could ever think of a first rate quality hat to go extinct. Now some people are trying hard to revive the old tradition of hand weaving the Panama Hats and give back a better life to the weavers. With a strong history of the legendary Panama Straw Hat, it’s a big step that all should take something to save it from being oblivion. The best you can help, buy them and don’t argue about the price. The Panama Straw Hats are unique. The Panama hat is a true presenter of sophistication and gracefulness. The Panama Straw Hats are expensive as they take a hard long process to weave. You will know better if you take a look how they are made.

Panama Hat Was Ecuador’s Main Export Item

Ecuador has been known for its high quality headgear since years. In mid 1900’s the Panama hat was Ecuador’s main export item and until today it has been captivating many people around the world. This straw hat was weaved in Ecuador and sold within as well. Later the Straw Hats were shipped to Panama. As Panama was a major trade center, the name of the Straw hats from Ecuador was named Panama hats. Ironically, later when people came to know the fact of the Panama Straw Hat’s origin, the name didn’t change.This was the first time that the Panama Straw Hat was exported. In 1849, Ecuador exported the Panama Hats in more than 220,000 pieces. It was introduced to the rest of the world when a Frenchmen took the Ecuador Panama Hats in Paris and presented them in the World’s fair in 1855. Knowing the highly fashionable taste of the Frenchmen, soon the Panama hat was adorned for its beauty and it was unthinkable to replace them.

The popularity of the Panama Straw Hat was even higher in the 20th century when the then president of US, Theodore Roosevelt sported a Montecristi Hat. That picture got published in the world press. More demands were in and soon Ecuador began to export more of the Straw Hats to the world.In Turkey, the use of the traditional fez was banned in 1925 and the use of Ecuador Panama Hats was mandated. It was by 1944 that the Panama Straw Hat became the major export item of Ecuador for a short period. Till now, the demands of the Ecuador Panama Hats are growing and the straw hat still maintains its charm.

The main center of the Ecuador Panama Hat is in Cuenca and Montecristi. In Cuenca, the Panama hats are weaved faster and in mass to meet the demands but with inferior quality than the Montecristi Hats. Now, Panama is no longer the main country of export, today Ecuador Panama Hats are exported worldwide to countries such as United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, etc, etc.

Care Your Panama Hat To Prolong Its Life

When you have a great hat like Panama Hat then, obviously you should handle it very carefully. Your Panama Straw Hat can last for ages and it remains durable if you handle it properly. Each Panama Straw Hat is made with special care to bring out the soft rich texture of the straw. When the Straw Hats has been made given much attention while making it then, you ought to give full credit to the artisans who made it by taking great care of the hat.

The Panama hats are made from the straws of the toquilla palm. These straws are of the finest quality. There are certain Do’s and Don’ts for taking care of the Panama Straw Hats. To increase the lifespan of your Panama Hat, one thing you have to take great precaution is not to let the hat come in contact with water. The Straw Hat will act like a sponge and absorb the water. In case this happens then, just leave the Panama Straw Hat in a shade and let it dry. Do not keep it directly in the sun.

Exposing the hat to strong sunlight or in a warm place without any ventilation leave the Straw Hats to dry up very fast and make it weaker. Eventually, the straws will become breakable. To keep the Panama Straw Hats in good condition, it needs a little humidity.

You can iron the Panama Hat, if you want. Just make sure you keep a piece of cloth between the iron and the hat. Ironing the straw hat will help you keep the original shape of the hat.

While handling the hat, the crown and the brim should be griped very slowly. Do not put much pressure on it as it might become vulnerable with times. This is to avoid leaving any crease on the hat also. If you have the Panama Roll Up Hat, avoid rolling it too much. Often rolling can damage or break the hat.

For cleaning the Panama hat, just use a soft brush to dust off the hat. Otherwise, you can use a soft cloth. If there is a spot on the hat, then use plain water to wipe it out. If it does not go off then you can use a moist facial or even a baby wipe and wipe with the lather. The leather bands on the hat keeps body sweat and oil from sticking to the hat. So it needs to be change from time to time.

These do’s and don’ts will keep your panama hat longer and stronger for a long period of time.

Panama Hat Blocking

An interesting part of making the Panama hats is the blocking. So, what really is the blocking. This is a process where a Panama hat is given its final shape. This method of hat blocking was done by hand but it is vanishing into extinction. But most of the Montecristi Hats are hand blocked unlike the Cuenca hats that are done through machinery.

Hat blocking brings out the real beauty of the Panama Straw Hats. And through blocking, you will get the different style of the Panama hats. Hat blocking is an art. When carefully done, it can give you the best Panama Hats, if not then it will spoil all the hard works done on weaving. The real recognition of the Panama hat blocking will be understood when you compare a blocked hat with an unblocked one.

If you want to put your hands on the real unique Panama Straw Hat, then the one that has been blocked by hand will be it. Hand blocking truly is a fine art. It is endangered but some few artisans are trying to revive the hand blocking method today. What is so important about hand blocking the Panama Hat is that it brings out the true essence of the whole process of the Panama Straw Hat weaving. The Panama Straw Hats takes a long process to weave by hand and finishing it with machine blocking does not pay full credit to the whole thing.

The process of hand blocking can take a lot of work and requires tools and techniques. The natural hand blocking is what makes the Montecristi Hats famous for its shape. It does have a lasting unique shape. It may be an old fashion way but when you wear the hand blocked Montecristi Hat, you will get a feel that can’t be expressed with words. Once the Panama Hats are hand block, it can be re-blocked again.

So hand blocking a Panama Straw Hat in a way gives full respect to the long process of hand weaving method. Next time you buy it make sure it is hand blocked.