Culture minute: the original panama, as not indicated by its name, comes from Ecuador. It is made of a variety of palm tree straw which scientific name is Carloduvica Palmata, initially woven by an Indian tribe of the south of the country. Of a natural colour, white or cream, its brims are large since its first function is to protect you from the sun.
Victim of its own success, the Panama presents nowadays various colors and shapes of multiple and different types of straw. In terms of prices, you could find all a range according to the quality and the time taken to weave it. Now that you know all that, you can choose yours... But despacito!
Shapes
Fedora HatTrilby HatOutback HatPlayer HatPork Pie HatFloppy Hat
Despite its name, the panama hat is from Ecuador. The panama is not a shape, but a way of making: it designates all the hand-woven hats made from palm tree straw. Therefore, it exists under the versions of fedora, floppy, bowler, trilby (it is then called Cuban panama)... It is a reference for all headgear lovers. Known to be assimilated to male hats, it can be worn by men and by women as well.
The panama got famous thanks to the quality of its straw and to its lightness. If white panamas are more classical, it is today possible to dye the straw with any shades.
Meticulously hand-woven from toquilla straw, it is a national symbol in Ecuador. The thinner the straw, the better the quality. It's worth noting that there is no limit: the making of certain exceptional models can lasts one year and be sold several thousands of dollars! The most renown being the Montecristi panamas: hats with a so fine and tight weaving that they result waterproof.
To recognize a real Panama from a fake one, just look at the top of the hat. If you see a rose on the top, then it is genuine as that is the beginning of the hand-weaving. Copies don't have that rose! Then, with your Panama, you will be ready for the summer and the beach while being chic!
Couture
