If you are already a proud owner of a genuine Panama Hat see our care instructions (bottom of page) to be sure it lasts a lifetime. Otherwise keep reading for the fascinating story this legendary hat.

What is a Panama Hat?

The Panama Hat is the finest straw hat in the world. Hand woven in Ecuador from toquilla straw, they are wearable works of art.

Why are they called Panama Hats?

The hats were exported from Ecuador to Europe by way of the Panama Canal. They were exhibited and sold out at the 1855 World Fair in Paris. To the style conscious Europeans, details of the origin were unimportant and the hats were simply known as “Panama's”. When President Roosevelt wore a one at the opening of the Panama Canal the name stuck and the misnomer became forever associated with this famous hat.

Why are there different grades?

True to the artisanal tradition, these hats continue to be woven by hand in different grades with the top grade of hat taking 3 months to make. Thickness of the straw, tightness of weave and, of course, the skill of the weaver determines the grade and hence the price of the finished product. Regardless of the grade, however, a good Panama always has a backwoven edge and is never stitched under around the brim

What are the styles?

There are countless possibilities for styles and shapes of Panama's for both men & women. The Borsalino style has become the classic, made famous by statesmen and movie stars. You will always find the “borsalino”, “planter” and "colonial" styles in Caramba, along with a number of ladies styles as well.

Who has been seen in a Panama?

A Panama was presented to Emperor Napoleon III who took the hat with him when in exile on Saint Helena.
Towards the end of the 19th century in Great Britain the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII, also became an aficionado of the Panama.
Hollywood film stars helped glamorize the Panama which has co-stared along side: Clarke Gable in Gone with the Wind, Sydney Greenstreet in Casablanca, Edward G Robinson in Key Largo, Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird, Sean Connery in The Man Who Would Be King and Anthony Hopkins in Hannibal.

How do I care for my Panama Hat?

With the correct care your Genuine Panama Hat will last a lifetime, but remember the fine straw is delicate and not indestructible! Use 2 hands on the brim to put on & take off your hat (don't crush the crown). If the brim becomes bent use damp cloth under a warm iron to re-flatten. Any marks should be removed with a damp cloth and regular soap or bicarbonate of soda. Don't use any chemical cleaners on the hat. Your Panama will hold it's shape if it gets wet, however we recommend you avoid wetting it as far as possible. When not in use keep in a hatbox or wardrobe/cupboard, not on the backseat of the car! To counter very dry heat which can crack the fine straw, hang your Panama in the bathroom when you are showering every now and again (just to absorb the steam in the room, not to get it wet IN the shower). Note that only the top grade ‘Colonial' style of Panama Hat can be rolled up for portability. Hats that have been pre-pressed into other shapes should never be rolled!