Panama hats are lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for sunny weather. They are made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla palm, a plant native to Ecuador.
These hats are also called Ecuadorian hats, Jipijapa hats, Montecristi hats, or Toquilla straw hats. Even though they are known worldwide as Panama hats, their origin is Ecuador.
The name “Panama hat” became popular in the early 1900s because the hats were sold and shipped through Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal.
Today, Panama hats are valued for their craftsmanship and quality. They are worn by both men and women and remain a stylish accessory around the world.
Where Panama Hats Come From
The authentic Panama hat comes from Ecuador, especially the towns of Montecristi and Jipijapa. Local artisans have been weaving these hats for generations, using toquila straw, which is flexible, lightweight, and durable.
In Ecuador, these hats are often called sombrero de Jipijapa or toquilla straw hats. The famous “Panama” name stuck internationally because of shipping and trade through Panama, not because the hats were made there.
The Real Origin of the Panama Hat
According to Ecuador.com, when Spanish explorers arrived in the area in 1526, they noticed local people wearing a unique type of straw hat. These hats covered the head, ears, and neck to protect against the sun.
The Spanish thought the hats looked similar to a head covering worn by European nuns, called a tuca. Since the hats were made from toquilla straw, they began calling them “toquilla hats.”
That name stuck. Even today, authentic Panama hats are still made with toquilla straw, just like they always have been. Even back then, these hats were already part of Ecuador’s cultural tradition. Eventually, the Spanish began using the local straw to make hats in European styles.
Fun Fact: While the world calls them Panama hats, In Ecuador locals usually say ‘sombreros de paja toquilla,’ or Jipijapas. (source)
17th and 18th Century: Hat Weaving Becomes a Craft
During the 1600s and 1700s, hat weaving in Ecuador improved, and towns like Montecristi and Jipijapa became well-known for their craftsmanship.
Artisans learned to weave high-quality hats using techniques passed down from one generation to the next. Some hats were woven so carefully that they looked more like fabric than straw.
Making one hat could take several days or even weeks. At that time, they were just called Ecuadorian straw hats. The term ‘Panama hat’ didn’t exist yet.
This raises the question: So where did the name ‘Panama hat’ come from?
19th Century: How the Name “Panama Hat” Began
In 1835, a businessman named Manuel Alfaro began producing hats in Montecristi. He exported them in large numbers, using Panama as the shipping route. Because of this, international buyers assumed the hats came from Panama, and the name stuck.
During the California Gold Rush in 1848, many travelers passed through Panama on their way to California. They bought these hats to protect themselves from the sun, again thinking they were made in Panama. This helped the name become even more popular.
20th Century: The Roosevelt Moment
In 1906, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt wore a finely woven toquilla straw hat during his visit to the Panama Canal to shield himself from the sun.
President Theodore Roosevelt wearing a straw hat during his 1906 visit to the Panama Canal. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress, public domain.
A photo of him wearing the hat was published widely. Because he was in Panama, people assumed the hat was made there, even though it was actually made in Ecuador.
This moment brought international attention to the hat, and it quickly became a fashion trend. By the mid-1900s, celebrities, musicians, and travelers were all wearing Panama hats. They became a timeless style for both men and women, just like other classic hat styles in history.
The hat’s popularity also reached other parts of the world. In 1925, Turkey’s leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, wore a Panama-style hat during the Hat Reform, replacing the traditional fez. This shows how the Panama hat had become a symbol of modern style and practicality worldwide.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk wearing a Panama-style hat during the 1925 Hat Reform in Turkey. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
21st Century: Recognized by UNESCO
In 2012, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized the traditional weaving of toquilla straw hats as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Since then, UNESCO has helped raise awareness of this important Ecuadorian tradition and supported efforts to preserve it.
You can explore the traditional weaving techniques behind Panama hats in the video below. These techniques are now recognized by UNESCO as part of Ecuador’s cultural heritage.
Panama Hats Today
Panama hats are more than just headwear for the sun. They’re a global fashion item. You can see them at beach resorts, summer weddings, and fashion shows.
They come in many styles, from wide-brimmed classics to modern shapes. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, a Panama hat works well with your outfit.
Prices vary. Basic hats are affordable, while high-quality Montecristi hats can cost thousands of dollars because of the time and skill needed to make them.
Many Panama hats are still handwoven in Ecuador using traditional techniques. They continue to represent craftsmanship and cultural pride.
How Panama Hats Were Traditionally Made
Panama hats are handwoven using toquilla straw, a flexible fiber from an Ecuadorian palm tree.
In Montecristi, artisans follow a careful process that has been passed down for generations. First, the leaves are collected, then stripped, softened, and dried.
Once the straw is dry, it is cut into thin strands for weaving. The hat is shaped by hand, and the tighter the weave, the higher the quality.
After weaving, the hat is placed on a mold to give it its final shape. A ribbon or band is often added as a finishing touch. This method has been used for centuries and remains an important part of Ecuador’s cultural heritage.
Famous People Who Wore Panama Hats
Panama hats became popular worldwide thanks to several well-known figures who wore them for style, comfort, and sun protection. Here are a few examples:
Theodore Roosevelt
When President Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal in 1906, he wore a Panama hat to protect himself from the sun. A widely published photo of him helped make the hat famous around the world.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is often seen wearing Panama hats during vacations and outdoor events. She shows how easy it is to wear them for sunny days and casual outings.
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle brought the Panama hat back into modern fashion. Whether at charity events or casual appearances, her choice highlighted the hat’s timeless and stylish appeal.
Kylie Minogue
In 2014, Kylie Minogue was photographed wearing a Panama hat at Heathrow Airport. Her simple, stylish look shows how the hat remains a practical and fashionable choice for travelers.
5 Interesting Facts About Panama Hats
- The world’s finest Panama hat took 6 months to weave by hand.
- Despite the name, every genuine Panama hat is made in Ecuador.
- High-quality Panama hats are flexible and can be folded without losing their shape.
- Weaving a top-tier Panama hat requires months of careful handwork.
- Some of the most finely woven Panama hats have sold for more than $25,000.
Wrapping Up the Story of Panama Hats
The Panama hat is more than just a stylish accessory. It reflects centuries of craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural pride. While it became famous under a misleading name, its true origin is in Ecuador.
Even today, many Panama hats are still handwoven using traditional techniques. They remain a symbol of quality, elegance, and the lasting value of handmade work.
If you enjoy reading about hat history, you might also like to see how hats have evolved over time.
Do you have a favorite Panama hat story or fact? Share it in the comments below!
FAQs
What is the story behind the Panama hat?
Panama hats come from Ecuador. They became well-known during the construction of the Panama Canal, but the name is misleading; they were always made in Ecuador.
Which country makes Panama hats?
Genuine Panama hats are made in Ecuador. The most famous ones come from the towns of Montecristi and Cuenca.
What material is used in a Panama hat?
Panama hats are made from toquilla straw, which comes from the toquilla palm tree native to Ecuador.
Are Panama hats still made by hand?
Yes. The best Panama hats are still handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques.
How can you tell if a Panama hat is real?
Look for a tight, even weave, high-quality materials, and sometimes a certification label from Ecuador.
Why are Panama hats so expensive?
The price reflects the time, skill, and craftsmanship involved, especially for finely woven hats.
