A Panama hat is a lightweight and breathable piece of headwear, traditionally worn in warm climates. It’s made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla palm, a plant native to Ecuador.
This hat is also known as the Ecuadorian hat, Jipijapa hat, Montecristi hat, and Toquilla straw hat. In Ecuador, the hat is known as the ‘sombrero de Jipijapa,’ named after the region where it’s traditionally made.
Although it’s called a Panama hat, it doesn’t come from Panama. Historians agree that its true origin lies in Ecuador, where skilled artisans have been hand-weaving these hats for generations.
The name became popular in the early 1900s when workers on the Panama Canal wore them. Since the hats were sold and shipped through Panama, the name stuck.
Today, Panama hats are known worldwide for their quality and traditional craftsmanship. They remain one of the most stylish and versatile hats, a classic option that suits both men and women.
The Real Origin of the Panama Hat
Before discussing the rise of Panama hats as a global fashion icon, it’s essential to understand their origins.
16th Century: The Beginning
According to Ecuador.com, when Spanish explorers came to 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 hats reminded the Spanish of a head covering worn by European nuns called a tuca. Since the material came from the toquilla palm, they started 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: In Ecuador, people often call them ‘sombreros de paja toquilla,’ or Jipijapas, instead of Panama hats. (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 making these hats.
Artisans learned to weave high-quality hats using techniques passed down through generations. Some hats were woven with such fine detail that they looked more like fabric than straw.
Making just one could take several days or even weeks. Back then, they were simply called Ecuadorian straw hats, as the name ‘Panama hat’ didn’t exist yet.
That raises a natural question: how did the name ‘Panama hat’ come about?
19th Century: How the Name “Panama Hat” Began
In 1835, a businessman named Manuel Alfaro started producing hats in Montecristi. He exported them in large numbers, using Panama as the shipping route. International buyers assumed the hats came from Panama, and the name caught on.
During the California Gold Rush in 1848, many travelers passed through Panama on their way to California. They bought these hats to shield themselves from the sun—again, thinking they were made in Panama. That helped the name gain even more popularity.
20th Century: The Roosevelt Moment
One key moment in the history of Panama hats came in 1906, when 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.
This often leads to a common question: if these hats are made in Ecuador, why are they called Panama hats?
The answer is simple. A photo of Roosevelt wearing the hat was widely published. Since he wore it during his visit to Panama, people assumed it was a Panama-made hat—even though it wasn’t.
So, how did Panama hats become famous?
After Roosevelt’s photo went public, the hat gained worldwide attention. Over time, it became a major fashion trend.
By the mid-1900s, celebrities, musicians, and travelers were all wearing Panama hats. They became a timeless piece of fashion for both men and women, just like many other popular hat styles in history.
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 about this important Ecuadorian tradition and supported efforts to preserve it.
Explore the traditional weaving techniques behind Panama hats, now recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
Panama Hats Today
Panama hats are more than just functional headwear. Today, they’re considered a global fashion statement. You’ll see them at beach resorts, summer weddings, and fashion shows.
They come in many styles—from wide-brimmed classical to modern, trendy shapes. Whether you’re dressing up or going casual, a Panama hat can match your look.
Prices vary. Basic versions are affordable, but high-quality Montecristi hats can cost thousands of dollars due to the time and skill involved. What hasn’t changed is how they’re made.
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 taken from an Ecuadorian palm tree.
First, the leaves are collected, then stripped, softened, and dried.
Once the straw is dry, it’s cut into thin strands for weaving. The hat is then shaped by hand, and a tighter weave means better quality.
After weaving, the hat is shaped using a mold, giving it its final form. A ribbon or band is often added as a finishing touch. This process has been handed down through generations and remains a proud part of Ecuador’s culture.
Famous People Who Wore Panama Hats
Panama hats became popular around the world thanks to some well-known names 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 shield himself from the heat. A photo of him in that hat went viral for its time and played a huge role in putting the Panama hat on the global map.
Jennifer Aniston
Known for her laid-back style, Jennifer Aniston has been spotted many times wearing a Panama hat during vacations and outdoor events. She makes it look easy, like the hat was made for beach days and sunny afternoons.
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle helped bring the Panama hat back into modern fashion. Whether at charity events or casual outings, her choice to wear one reminded people just how timeless and chic the style really is.
Kylie Minogue
In 2014, Kylie was photographed wearing a Panama hat at Heathrow Airport. It was a simple look, but a great example of how the hat continues to be a go-to travel essential for those who want comfort without compromising on style.
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 can be folded and still return to their original shape.
- Weaving a top-tier Panama hat can take months of detailed handwork.
- Some of the finest Panama hats have sold for more than $25,000.
Wrapping Up the Story of Panama Hats
The Panama hat is more than just stylish headwear. It represents centuries of craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural pride. Though it earned global fame under a misleading name, its true roots are firmly planted in Ecuador.
Today, Panama hats are still handwoven using time-honored techniques. They stand as a symbol of quality, elegance, and the enduring value of handmade work in a fast-moving world.
Did we miss an important part of the Panama hat story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
What is the story behind the Panama hat?
Panama hats come from Ecuador. They became popular during the construction of the Panama Canal, but the name is misleading—they were always made in Ecuador.
Which country makes Panama hats?
Real Panama hats come from Ecuador. The most well-known ones are made in Montecristi and Cuenca.
What material is used in a Panama hat?
They’re made from toquilla straw, harvested from the toquilla palm tree native to Ecuador.
Are Panama hats still made by hand?
Yes! The best ones are still handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional methods.
How can you tell if a Panama hat is real?
Look for a tight, uniform weave, quality materials, and sometimes a certification label from Ecuador.
Why are Panama hats so expensive?
Their price reflects the amount of time, skill, and craftsmanship that goes into each hat, especially the finely woven ones.
