Panama Hats

Most people have heard of “Panama hats” but the question becomes – are they really from Panama? Fashion trends around the world change dramatically from one season to the next. Trying to keep up with the fashions can be difficult, yet fun. One type of fashion is the hat. In the case of the Panama hat, you get style and class. Although considered a real looker, the truth is that the Panama hat is not actually from Panama – not the city nor even the country.

Instead, the majority of Panama hats are actually made in the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca, located in the Andes. You would then think the name should be Ecuador hats but this is simply not the case. Keep in mind that you will find this type of hat created in smaller places such as Montecristi. While the quality is generally much better, the price is also much higher. However, if you want the best Panama hat possible, then this would be the place from which to buy.

In Ecuador, many hats are made to include a woven design that first came from Spanish explorers sometime in the 16^th century. Then, the Manabi people created a type of hat called a Toque, which resembled those worn by Spanish conquistadors. As the popularity of hat making and hat wear expanded, we began to see other provinces such as Azuay, Canar, and Cuenca getting in on the fun.

For the Panama hat, this term actually came into existence in the late 1800s. At that time, Ferdinand de Lesseps, a visionary Frenchman, was the individual that initiated the Panama Canal project. As workers flocked to work on the Panama Canal, they needed a hat to protect their heads from the intense heat. Unfortunately, nothing existed at that time so the Ecuadorians saw this as an exceptional opportunity to get into the hat making business, thus creating the Panama hat.

As the world began showing interest in the Panama Canal, they noticed all the European workers wearing smart, yet functional and effective hats. With this, people wanted to know more about these hats and before long, word about the “Panama hat” had spread. So much so that when President Theodore Roosevelt came to view the construction of the Panama Canal, he too proudly wore a Panama hat. Interestingly, it was this event that prompted the Americans working for the press to give the hat its name.

Okay, so we know the history of the Panama hat but do men still like wearing them? You bet they do and with so many styles from which to choose, men can look handsome regardless of the occasion. In fact, the Panama hat has made such an impression that famous men such as Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman, Humphrey Bogart, and Gary Cooper, among others have worn them well.

Today, we see the popularity of the Panama hat coming back. The image they portray is one of power, confidence, and class. What man would not want that? We have provided you with some information about the Panama hat and below, you will learn about the most popular styles sold today. Whether wearing a Panama hat to cover messy hair, to enhance a suit, or simply to create a little character, these handcrafted hats are absolutely wonderful.