Panama Hats

Exclusively made in Ecuador and manually processed using a material from a plant called toquilla, Panama hats have been worn for centuries. Its origin can be traced back as far as the 16th century when the Incas were the original to discover the flora specie in producing head accessories.

The Panama hats only rose to fame when a lot of workers, who were working on the world- renowned canal that stretches to the oceans of the Atlantic and Pacific, have been using it to protect them from the scorching heat of the sun. By 18th century, it found its entry to the American market. During the war between the United States and Spain in 1898, the US government ordered about 50, 000 “sombrero de paja toquilla” or “caps of the toquilla plant”. It was intended to be worn by their men who were assigned to the Caribbean Islands.

In the early part of 1855, an unknown French who was residing in Ecuador staged his flight to Paris known as the fashion capital of the world. The finest quality was then presented to the Emperor of France, Napoleon III. Since then, the Panama hats were sought after by royalties. In England, it was much encouraged by aristocrat patronage and quickly transformed as the most up-to-the-minute summer fedora and remains the same until this present.

Over the years, very expensive prices have been paid for Panama hats. As a matter of fact, it equated to a vacation good for three months or the acquisition of small farm land. The late Prince Edward VI paid £90 after he exchanged his Bond Street just to have the premium kind available. Its popularity was further escalated when the American President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed donned in one while looking at the construction of the Panama Canal in 1906.

In the post- war period, its esteem declined however, it is now back to its original regard that can be highly credited to its appearance in several cinematic films and television shows. Its very significant feature is that it has been weaved in a cottage industry that propagated primarily in the districts of Azuay and Manabi in Ecuador. It has been an ability that has been trailed down from generation to generation.

Its manufacturing varies from time to time. Some may only take a few hours where there are those that can take up to five months especially those that are still imported from Biblian and Montecristi. The coarser ones are cheaper, of course while the finer items can quantify up to £1, 000. However, the price paid will never amount to the hard work put in by the talented laborers. The best among them can be spotted most active when they sky is overcast or when the moonlight is up.