The style we know as the Panama hat actually comes from Ecuador, where the tradition of intricately hand-weaving toquilla straw hats pre-dates the 15th century. When Teddy Roosevelt wore his Ecuadorian-made toquilla hat on his return trip from the Panama canal, so-called “Panama” hats became a warm-weather essential for the well-traveled gentlemen adventurers of his age.
Ours is traditionally handwoven in Ecuador from Grade 3 Panama (toquilla) straw which has a fine, smooth feel and soft, flexible finish. Its vintage-style silhouette includes a 4 ½” pinch front teardrop crown and 2 1/2” brim and it’s finished with a classic black grosgrain band and breathable cotton sweatband.
