Panama Hats made from Paja Toquilla

Authentic Panama Hats Originates from Ecuador. Toquilla straw weaving dates back to the Spanish Conquest in the XVI Century and can be traced to the villages of Jipijapa and Montecristi along the Ecuadorian coastline. Panama hats were originally produced from “Tocas,” a traditional fabric made of fiber extracted from palm leaves (Carludovica Palmata), and were used for protection against the sun. Later, natives started to produce thinner weavings called “Toquillas.” This new technique was taught to the inhabitants of Azuay and Cañar in the southern Andes. These areas are still the highest producers of “Toquilla” in Ecuador.

Historically, Ecuador exported the hats worldwide via Panama. As commerce in South America was strongly influenced by the newly developed Panama Canal, the hats became known as “Panama Hats,” obscuring their Ecuadorian roots.

The Panama hat’s popularity increased after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal in 1906, where he was pictured wearing a toquilla straw hat. Afterward, toquilla straw hats were featured in many American classic films and became legendary! The elegance and quality of Panama hats made them a popular choice during the golden age. They were worn by many well-known personalities Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Paul Newman.

One hundred percent handmade toquilla straw hats have survived the test of time and are widely popular and world-renowned for their high quality. 

Care of your new Panama Hat

It is best to handle it from the brim which is the softest part of the hat. To clean your hat, wipe it with a baby wipe or a soft white cloth. To shape the brim of your hat, press with your fingers gently. Do not squeeze the brim of the hat while the straw is dry.