You can leave your hat on

Panama hats are here! They are one of the hottest trends right now.  Hip, chic and fashion forward, the classic Panama hat is more than just a style statement, it’s also a chic way to shade your face from the hot sun. Lightweight and breathable, the Panama hat is a cool way to look cool!

They are feather light and excellent in heat and humidity. 

The Fedora is the most popular hat style.  It looks good on just about any face shape and can be worn with anything.  The Panama hat (classified by the straw type, as well as its brim and crown) is rounder and taller than a Fedora (probably it’s closest relative) however it can be just as versatile.  
When you buy a Panama hat just be sure to choose a neutral straw one with a black or brown brim.

Secret: how to choose the right hat

Try them on.  Wider faces need wider brims.  There are lots of styles besides the classic. Keep trying them on,  you're bound to find one that is just perfect for you!

Cuenca Ecuador is home to many Panama hat weavers

Panama hats are made from a palm like plant called a toquilla.  In Ecuador they are called toquilla hats but to the rest of us they are known as the Panama hat.  A genuine Panama hat is always hand-made and they are only made in Ecuador.  I read that in the 90s the sales began to decline due to imitation machine made knock offs from China which were sold for less money. 

Now Ecuador wants to reclaim the brand!  Support the weavers of Ecuador and only buy GENUINE Panama hats.  You will find them labeled "made in Ecuador" inside the hat. 

I ordered 2 more hats today from Ecua-Andino.  I'll let you know when they arrive as I plan to take some photos of all the hats.

Tip: Always store your hat on its crown

You can leave your hat on
Photos taken after our weekly Sunday meeting
and some 49er football
GO NINERS!

If the hat fits buy two

I bought myself 2 Panama hats.

I've mentioned before that I have a difficult time finding hats to fit my head due to all my hair and a rather large head. Earlier this summer I spotted some Panama hats in a little boutique I frequent.  The store had brought in 3 different colors for the summer. They even had several in my size. I didn't buy any.

Audrey Hepburn

The other day I was thinking to myself how upset I would be if I decided I wanted to buy one at a later date and could no longer find my size.  I've done that before and ended up kicking myself later.  So I went back to the store and bought 2 of them (they did not have the black one in my size) or I would have purchased all 3 colors.

They are the "classic" Panama hat style.

Because of the way I wear my hair up in the back, it makes it difficult for me to fit into a hat, so even though I bought the 2 hats I had NO idea what they would actually look like on me.  I could tell that if I had my hair down they would fit.  So I bought them on a hope and a prayer.

this one is beige

I have never worn a Panama before so I knew very little about them. They come in several different styles but I preferred the classic (plus that's all the store had).

They also come in a ton of colors!! More than just the 3 colors I saw.

I'll be taking the tour!

I had read that in Cuenca, Ecuador (a town we considered relocating to) one of the main industries is hat making.  Now, I'm even more excited about visiting there.

 this one is white

Guess what?

This is what I learned
Panama hats aren't even from Panama!


They are made in Ecuador.  It started out as a marketing tool. Sort of like location, location location.  Back in the 1850's when the hats were being made in Ecuador no one had heard of this tiny little country.  So they took them to the closest well known country, which was Panama, and tried to sell them there.  They were a big hit and poor tiny little Ecuador didn't have the resources to make a label "made in Ecuador".  People started buying the hats there and they became associated with Panama.  Also the folks working on the Panama Canal took quite a likening to them as well.

Hence, the Panama hat was born!


So if you want a genuine Panama hat, start by checking the label to see where it's made.  Also to be genuine, the Panama hat must be HAND-MADE.  A Panama hat can be easily rolled up and pocketed without any harm. They can also be very expensive.  Mine are made by Ecua-Andino and are pretty affordable.  I plan to visit the city where they are made and take the tour once we get settled in Central America. 

So how do they look on me?

Stop back by
More on my hats to follow.....