Some of the most frequent questions when looking to purchase a genuine Panama Hat are: What is the origin of these hats and why are they called "Panama Hats"? Are Panama Hats made in Panama or Ecuador? Who invented the Panama Hat?
I will summarise the key details about the origin of the iconic "Panama Hat" to help you make the right decision.
The origins of the famous Panama Hat can be traced back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquerors first noticed the beautiful headpieces worn by the native people of the region now known as Ecuador. In fact, the Incas, located in the coastal regions of Ecuador, were the first people observed weaving hats from the fibrous Toquilla palm plant.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that the sophisticated weaving techniques involved in creating this hat gained worldwide popularity. A visionary named Manuel Alfaro, a native of Ecuador, was the first to recognise the trade potential of these finely crafted hats and established a business to export hats from Montecristi (Ecuador) to Panama. This business venture coincided with the influx of miners from the east coast of the United States, seeking to join the Gold Rush.
Despite their name, Panama Hats originate in Ecuador, where they are still made to this day. Historically, throughout Central and South America, Panama Hats were referred to as "Jipijapa," "Toquilla," or "Montecristi" hats (the latter two terms are still in use today).
The hats began to be called "Panama" and gained fame in the 18th century. The attractive and lightweight straw hats worn by workers on the Panama Canal caught the attention of many Americans who passed through Panama on their way to California, United States, in search of gold. They rapidly became popular because the hats provided essential protection against the intense sun during their long journey.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1906, when a photo featured by the "New York Times" journal boosted the “Panama Hat” popularity. This photo showed President Theodore Roosevelt wearing a black-banded straw hat - nowadays known as Colonial style - while officially visiting Panama Canal excavation. This photo spread around the world and became the iconic photo known as the “President’s Panama Hat”.
Those facts, contributed to mistakenly conclude that the hats came from Panama instead of Ecuador. But the truth that these hats are and have always been proudly made in Ecuador. Over the years the name "Panama hat" has become too familiar to consider a new denomination, the popular name has been kept, despite Ecuador citizens consider it misleading and don't like it at all.
Timeless Panama Hats
Nowadays, Panama hats are considered unique iconic apparels due to their classic and timeless fashion style. The worldwide press enjoys this and the hat gets the well deserved admiration throughout. Hollywood constantly features Panama Hats in films and events. While this famous hats appear in many television commercials, as increase people's awareness of its attractiveness.
In United Kingdom, The Panama Hat has always been much encouraged by royal patronage, making it the most fashionable summer hat of all times.
If you are looking to purchase an authentic and quality Panama Hat, you are in the right place, because you can be sure all La Marqueza Hats range is genuine and it has been fully woven in Ecuador.
To know more about the quality of our hats just click here