How to measure fineness?
Marchesi di Montecristi® fineness grades of quality have been categorised from Fino grade (WPI 6-10), Superfino grade (WPI 14-16), Extrafino (WPI 18-26) up to Ultra fino grade (WPI 32-42). This is identified by the WPI (Waves Per Inch: the higher the better), a finer hat is more expensive because its processing is more laborious and entails a much longer time.
To determine the Cuenca of a Montecristi or a Panama hat, count the number of rows of weave in one inch horizontally (or 2.5 cm), place the measuring tape on the side of the hat, it could be above our golden logo or further up on the crown. (For example, the hat in the following photo is a Montecristi (Herringbone weave), the horizontal and vertical count would be 12-14 weaves per inch).
Count the number of rows of weave in one inch horizontally, and you can do the same by measuring vertically. Usually, the vertical count is one or two rows more, and it also depends on the location on the crown where you are counting. Therefore, the grade of a Panama Hat is classified as (6-8 WPI), (10-12 WPI), (12-14 WPI), (14-16 WPI), (16-18 WPI), and so on.
All Marchesi di Montecristi® hats have been personally picked up and selected one by one, exercising direct fair trade.
We pride ourselves on offering the best quality to our customers and we sell first choice hats only, we do not stock the basic entry level quality of Panama Hats (commercial category: grade 0-4). Our products are flawlessly woven and considered the best quality on the global market.