Handcrafted in Ecuador by skilled artisans using traditional methods passed down through generations, the beauty of the Panama Hat is two-fold; the intricacy of the weave and the hat itself with its lovingly adorned silk ribbon. The preservation of this skilled tradition is under threat, with genuine Panama Hats becoming an increasingly rarer commodity – one which it is important for us to preserve.
The authenticity and superior quality of a Panama Hat are intrinsically tied to its origin in Ecuador. The material utilised in the creation of Panama’s, known as ‘Toquilla straw’, is sourced solely from the coastal regions of Ecuador, harvested during the final quarter of the moon phase, ensuring maximum flexibility and durability.
All Panama Hats are graded based on the fineness of the straw used in the construction of the hat, with the highest grade ‘Ultra Fino’ between 32 - 42 weaves per inch. The creation of the ‘Ultra Fino’ grade of Panama requires the expertise and precision of only the finest of artisans, such is the skill needed to work with straw of such fineness.
During the initial stages of creation, only a select few straw fibres are utilised, gradually reaching a width typically ranging between 5 and 10 centimetres. To weave the hat body, artisans employ a wooden block mould to shape the hat, starting from the brim and progressing upwards until the desired height has been achieved.
Following the shaping process, the brim of the hat is created using a method known as ‘back weaving,’ which involves delicately turning the straw back toward the crown and weaving it into a loose band encircling the outer edge of the brim.
Once the brim has been created, the next process if the ‘azocada’, where tied-off fibres are meticulously tightened to maintain the integrity of the weave, followed by precise clipping of any excess fibres. The hat then undergoes washing, before being carefully dried in the sun. The final stage of creation is reshaping, known as the ‘compostura’, returning the hat to its original form. Here at Bates, the final touches are then added, the outer silk ribbon and sweatband.
Shop our full range of Panama Hats here.