Since the dawn of humankind, we have been wearing hats. They have always functioned as the most powerful markers of status, sex, occupation, class and origin. Whether you are a king, soldier or shaman, they defined you. Continue reading

Because they are made completely by hand. Everything else in our world is made by machines and factories, but the best best summer hats can only be made by a real person. Despite the onslaught of industrialisation, they still outperform everything a machine can make. It is our heritage, and a great art form. Continue reading

They are only made in Ecuador, specifically around Montechristi on the coast, and around Cuenca in the mountains. 

Inferior versions, often using the same straw, are woven in Columbia, Peru, Bolivia and Mexico. They may appear similar, but they are by definition not a Panama hat. In our modern age, any white hat is called a Panama, whether they are made of plastic, paper or felt.

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Don't be fooled by this old tourist scam - selling rollable Panama hats in little boxes or tubes.. The answer is yes you can roll them, but it will crack and the brim will ripple. Sure they look good in the photos, but in a very short time they will look like crap.

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A gentleman called from Singapore today, desperate to clean his fino Panama that he had spilt a cup coffee into. Accidents happen, stains appear and they can be solved relatively easily - read on.

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Every once in a while your Panama will need a tune-up. Or perhaps there has been a hat tragedy, and it needs some serious care to make it right. If you take your time and be gentle, you can heal your hat and learn a new skill. Continue reading

Anyone can call a hat a Panama - and they do. Whether it is plastic, paper, raffia or wool - but these are not Panama hats, just cheap copies being sold on the net. Learn how to tell the difference and make an informed decision - it's easy. Continue reading

The Definitive Guide to Buying a Panama.

Explore the secrets and subtleties of this handwoven art. Learn how to get it all right, so you have a new favourite hat without any hassles, first time. 

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When it comes to travelling, hats are an essential item. If you take an ugly hat that is easy to pack, you end up with all your photos being of your ugly hat. The goal is to bring a beautiful hat and make sure it arrives in perfect condition.  Continue reading

It's heartbreaking, but there are a lot of things you can do to fix a broken Panama hat. Most problems come about because the hat has become dry and brittle - then it gets crushed or pinched. Sometimes they fall down the back of your cupboard in winter, your dog eats it (which seems to happen a lot), or you leave it in your car and it gets cooked in the sun. Continue reading