How about some trivia. . .
No they are from Ecuador! These hand woven hats originate from the providence of Manabi Ecuador and are made from the leaves of the Toquilla tree. They were and still are hand woven by very skilled craftsman of the indigenous tribes in Ecuador.
The Panama hat got it’s name because it was first noticed in the early 1880’s during the creation of the Panama Canal. It was a sign of culture and worn by the privileged and elite during this time. A distribution center was opened in Panama City and so the name “Panama Hat” was created and associated to them however they were and still are made in Ecuador.
The famous place of the Panama hat is Montecristi, Manabi, Ecuador. This is the home of the Panamanian hat and there are still a few of the master weavers today creating these jewels of the elite. Montecristi is a small town setting at the base of large hill called Montecristi. The modern day design was originated by Francisco Delgado who lived in this village in the 1700’s.
The hats vary in quality but the premium grades literally take months to create by one individual and they can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. They are a symbol of sophistication and luxury and are loved world wide. The hats are blocked, bleached and dyed in Cuenca, Ecuador and are exported worldwide. Below is a couple of links for further information:
