A timeless fashion staple, the Panama hat has been a classic accessory adorned across the globe. It’s allure can be attributed to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each and every hat. Finely crafted from the straw of the Toquilla palm plant, the Panama hat is a creation that originated in Ecuador centuries ago. Despite its name, the hat has no historical connection to Panama.​

 

The history of the Panama hat dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors encountered indigenous people in Ecuador wearing woven hats. Finding the hats practical and stylish, the Spaniards exported these “toquilla hats” to Europe where they quickly became popular amongst the elites. The Panama hat gained even more prominence in the early 20th century during the construction of the Panama Canal. Working under hot and sunny conditions, the hats provided workers with much needed protection from the sun. Due to the canal's international exposure, the useful accessory became known as the "Panama hat". President Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway were among the public figures who cemented the hat as a fashion accessory in the United States. After many centuries the hat is still considered a timeless fashion accessory for men and women of all ages.