From Ecuador to Here: The Craft, Care, and Legacy of Panama Hats at Simply The Best
At Simply the Best we prioritize sustainability in every step of production. We believe in supporting the local economy by sourcing our raw materials from small producers and paying fair wages to over 20 artisans for their talent and hard work in creating these beautiful pieces.
Once the toquilla straw has been dried, treated, and colored, it is handwoven by expert artisans to build the hoods that will later be shaped into hats. It takes at least 8 hours to complete the weaving of each piece.
This difficult and traditional art of hand weaving was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2012—an honorary title awarded to practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills that communities have passed down for generations as part of their cultural identity.
That heritage is alive and well today, and you’ll find it on display in every genuine Panama hat we carry at our men’s shop in Victoria, BC.
The Real Story Behind the Panama Hat
Despite the name, Panama hats are made in Ecuador, not Panama. The name stuck after workers on the Panama Canal—and even U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt—were photographed wearing them in the early 1900s.
Made from the straw of the Carludovica palmata plant, better known as toquilla, each hat is the product of intensive manual labor and practiced skill. The weaving technique, the consistency of the straw, and even the climate all contribute to the quality of the final product.
The result? A hat that’s lightweight, breathable, durable, and undeniably stylish.
Woven in Ecuador. Available in Victoria.
We’re proud to offer authentic Panama hats in Victoria, sourced directly from Ecuador. We work with suppliers who support the communities that produce them—ensuring that the people behind each weave are treated fairly and their traditions are respected.
Whether you’re dressing for a summer wedding, a downtown afternoon, or a getaway to the Gulf Islands, a Panama hat adds classic character with zero effort. It’s that rare accessory that looks good on just about anyone.
How to take care of a Panama Hat
The materials and construction of your Panama Hat make it a very versatile and resistant accessory. The only real threatening condition that could damage it is exposure to water. Contact with water can cause wrinkles and misshaping of the hat, which is why it’s important to avoid.
However, if your hat became misshapen due to contact with water, because someone sat on it or because it was stored incorrectly, there are still fast and easy ways to restore it.
BRIM
To restore a wrinkled or bent brim, iron it on low heat with a clean, dry cloth between the iron and the product. Repeat this process until the imperfection disappears, always being careful that the straw does not overheat and burn. Do not use the steam function in this process.
CROWN
For the crown, use your hand and a clean, dry cloth to hold the crown from inside and press the imperfection out. Then with your other hand and another cloth iron the crown from the outside. Repeat this process as necessary, always being careful that the straw does not overheat and burn.
RIBBON
The headband is usually the most delicate element in hats and the most prone to wrinkle. To fix this there are two options:
You can remove the three simple stitches that attach the band to the hat and iron it on a flat surface before reattaching.
You can leave the band on and gently and carefully iron it against the hat. A small amount of water (not enough to saturate the band and/or seep into the straw of the hat itself) can help this process if the band is severely wrinkled.
SHOP FOR OTHER SHADE
