"Panama hats" Top 5 Page for this destination Ecuador Shopping Tip by elsadran

Panama hats are made of “paha toquilla”, which is the toquilla straw plant growing in the north coast of Ecuador. So their origin is Ecuadorian but they took the name because they were first shipped in Panama, before being sold to the markets of Asia, and Europe.
The peak trade of this popular hat is traced back in 1850 when the material of the toquilla plant was used to weave a handsome, breathable, light hat very elegant and suitable for the tropicals. Since then millions of people have made one of them an everyday accessory. The quality depends on the density of the weaves and of course the way it is woven. The plant is hand-split into fibers thin as thread and woven very finely. It has to be smooth, soft, with no visible fibers coming out, and not lose its shape when you fold it and you roll it into its box. A really fine hat appears to be made of linen.
Prices differ greatly and you can spend even hundreds of dollars on a really authentic one. But you can usually get a decent one for as little as 20$US.
They are sold everywhere in Ecuador but the best ones are said to be made in Montecristi where there is a long time tradition of their production.
panama hats Montecristi
Maybe Derk Bogart...helped its popularity a lot, wearing one in the film Casablanca!

Theme: Local Craft