Panama Hat, the Hat of Today

A Panama hat, also called a toquilla hat or an Ecuadorian hat, is traditionally brimmed with a light straw hat straw, usually gathered from within the hollow center of an old Panama pearls hat. It is a snug fit around the head and is generally not hard wired to keep its shape. Panama hats are normally made in colors like red, black, white, cream, beige, brown, and more. The Ecuadorian hats are the original ones; they are rounder and more pointed than their Panama counterpart.

There are many versions and variations of this hat. One example is the “gantana”, a style that is shorter and rounder and features two large buttons on each side rather than just one. Another version is the “lorado”, which features a long straw hat with a button placed on top that can be closed. It features a very pronounced peak that gives it the nickname, “bird-bath”. The final type is called the “papasan”, which features a wide brim hat with three buttons located on either side.

Panama hats have been popular for many years and have even gained popularity among celebrities. They make great accessories for many events and can be worn to enhance any look. The only real question is, will the Panama Hat, or any other style of hat, gain popularity as a fashion statement in the same way that the Hawaiian Shirt did, or will it remain as a fashion item only to be worn at special events and to be owned by a select few? Only time will tell!