Hats

The fine toquilla straw hats are made by hand in Ecuador. This accessory is gaining strength every day in the world of fashion, being used by young people and adults, by people from the countryside and the city.

Toquilla straw hats are synonymous with elegance and freshness, it is inevitable not to buy this craft to look good and stylish. Usually many travelers or people who are dedicated to tourism, choose to buy straw hats toquilla to be able to cover the sun and to have that appearance of adventurer.

So Theodore Roosevelt meets for first time the toquilla straw hats. On that occasion he was photographed wearing one and this image appeared in the New York Times, which gave these accessories international fame, but their origin was initially confused and recived the popular name “Panama Hat“, after the place in which they were sold, although its origin was actually Ecuadorian.

The Panama Hat weaving is an ancient knowledge passed from generation to generation. It’s a tradition that continues today bringing entire families. Moreover, it represents a lifestyle that creates a sense of identity and social cohesion reference for both the craftsmen who manufacture the hats and the people of Manabi.

Panama hats have several models, each with its name and its main characteristics that distinguish each other. These fashion hats can be for all tastes: youthful, formal, sports and classic.

Toquilla straw hat, also known as Panama Hat, have become very popular among young people and adults.  If you have a Panama hat and you do not know how to combine it or you want to buy one, but you do not know which one is the right one, you have arrived at the right place. 

Since the first of October the straw hat has been exhibited in the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art in New York) museum. This is erroneously known as Panama Hat. Its true origin is from Ecuador. 

We are travelers. We love to enjoy nature. And on each trip we bring our favorite clothes. The Panama hat is one of the most used garments to cover the sun in our travels. Especially if we have to walk. These trips leave us a great experience.

The Montecristi hat is mistakenly known as Panama Hat. The hat is woven by Ecuadorian hands. Montecristi is the attractive center of these handmade hats. Weavers take between 1 to 6 months to weave a hat.

The toquilla straw hats are woven 100% by Ecuadorian hands. A hat is woven in 1 to 4 months. The time depends on the degree of tissue. Weavers of Panama hats have fun with this work. More than a job, it is a passion for them. 

The program of workshop schools, and offices homes have their appearance in Spain.  It is created under the command of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. This school does not depend on the education sector, but it is an alternative training for the people; it is a way to learn to weave Toquilla straw hats.

The quality of the hat is measured by “weave degrees”. The degree is the number of rows per linear inch. Fino Hat is grade 10-20, the Superfino or Extrafino Hat grade 20-30 and Supreme Hat grade 30 onwards. A supreme hat can take up to six arduous months of hard work by HAND. There are limited and therefore more expensive. Due to its high quality it can be sold for thousands of dollars a piece.