The Essentials - The Panama Hat

The Panama Hat

This Hat has guarded the crowns of kings and labour's alike. The hat was made popular by American engineers returning from the digging of the Panama Canal. Ironically the best examples are reputed to be made in Ecuador. As the hat took its name from the Panama port from which it was shipped to the world rather than its true place of origin. 


The Panama has been a staple of summer life since its introduction, and is enjoying a major revival now that the dangers of skin cancer are all to well known. This hat is not only practical for the heat of the tropics, but also our much humbler summers. The Panama can be folded to allow easy transport. When you arrive at your destination you simply unfold it again, and you are ready to go. A good Panama can easily last two or three decades even if it is subjected to regular rolling. However you must remember to store it unrolled whenever possible, and also to occasionally water the hat to prevent it drying out and becoming brittle. To do this simple spray it with clean water and leave it to dry naturally.

Finally when purchasing a Panama it is advisable to buy a hat that is slights to big as the hat is liable to shrink slightly on a hot day. If you are interested in purchasing a panama then I would suggest you try either Bates, or Lock and Co. Both make truly excellent Panamas, and they have long and proud traditions as suppliers of some of the finest hats in the world. Their sales staff are very knowledgeable, and would be happy to help you find the perfect Panama for you.