Panama Hats | Vibepedia

Panama hats, also known as Ecuadorian hats or toquilla straw hats, are traditional brimmed straw hats originating from Ecuador. Made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata plant, these hats are light-colored, lightweight, and breathable, often worn as accessories to summer-weight suits. The quality of a Panama hat is characterized by the tightness, fineness of the weave, and the time spent in weaving a complete hat. The Ecuadorian government has launched initiatives to promote the use of the term 'Ecuadorian hat'. The majority of hats are exported to countries such as the United States and Japan. The hats have been featured in many films and television shows, including the Indiana Jones series.