Montecristi Hat or Panama Hat

Why is it called Panama Hat?

One of the most recognized garments for its elegance and glamor in the whole world, is the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat from Montecristi, which was erroneously attributed the name of Panama hat or Panama Hat, which due to its freshness, delicate texture and flexibility was used by workers in charge of the construction of the Panama Canal, to protect themselves from the intense sun to which they were exposed during so many hours of work.

Since when is the Panama Hat used?

It gained more relevance when US President Theodore Roosevelt wore it during the inauguration of the Panama Canal in 1914. However, it is said that the Montecristi hat was already known even before Roosevelt was born. This information is obtained, thanks to a judicial chronicle published in the New York Times on August 26, 1852, in which a witness recounts that one of the criminals who robbed and murdered a security guard, wore checkered pants and covered his head. with “a white Panama hat a black ribbon around” (a white Panama hat with a black ribbon around it). This event happened six years before the birth of Theodore Roosevelt.

The toquilla straw fabric is ancient and its oldest origins are located on the coast of Ecuador, according to information from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage of Ecuador. At first it was used by humble workers and later by great personalities such as Gabriel García Márquez.

In 2012, UNESCO recognized the traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with which it was definitively identified as a one hundred percent Ecuadorian product.

Authentic toquilla straw hats are hard to find and can fetch up to 1,500 euros for their high quality. For this reason, we recommend that you visit Ecuador and acquire first-hand this unique piece of craftsmanship in its kind and beauty.