Artisans At Work

The Panama hat: it's hailed the world over as the prince of hats. Its lightweight construction and natural breathability have rendered it the most practical solution for escaping the heat of the sun. But what is it about Panama hats that keeps dignified hat-wearers coming back, even after hundreds of years?

We believe the answer lies in the fact that each Panama hat is an entirely unique creation, with its author's signature woven into the very strands of its being. For centuries, the fine Ecuadorian art of hand-weaving Panama hats has been passed down from generation to generation.

The process takes place in small mountain villages throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. Take a stroll around one of these towns, and you'll see weavers all around you practicing this Panama hat trade that's been passed down through countless generations. On the corner, at the riverbank, in front of the general store - Panama hat weaving is an integral component to these communities. To these artisans, Panama hats do not merely constitute a living, but a way of life.

The amount of attention given to each Panama hat is what truly makes the hat special. Weavers can complete a typical straw hat in one day, but they will spend several days weaving finer Panama hats. Our very finest Virtuoso Panama hat collection takes an experienced weaver several weeks to complete.