Identifying an Authentic Hand-Woven Panama Hat

Today, many inexpensive hats that resemble Panama hats are exported from China, but these are not made by hand and often aren't even straw hats. Instead, they are made of paper or raffia. These hats cannot be as comfortable or as durable as authentic, hand-woven Panama hats of toquilla straw.

Sure, one of these imitation Panama hats might be cheaper. It might even be a great looking hat. But it is the humanity and the singularity woven into it that sets the real Panama hat apart.

If a hat says Made in China, you can be certain it is not a Panama hat. Only if you see the words Made in Ecuador inside your hat can you be sure that it is a real Panama hat. The term Panama hat is, after all, not a loose idea; it is a strictly defined mark of excellence.

One must be vigilant when shopping online for true Panama hats. But if you're well informed, your quest will not end in vain. (And we'll give you a hint - you've come to the right place.)