Identifying an Authentic Hand-Woven Panama Hat

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

If a hat says Made in China you can be certain it is not a Panama Hat. However, if your hat is branded inside with the dark-brown Made in Ecuador seal, you can be assured that that you have an authentic product.

Sadly, you have to shop carefully on the internet when searching for a true Panama Hat. But if you're informed, you can find what you're looking for.