Panama Hats Are Awesome!

Panama hats go great with silk or linen summer suits. These great hats simply remind you of warm weather and the tropics, they are one of the more fun hats to wear by far!

They don't hold heat like felt hats in warm and hotter climates because they are light weight, lightly shaded(in color) and very breathable.

These fine hats were original made and still are extremely popular in the country of Ecuador. The Panama hat has stood the test of time in a way. Gentlemen are often spotted wearing these fashionable hats in many tropical areas. They remain so popular that well founded hat companies, such as Stetson, Dobbs and Cavanaugh, now manufacture more Panama styled headwear than felt hats, like fedoras or bowlers for instance.

Like anything else, you get what you pay for. Depending on the hat maker and quality of construction of the hat, you could find yourself paying anywhere from $20 to several thousands of dollars.

The quality of the weave itself is by far the most important factor. A high weave count, even a great looking one, doesn't guarantee a hat that's well-woven. The primary thing to examine when judging the quality of a woven hat like a panama, is the weave itself. The finer the weave, the finer the hat. It is said that a Panama of true quality (a "superfino") can hold water and when folded for storage can pass through a wedding ring.

LOOKING FOR THE GENUINE ARTICLE?

If your are looking for a genuine panama, keep an eye on the hats color. Remember that these are straw hats. When was the last time you saw a piece of naturally white straw? A hat that appears extremely white is most likely a peroxide-bleached cheap Chinese knock-off. A fine Montecristi hat is more the hue of ivory. Even the finest and most excellent hats will have some red and/or grayish straw in it. Also, take note that all of these hats darken slightly with age. A consistent, light ivory color throughout the hat is ideal, and also rare. It is not as easy these days finding a genuine Panama but it can be done. Even though Panama hats continue to provide a living for a multitude of Ecuadorian hat-makers, less than twelve weavers that are truly capable of producing the finest "montecristi superfinos" remain. The time may be now to get one of these fine hats!