As a global traveler, you're probably always on the lookout for unique and authentic souvenirs to bring back from your travels. One item that should definitely be on your list is a Panama hat from Ecuador. These iconic hats are not only stylish and versatile, but they also have a rich history and cultural significance. Here's everything you need to know about buying a high-quality Panama hat in Ecuador.
Where to Shop
When it comes to buying a Panama hat in Ecuador, there are a few places you should consider. The first is Montecristi, a small town located in the northwest of the country near Manta. This is where the finest Panama hats are made, and you'll find a wide variety of styles and quality levels to choose from.
Montecristi is a farming community and originally the people wove hats for sun protection. Today, they weave hats to supplement family income. All their hats are handmade, and the weaving skills are taught from one generation to the next. Many families do not grow their own fibers, rather they buy fiber from others and just make the hats. Hat makers make a minimum of $5-$10 per day. A family typically makes $200-$300 in hat sales per month to supplement their income. $450 per month was the minimum wage and $750 per month was the average salary in 2022, so this supplemental income is significant.
In the town of Montecristi there are many hat shops offering a variety of hat shapes, sizes, and colors. You can also visit the workshops of local artisans to see the hats being made and learn more about the process.
The cruise port terminal in Manta features several vendors who sell handicrafts, including Panama hats. Their selection, quality and prices are very competitive and convenient. Another option is the city of Cuenca, which is known for its high-quality Panama hats. Here, you'll find several hat shops and markets selling the traditional Ecuadorian headwear. The Otavalo market is also a good place to find Panama hats, as well as other traditional Ecuadorian crafts.
Panama hats are also available for sale in Quito and even at the international airports, as well as hat stores around the world. Keep in mind that the farther away you get from the place where the hats are actually handmade, the more expensive the same hat becomes. For example, I bought my husband a handmade hat in Montecristi for $45. The same hat would cost $100 in Quito and $300 or more in Scottsdale.
How Panama Hats are Made by Hand
We visited a collective where families operate small shops and demonstrate the weaving of hats for tourists. The process is extremely labor intensive!
It starts with the growing and harvesting of native palms. Only fibers from the stems are used after the skin is removed revealing fibers inside the bark. The palm fibers are boiled for 5 minutes, then dried in the sun for three days. The natural color is whitish, but the fibers can also be dyed. Once dry, the threads are separated by hand. And ready to weave. Weavers start from the crown. It takes 8 hours a day of weaving for one month to make a nice hat. The same weaver makes the entire hat because the patterns of weaving are unique. This process can take 6 months or longer to weave one high-quality hat.
After weaving, the hats are pounded with a wooden mallet for about five minutes to make them softer. A hot iron and hat mold are used to shape each hat. Finally, the edges are trimmed with scissors and a hat band is applied, often with a logo.
Factors to Consider
When shopping for a Panama hat in Ecuador, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure you're getting a high-quality product. The first is the weave. The tighter the weave, the thinner the fiber, the better the quality. 60 fibers per inch is good quality. The finest hats feel soft, like cotton. Hold the hat up to the sun to see how much light passes through it. The second factor to consider is the material. The finest Panama hats are made from the fibers of the toquilla straw plant, which is native to Ecuador.
Another thing to consider is the brim. The wider the brim, the more formal the hat will look. If you're looking for a more casual style, then a narrower brim is the way to go. Packability is an important attribute for travelers. A high-quality Panama hat is uniquely rollable, so can be packed without crushing. It can be reshaped easily and ready to wear.
Finally, keep in mind that the price of a Panama hat will vary depending on the quality and the level of craftsmanship. Be prepared to pay more for a hat that is made by hand and of the highest quality.
Care and Maintenance of your Panama Hat
Panama hats can last for several years if properly cared for and maintained. The lifespan of a Panama hat can vary depending on the quality of the hat, the materials it is made from, and how it is worn and stored. When purchasing a high-quality Panama hat, it is customary to also receive either a storage bag that helps to maintain its shape or a wooden box made of balsa wood to pack or store the hat.
A high-quality Panama hat made from the fibers of the toquilla straw plant and crafted by skilled artisans can last for several years if it is treated with care. Avoiding exposure to harsh elements such as rain and strong sunlight, storing it in a cool, dry place and avoiding crushing the hat or deforming its shape are some ways to increase the lifespan of the hat. It's also important to note that a well-made Panama hat can be re-blocked or reshaped if it loses its shape over time. This can help prolong the life of the hat and restore its original appearance.
Overall, a Panama hat can be a durable and long-lasting accessory if treated with care, but like all things, the lifespan can vary.
History of the Name
The Panama hat gets its name from the country of Panama, but it's actually made in Ecuador. In fact, the original name of the Panama hat was the Montecristi hat. The reason for the name change is that in the 19th century, Ecuadorian artisans began exporting their hats to Panama, where they were worn by workers building the Panama Canal for sun protection. The hats became so popular in Panama that they were soon associated with the country, and the name stuck.
Panama hats have a long history and have been worn by many famous people throughout the years. Some examples include:
· Theodore Roosevelt: The former President of the United States was often photographed wearing a Panama hat, which helped to popularize the style.
· Ernest Hemingway: The famous author was often seen wearing a Panama hat, both in his writing and in real life. His love for Panama hats is depicted in one of his most famous books "The Old Man and the Sea"
· Fred Astaire: The famous actor and dancer wore a Panama hat in many of his films, including "Top Hat" and "Holiday Inn."
· Paul Newman: The actor wore a Panama hat in the movie "The Sting" and helped to popularize the style.
The Panama hat is often mentioned in songs, for example in the song "Panama Hat" by The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band, "Panama Hat" by The Champs, "Panama Hat" by The New Orleans Jazz Band. The book “The Trail of the Panama Hat” is an interesting read about the history of the hat.
In addition to these examples, Panama hats have been worn by many other famous people throughout history, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities, helping to cement their place as a classic and timeless accessory.
In conclusion, Panama hats are a unique and authentic souvenir that you can bring back from Ecuador. They are not only stylish but also have a rich history and cultural significance. Keep in mind to look for a tight weave, the use of the toquilla straw plant, the width of the brim and be prepared to pay more for a handcrafted high-quality Panama hat. Happy shopping!