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Woven in Ecuador, famed around the world

Ecuador

Woven in Ecuador, famed around the world

Hats woven from toquilla straw in Ecuador — misnamed after the Panama Canal.

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The collection

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A toquilla hat with two hatbands on a light background Hat and band set$149.00 A toquilla hat gift box on a light background Toquilla hat gift box$169.00 A kids toquilla hat on a light background Kids toquilla hat$69.00 An elegant ladies toquilla hat on a light background Ladies toquilla hat$139.00 A casual sport toquilla hat on a light background Sport toquilla hat$99.00 A toquilla fedora hat on a light background Toquilla fedora$139.00 A wide-brim toquilla hat on a light background Wide-brim toquilla hat$149.00 A medium-weave toquilla hat on a light background Medium toquilla hat$109.00

Our story

The famous 'Panama' hat, actually from Ecuador

The hat the world calls a 'Panama' hat is not from Panama at all — it is woven from toquilla straw in the coastal highlands of Ecuador, and got its name because it travelled through the Panama Canal to reach the world. Tejido works with the weavers of Ecuador, where a fine hat can take weeks of hand-weaving, strand by strand. The result is a hat that is cool, light and beautifully made — a classic sun hat with a story worth telling at the table.

Where it comes from

Ecuador

Hats woven from toquilla straw in Ecuador — misnamed after the Panama Canal.

What
Toquilla straw "Panama" hats
Made for
Classic sun hats
Region
Latin America

How it's made

Each hat is woven by hand from the toquilla palm's straw, strand by strand, over days or weeks depending on the fineness of the weave. It is then blocked into shape on a wooden form, trimmed and finished with a hatband. No two are exactly alike.

How to use it

Wear it for sun protection and style on warm days. It folds and rolls for travel without losing its shape. To keep it, store it brim up or hang it, and brush or gently wipe it clean as needed.

Good to know

How do I care for it?

Store it brim up or hang it, away from heat and moisture. Brush it gently to remove dust, and wipe it with a barely damp cloth if needed. Avoid crushing it in a bag.

Can I fold or roll it for travel?

Yes. A quality toquilla hat can be rolled and packed without losing its shape, which is part of its charm. To keep its form, let it sit or hang before wearing.

Is it a medical or health product?

No. It is a woven sun hat. It is a hat, not a medicine and not intended to address any condition — it simply provides shade and style.

Are they good for sun protection?

Yes. The wide-brim styles shade the face and neck, and the open, light weave keeps your head cool on hot days — which is why they have been worn in the tropics for centuries.

How are they made?

Each hat is woven by hand, strand by strand, from the toquilla palm's straw. The finest hats take weeks or even months of careful hand-weaving before they are blocked into shape.

Why is it called a 'Panama' hat?

It is a misnomer. The hats are woven from toquilla straw in Ecuador, but they travelled through the Panama Canal to reach the world, and the name stuck. Ecuador is the true home of the hat.

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