Panama Hat Guide - Gentleman's Gazette

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What is a Panama hat?
Basically, it is a white summer hat that is woven from the straw of the Toquilla Palm. Even though it's called Panama hat, it's originally made in Ecuador and it has never been made in Panama. In Ecuador, it's better known as the SOMBRERO DE PAJA TOQUILLA which means as much as a straw hat. Panama hats have been woven in Ecuador since the 17th century and they've been imported since the 19th century to Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
So how did the Panama hat got its name?
During the 1834 Gold Rush in Canada, when miners went from South America to Canada, they saw those hats in Panama and so they got their name. On top of that, Theodore Roosevelt popularised the hat style and even cemented the Panama name when he was wearing one observing the Panama Canal and of course, being photographed.
So how is a Panama made?
Basically, you take the core fibers of the toquilla plant which are also known as cogollos. The cogollos are the hearts of the palm tree and they're carefully separated by hand and then briefly boiled. Since they're wet, they have to be sun-dried or air dried and once that's done, the fiber is bleached with sulfur smoke to give it the original Panama light color. Sometimes, you can also find uncolored hats but they have a much more yellow appearance. To get really fine hats, the palm tree fibers are split into even finer straw fibers. The weaving of a Panama hat begins at the center of the crown. Once the crown is large enough, it's put in a dry pot and woven on top of a hat block at about waist height. Once the weave extends past the size of the hat block, the weaver adds additional blocks on top and pulls down the weave so it stays in place and it gets that hat shape. The entire process is physically quite tiring and depending on how fine your hat is, it can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months to create one hat. Once the weaver gets to the edge of the brim, it's typically handed off to other artisans who finish the hat. Traditionally, a Panama hat has a loose back weave which is much more elegant than a cut and sewn edge. So when you want a quality hat, look for that edge because if it's back woven, it's of a much higher quality than if it’s cut and sewn. Typically, you have one person who starts the back weave, a second one that tightens it, and the third one cuts off the loose straw so it has a polished nice finish. If you have a very fine hat, they keep that excess straw and use it to maybe make repairs later. In the next step, the hats are washed and bleached with sulfur to make them softer and more suitable to wear as a wonderful summer hat. Subsequently, the hats are blocked or either brought to the US to head blockers who then get the hat the right shape. In my experience, the hats that come directly out of Ecuador usually have a very small range of different styles and shapes and are very limited. Because of that, quality Panama hats are usually brought raw at this stage to the US or to other countries which are then blocked by an experienced head blocker who can get exactly the shape the customer demands. Traditionally, every Panama hat was woven by hand but due to a high demand, most hats these days are machine woven.
WATCH THE VIDEO TO CHECK OUT SVEN RAPHAEL's FAVORITE PANAMA HATS!
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[@yungtempe5t]

I’m 14, I bought a Panama hat from a local hat store for 90 dollars and a dark blue hat band to go with it. The hat itself was no montecristi but it was a good hat for the price. The owner of the store gave me a 20 dollar discount on the hat which had originally cost 110 dollars and a half off discount on the hat band which was originally 8 dollars because According to her, I was being a gentleman.

[@oliverkey1435]

You, you are the type of person that I aspire to be. I am fourteen also, and have started to build my formal wear collection, focussing specifically on ties, as you cannot outgrow a tie.

[@DapperDebonair9820]

Same happened to me! I am thirteen and a few months ago I got lucky and swiped one for 90 dollars too. It was originally $145 it was the last one so it was brought down to $100. But since the shopkeeper thought I was very gentleman like, she lowered the price even more to 90 dollars.

[@DapperDebonair9820]

@@oliverkey1435 Invest in sweaters, scarves and hats because, if chosen correctly and taken care of, they can last you very long.

[@oliverkey1435]

@@DapperDebonair9820 I suppose at fourteen my head won’t grow anymore, really.

[@guanglesaveling3078]

I'm 14, and am still working on growing my wardrobe! Recently I got a Panama hat from a charity shop (my parents would be incandescent if I would buy one from anywhere else!) for £8, it does its job well and keeps the sun out my eyes!

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

I own an Akubra version of the panama hat, made in Australia. I bought it there because of the fierce sun along the great Sydney Harbor. It's a beauty. The first time I wore it Manhattan I was walking in the Village. I had on old style, flat, thick-rimmed, dark sunglasses, black tee-shirt and black trousers, all matching the band on my hat. The hat was cocked over one eye. As I was waiting to cross the street, an old man came up next to me and said, "I don't know who taught you how to dress, but someone did you right."

[@TheGrenadier97]

From The Panama Hat Company: "Another interesting aspect of its history is the tradition of the black band with which the majority of Panamas are trimmed. This originates from its most popular period in 1901, the year of the death of Queen Victoria." Other source a bit more clear: "The traditional black band on a Panama hat was added in mourning for Queen Victoria after her death in 1901." I consider the old black band extremely classy, and reminds me of my grandpa, a great, rustic man that loved the Panamas my godmother (his daughter) gave to him.

[@maxsteel4860]

Der Alte z

[@MauroMan_]

It´s not Panama hat... It´s Ecuadorian Hat. .. did you know that ?

[@OrrosGG]

Panama Hats’ Weaving is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage. They are simply legendary.. 🎩⭐️

[@alexisjoza4308]

The Toquilla straw hat from Montecristi is considered as such by UNESCO, hats woven in Cuenca, Peru or Colombia do not have this recognition.

[@jeremiahbok9028]

Wow, I knew zip about Panama hats and now I love them. What a process, and so clean and dapper looking. Thanks for the lovely work.

[@MauroMan_]

It´s not Panama hat... It´s Ecuadorian Hat. .. did you know that ?

[@sandrocamborda1086]

@@MauroMan_ That was explained in the video. But its still called a panama hat in many parts of the world

[@MauroMan_]

@@sandrocamborda1086 ..so., ..it's a wrong name.

[@sandrocamborda1086]

@@MauroMan_ It is a wrong name. But the name is still panama hat.

[@MauroMan_]

@@sandrocamborda1086 .. the name is still panama hat, but it is a wrong name.

[@timeminecraft6019]

I bought a Panama hat and it’s probably the one hat I’ve used the most based on it being the most casual I’m my small collection.

[@brunobenitez876]

Thank you, Sven! Greetings from Ecuador 😅

[@chrismoody1342]

Been wearing a Optimo Panama for 47 years. I’m sure it wasn’t a premium brand but I did pay like $50 back in the day. I’m in the market for a new hat. I am fortunate to have an acquaintance that owns a fine hat shop in my city.

[@miguelsolorio8923]

I just bought an Optimo montecristi, I’m loving it. Graham helped me out had it made to my perfect size. It was exactly what I had been looking for in past decade. My other hats can’t compare with this one.

[@gthehatguy]

Optimo is a nice and unique piece indeed.

[@thelatterdayarbiter]

Now that it’s summer, my fedoras feel a bit hot. So knowing this, I’ll work to get one ☝🏽

[@fernandomaldonado3677]

These hats are incredible. It is an honor that you mention them on your channel. In addition to these hats, in my country we also have spectacular wool fabrics, jackets and leather shoes of the best quality (sorry for those who are against the use of leather). Greetings from Ecuador.

[@guylewis7418]

Fernando Maldonado, I’m not sure if you have them, but a friend of mine had a llama wool poncho, and it was great!

[@fernandomaldonado3677]

Hello Guy! Yes, we have llama ponchos. You can get them in Otavalo, a small city near Quito, the capital of the country. I have one poncho, it has a conservative design, it's soft and doesn't itch. The people who make these clothes also export them to Europe and Asia, it has an excellent reception. But to be fair, in my opinion, I think that the best llama ponchos are made in Peru (maybe I'm wrong, hope so!, ha!).

[@guylewis7418]

Fernando Maldonado, my friends ponchos were from Peru, too!

[@heinzguderianbutmoreyounge9659]

Yes!i love ecuadorian woolens,i got one of them pochos 10 years age,still standing,dont know how to buy a ecuadorian shoes

[@neilgarrod318]

I've always been a ball cap guy But that's changing. Just bought a newsboy for this winter and going to get a panama for next summer.

[@ViguLiviu]

Perfect timing i stated to look for a Panama hat yesterday, thank you very much Raphael.

[@timothytikker1147]

I bought my first Panama hat at a store in Charleston, SC, who said that they bought the weave and blocked them themselves. It was their best quality Panama, and better than I've seen in other stores ever since. Sadly, the store, called The Mad Hatter, was no longer there last time I was in Charleston.

[@MoodyZoe]

I love the hats!! Thank you so much for mentioning them! I love men who wear hats. 🙂

[@edf2953]

Excellent video! I learned so much about Panama Hats; I now feel compelled to add one to my wardrobe. I particularly enjoyed learning the history of Panama Hats. I’m curious as to how many hours it took you to make this extremely informative and fun to watch video. Thanks, Ed

[@mhroe]

Crazy! On Saturday I came across Panama I bought while on port call in Panama, and began to wear it once more! looks phenomomenal with my outfits. Great Minds think alike!

[@zhao784]

Ha. Just received my Optimo Panama hat from the Panama Hat Company! A great little Cuenca.

[@zoukatron]

Is that the Panama Hat Co in London? I hav eexactly the same, plus one of their trilbies (and getting a second). They seem to be a good company.

[@dmshampton]

Never been a big hat wearer, but this is really cool to learn about it! I may consider wearing one in the future.

[@frederickwaramit2817]

I like the thank this video for giving me the best outfit of the New Year’s Eve party!!! I got almost 150 to 200 comments saying the like my hat/suit made of linen along with my Ultrafino Panama hat. One group said, “Nice hat and suit.” In fact one of the men asked where did I get my hat? I referred to Ultrafino and this KZbin channel. Again thank you for giving guidance on old fashioned clothing.

[@ritzcult]

love your explanation guide on Panama hats. Thank you!

[@Dickeywood43081]

Wow great timing. I was thinking about buying one and was just about to purchase one on line.

[@bobbytarantino3522]

Yessss Raphael this is exactly the video I was hoping for!!!

[@guymathis2536]

Great review just bought 2panamas Stetson n Dobbs at Stetson. Store st.joseph mo.good sale going on plus they had a bin with summer flat caps 20bucks😁😁

[@KingHermst]

Sehr schön passend zum Sommer!

[@banzaiburger9589]

Fascinating video. Thanks so much

[@RichMitch]

That suit is lovely

[@youssouphafall6966]

Extraordinaire beauté Pour la classe D'elegance dans l'air des beaux jours. Totale MERCI l'artiste " Top Classe "

[@skinwalker_]

Great video, throughly enjoyed it. Very pleased I found your channel.

[@mrkoolzaad2]

Love my Panama hat.

[@sonnycorleone3251]

Gentlemens Gazette, Love your channel. Thanks for all the knowledge and info about menswear clothes. I did not even know in hats you could swap the headbands. I always left the original headband on without changing it. Nice to know you can do that. Plus did not know the Panama hat is originally from and made in Ecuador. My nephew visited Ecuador recently and loved it! Plus I love the style at 11:37 but I usually do not wear the hat with it. I do the Indiana Jones look. Fedora hat with leather jacket, with no suit underneath. Just shirt and jeans for a more modern-day casual look. But each his own! Great channel.

[@robertdufour2456]

Thank out! Outstanding presentation!

[@nacionalista1779]

Nice hats, thanks for the info I always thought it was from Panama, got to get one of those

[@kenneth7826]

As always great information...I thank you

[@gristlevonraben]

beautiful video, great style. thanks for the info.

[@MaxWattage]

Thank you for the guide. After watching this I invested in a Panama hat.

[@MarcKomenan-dp9vt]

I've been wearing Pana Hats for years. Some bought here in the USA from Village Hat Shop, Delmonico Hatter, some straight from Ecuador. I've just bought a couple of them from France from Bon Clic Bon Genre. Nice hats. The Gentleman talked about many shapes of Panama Hat but one other shape worth mentioning is the Traveller, wide downturn brim and a great protection from the sun.

[@Rogelio_007]

What a great presentation. Your accent is perfect and really made the information intriguing.

[@benjaminharrisongray9079]

My go-to hat.

[@LittleLightRay]

Magnificent hat, after watching Raymond Reddington wearing it in the Blacklist series, it is imperative I get one for my boyfriend.

[@johnthevoice6270]

Really enjoyed this video! Big fan of the Panama hat!

[@DWilliam1]

I’ve owned a Kangol Panama hat for years. Wears very well.

[@warpig7493]

All class Sir!

[@sunestjern3749]

Thanks for the information on the Panama hat!

[@Floorguy1000]

Excellent and very informative.

[@dugwthree]

wow! the work

[@inspireaspire278]

My compliments for a well presented hat description.

[@anthonys5568]

Nicely said Sir!

[@andreminotti334]

This week I bought a Cuenca panama hat from Homero Ortega. Great and comfortable hat!

[@carlostorres8771]

I bought a cucumunga hat

[@Stllno]

Awesome!

[@jameslittles4998]

Thank you for a very informative clip.

[@wandaarnt234]

Outstanding 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@CaptainVillanueva1]

I finally bought my first quality panama hat thanks to watching your channel. Don't regret the price 😅

[@dugwthree]

thank you for sharing.

[@true_the_lens]

Do one regarding Panama Suits or Tropical Suits please sir..... I live in a very hot climate but would love to wear a suit that's fashionable and lightweight.... Thanks!!

[@johnnyryu9207]

johan iskandar Try an off-white linen suit! It's a classic summer staple.

[@coreymasoy7034]

Great episode ❗🔥💯👍

[@meesalikeu]

retirement purchase goals, along with a muhlbauer vienna cap, guayabara shirts and a gold rope. and a boater for saratoga race season.

[@ZlyCholesterol]

Just as I was about to get myself a panama hat.

[@Handy-Gecko]

Before i discovered your channel, my recommandation section was full of Mad Tv and comic books related videos. but now i'm only interested in fashion.

[@daletaco835]

good for you, getting some good useful learning, take care brother

[@h.martinsmith7839]

I have been wearing Panama hats for a number of years. What has not been mentioned is (in my experience) that the more top quality the more light weight they are. This presents problems in that just a slight breath of wind can cost one several hundred £. I was recently given a hat maid from Flexibraid which is Polyester an elastic adjustment. Comparatively it is heavy, washable and more robust so I have been using it on sunny but not hot days and it will also stuff into a cabin bag (lost a good one in an overhead locker) so is ideal for traveling with. I now keep my good Panamas at the destinations I am visiting (in Australia). Looks just as good as the real thing unless examined closely..

[@spiralni]

I have a Montecristi and it is a classy hat

[@gthehatguy]

That's a nice piece there. SALUTE

[@thedolphieboy5535]

I think the next hat to feature in this series should be the homburg, or western. I love western hats because of the many styles you can rock (but i know its not that formal or dapper but whatevs its my style) and i also fell in love with the homburg because of the formality and have been dying for a guide on one since its small time feature in your fedora vid. But what ever hat thats next im sure ill end up loving it anyways. Great work as usual

[@byronleonardo7134]

Saludos desde Quito Ecuador

[@MisterRuu004]

Either I wear a wool fedora or a panama hat for summer. Always need to look great no matter what.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Panama Jack approved this message... 😉👍🏻🤓

[@chairmanalf7856]

The man from Del Monte say ‘Yes!’

[@jameshallfishing3377]

At 10:24 nice.. love the look.

[@Tiberiotertio]

Perfectly happy with my panama hat from Mayser´s has the back weave, even though it did not cost a fortune. In Europe you don´t need to leave the price tag on so that people see you bought something good.

[@josephasbury4492]

Going off a previous hat guide, you suggested wearing a hat band that was similar in color to the hat for those that are shorter or at least have shorter length heads. Would that light red banded Panama hat at the end then be the better match for the aforementioned face type?

[@t.c.bramblett617]

I now know my "panama" is a Maya Quiche straw hat from Guatemala. Still, it has lasted over 15 years, so I like it too!

[@elijahb3197]

But is not real

[@andresborjas502]

Nice panama hats. Great video! One question. Would you also go with a boater hat?

[@crystalheart9]

Well, that was very interesting.

[@snowthewhitefox6367]

yup they're made in Ecuador just like me jajaja.

[@hiphop90s98]

First Like Then Watch

[@youssouphafall6966]

Hip Hop 90s joliment Merci excellente et agréable Semaine l'artiste

[@davidsiler5505]

Just about.

[@jeanraspail2979]

Perfect, I just started looking to buy one for the summer.

[@jeanraspail2979]

Looking for a stingy brim trilby.

[@Condottier]

I may be a bit late to the discussion, but I was wondering about the considerations of wearing a fedora shaped Panama hat with a dinner jacket for black tie, instead of a boater? In my mind I see it working best with the Monte Carlo reverse combination, but I feel it can be pulled out with a white dinner jacket too, or would it be other preferable with other Panama shapes, like the Optimo? Also, one bit of history that wasn't mentioned in the article, Jipijapa hats which were one of the many hats worn by Cubans and Spaniards during the Spanish-American, were also toquilla hats I assume, even them exported from Equador, they had the crown of the Optimo, but a wide brim.

[@crypticuriosity8969]

thanks for the info you earned a nesw subscriber.

[@kerrythomas6948]

I own a couple of Panamas including an Optimo.

[@frothybeaver4869]

I love my optimo hats. Great company great staff and great owner.

[@criskity]

A Panama hat goes well with Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt.

[@amjp905]

It is interesting that you prefer a tall and classic crown because I always searched for a smaller one ince I am tall anyways.

[@mantarayasurf]

Made in Montecristi Ecuador! World Finest hats!

[@robertreisner6119]

I wear my fedora in the summer and a fur hat in winter,I live in Alaska. When going out I usually wear my fedora.

[@styzoom]

Nice hats, problem is they often won't last more than one summer. Eventually they end up being stolen or wrinkled after a bbq or trip to the beach. (I blame alcohol)

[@johnflynn4923]

Treat the hat just like the car; leave it at home first ;-)

[@zoukatron]

Sadly, I agree with stef, they do have a tendancy to get pinched and then mistreated.

[@HowRJ]

there are inexpensive genuine panama hats that look great and wear well....sure, they're not fine weave Montecristis …..they are machine stamped and can be bought for $59.....so if you lose it or ruin it, it's not a great loss......

[@adama7774]

Get a $7 one from a department store. Problem solved. It's not like anyone is going to come up to you with a magnifying glass to check the thread count....

[@shawnstatzer95]

I would love to purchase one, but in the Philippines the rain would destroy it fast.

[@Nikioko]

You actually can roll a hat and put it in your suitcase, but I wouldn't do that too often unless you live in a hot and humid area like Ecuador. In dryer climates, the straw dries out and more likely breaks when you roll it.

[@StMyles]

Wow didn’t know that.

[@Amory-wd3ws]

You should do a video on boater hats.

[@bernalm3067]

Raphael, I'd like to know your opinion on something. I don't own any black clothes, and I wear mostly blues, greens, khakis/browns and sometimes yellow. I'd like to add black to my wardrobe but I'm not really sure about how to pull it off or what to combine it with. Something that I'm interested in are black chelsea or Beatle boots, what tips or warnings do you have about them? Thanks in advance!

[@adamgoodwine]

Travelling to Greece soon. What sort of hat should I wear?

[@mrjayslab]

I'm seeing many "panama hats" imported from China. They are made of paper + synthetic fiber. They absorb perspiration readily, stain easily and hard to clean.

[@HowRJ]

BTW.....hats are seasonal.....felt for the winter & straw for the summer.....the"rule" is.....straw season begins with Easter Sunday and ends at the end of Sept......the rest of the year is for felt......

[@KE8NUF]

I like these hats for my more casual style, I find it hard to fit these hats with actual suits, usually then I just stick with a fedora

[@tripleseven8361]

I know it’s not made in Panama… But I bought mine… In Panama!

[@radimaulicky4554]

I bought one for 5 bucks in flying tiger, best buy in my life

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Panama Hat & Panama Papers - Sooo Good.

[@nixxon102]

Ever hear of colonial Littleton they have a nice Panama hat

[@garnel66]

Sven you haven't mentioned the colonial design. What are your thoughts on this design?

[@MotlTheChasid]

Just for reference. It is okay to wear a Panama hat in a synagogue especially an Orthodox synagogue. Many men pray in a federa or other style hat for afternoon and evening services. Some also for morning services.

[@mybluebelly]

Turning 40 soon, need a dandy hat to go with that age.

[@countercuIture]

I turned 18. I need something to show I'm bold without saying a word lol. Just need to work out again 😔

[@zoukatron]

Was this video skipping about for anyone else?Might have been an editing issue. Otherwise a nice video, I think would have good to show how an optimo/colonial is rolled as well.

[@ViguLiviu]

Yup it did and because of that it might disappear.

[@gentlemansgazette]

what is the issue?

[@ViguLiviu]

First is at 4:59-5:00 there is a skip and then another one at 10:58-10:59.

[@gentlemansgazette]

You're right. Internal screw up but it's not so bad that we have to reupload I think

[@ViguLiviu]

Indeed, it's not a big problem.

[@de_pin5835]

Cuenca,Ecuador

[@jdhsingi]

Thank you for the informative video. Is there a special way to care for and maintain this type of hat? How long will this type of hat last? Thank you for sharing.

[@zoukatron]

Not upkeep required. Wipe or pat them dry if they get wet, a gentle steam if they get bent out of shape. If you're going to be wearing them every day in hot, sweaty weather it is useful to have at least two so one can always rest and let the sweatband dry out.

[@jdhsingi]

zoukatron thank you

[@clawhammer704]

The hat fits you well .......

[@matte8433]

Is it safe to assume the Borsalino makes quality Panama hats? It will be my first Panama hat and not much selection in NY hat stores so I will be ordering online...