How Panamas Are Made

June 19, 2009

Our panama hat supplier sent us a series of photographs that document the making of the Panama Hat.  The finest hats come from Ecuador where the climate makes it ideal for growing the toquilla straw used in making the hats.  Ecuador is also home to the world’s finest hat weavers.

 

The straw is first chopped down and transported.  panamahat13panamahat2

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The fiber is split into narrow strands from the stem.panamahat1

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The straw is dried and then bleached, if necessary.             

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The straw is woven and blocked into shape.panamahat4

 

 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Featherweight Panamas

Panama Fedoras