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Panama Hats

The straw in Panama hats comes from the leaves of the carludovica palmata or "paja toquilla", a type of palm indigenous to Ecuador. The art of weaving the straw has flourished along the Ecuadorian Coast since the 1600's. Over generations, master craftsmen perfected many of the delicate weaves we see in only the finest Panama hats. The exemplary Panama must be nearly flawless, of good color and consistent weave, exhibiting numerous enjiras, concentric or spiraling patterns radiating outward from the center of the crown. The body must be supple and delicate, yet strong. Unfortunately, the masters of this craft are now passing into old age and due to modern Ecuadorian economy, few are taking their place.

A Montecristi Panama Hat is a unique, handpicked treasure of flawless craftsmanship and classic style that is custom designed and made to fit your requirements.  You may choose from a variety of brim widths and sizes.  Ideally for the best fit, please provide a measurement of your head circumference - or visit our store in Santa fe for a custom fitting.

While each hat is shown with a custom hat band selected to complement the style of the hat, it is supplied with a grosgrain ribbon trim of your choice. Custom hat bands are sold separately, and you may select the band shown with each hat or choose an alternate band by visiting the Hat Bands section of this online store.   

Current Top Sellers

Other Items in Panama Hats

  • $2,500.00 Choose Options Cattleman 51
    Features extra fino weave with a 4 ½ inch crown and 3 ½ inch brim.  Brim choices are 3 ½, 3 ¾, and 4 inch.  Additional grades are available - Call the store for ordering.  Shown with a Del Viejo “RM”...

  • $600.00 Choose Options Classic Fedora
    Features center dent, wide pinches, snap & cup.  Brim choices are 2 3/8 to 2 ½ inch.  Shown in a band finished with a lazy stitch beaded hat band on doe skin (available for an additional $250).  Note: ...

  • $450.00 Choose Options Diamante Trailboss
    Trailboss style in Cuenca diamante weave.  Contemporary RCA look with a bucked 3 1/2" brim for that slightly used look.  A 4 inch brim is also available.  Shown with a Tucker hand-tooled single tassel leather band inset with turquoise...

  • $500.00 Choose Options Gambler
    Wide-brimmed Gambler in Cuenca semi-calado material.  Features a fully ventilated crown.  Brim choices are 3 1/2 or 4 inches.  Shown with a band of Chapelle dark blue diamonds and sections of bead quill (available for an...

  • $1,200.00 Choose Options Golf Hat
    One of our most successful designs.  In a Fino Montecristi semi-calado weave, this hat is reputed to take two strokes off of your game.  Whatever the occasion, you will not only be cool, you will also look that way.  Random...

  • $500.00 Choose Options JJW Slash
    JJW style done in a Cuenca slash weave.  Features a high buckaroo crown with a 4 inch pencil curled brim.  Brim choices are 3 ½ or 4 inches.  Shown with a band of Archuleta half full braid with pineapple knots and fringes...

  • $1,000.00 Choose Options Lazy J Panama
     Low crown sharp crease panama with diamond vents and pencil curl brim.Note:  Alternative bands may be selected in the Hat Bands section...

  • $550.00 Choose Options Little Big Sky
    In one of our most popular western materials, this 8/9Z Cuenca body features a triple crown vent on each side of the tall crown, a wide pencil curled natural edge brim, and a very rugged disposition.  Brim choices are from natural edge...

  • $900.00 Choose Options Monte Fedora
    Just for you!  We have been buying this material now for three years and, therewith, offer you our most stylish fedora ever.  Simple center dent with pinches and snapped brim.  Brim choices are 2 ¾ or 3 inches. Shown in a...

  • $450.00 Choose Options RD Teardrop
    Our single-most popular wide brim (3 ¼ inch) Fedora ever!  Done in a Cuenca diamond pattern, this hat is cool, collectible, and stylish.  Brim choices run from 3 to 4½ inches with 3 ¼ recommended.  Shown with one of our...

  • $2,000.00 Choose Options Teardrop
    A classic wide brim fedora with a 4 1/8 inch crown and a 3 ¼ inch brim; shown in extra fino quality.  Shown with a Los Estrados “Midnight” ultra fine heishe band of turquoise pipestone jet and 18/22k gold, framed...

  • $1,000.00 Choose Options Teardrop Semi-Calado
    This classic, wide brim fedora features a fino Montecristi semi-colado weave; random pattern weaves in quality as shown.  Shown with a band of 12 ligne grosgrain grey ribbon, included.  This hat typically costs around $1,000 depending on...