The authentic Panama hat, handmade in Montecristi, Ecuador, is considered the finest hat in the world. Renowned for its quality and elegant structure, this toquilla straw hat is a true artisan gem. Before purchasing one, it’s essential to understand the features that set it apart and the quality standards it must meet to be recognized as a true Ecuadorian Panama hat.
The finest toquilla straw hat in the world is known as the “Montecristi Golden” or “Montecristi Fine, 45-50 weave count”. This hat is a true masterpiece, representing the highest level of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and tradition, as it is produced exclusively in Montecristi, a city located in the province of Manabí on Ecuador’s coast. Its refinement, history, and the human effort behind its creation make it an international icon, highly valued by both collectors and connoisseurs of fashion and culture.
A toquilla straw hat is not just a stylish accessory; its qualities make it an effective barrier against UV rays, helping to prevent skin issues. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The authentic toquilla straw hat is an ancestral legacy with roots that trace back over 50 years, connecting to the Chorrera and Valdivia cultures of Montecristi in Ecuador, where the first weavers emerged. Since then, creating this product has become a tradition passed down from generation to generation, preserving the techniques that make each piece unique.
The Montecristi Panama Hat, handwoven with toquilla straw in Montecristi, Ecuador, is synonymous with quality and tradition. One of the most attractive features of this hat is its ability to roll, but is it really recommended? In this blog, we explore the myths and truths about rolling a Panama hat, how to do it correctly, when to avoid it, and what you should know before purchasing one.
The Panama Montecristi hat, handmade by Ecuadorian artisans, is a masterpiece that combines elegance, tradition, and exceptional quality. With UNESCO certification as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this hat is an investment that, with proper care, can last a lifetime and even be passed down to future generations. Here’s a complete guide on how to care for your hat, keeping it impeccable and extending its durability.
You’re probably looking to buy an authentic toquilla straw hat, but with so many options online, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Plus, there’s the uncertainty of whether you’ll actually receive what you ordered. I feel the same way, which is why I always like to do thorough research before making a purchase. Below, I’ve outlined several important tips: the location of the producer (Ecuador), the certifications the company offers, a quality guide, and a size guide.
Today, environmental care and preservation are critical topics in product manufacturing and commercialization, and Panama hats are no exception. These hats, handcrafted and internationally renowned for their high commercial and cultural value, require a flawless presentation that reflects both their quality and respect for the natural world.
At Montecuador, we don’t just connect artisans with customers; we are an active part of the artisanal process. We work hand in hand with weavers from the start, receiving the hats in their purest form, with the toquilla straw still long and unfinished, and we take care of giving them the final touch that transforms them into true, custom-made masterpieces for you.
The fine toquilla straw hats of Montecristi origin are classified into three broad ranges: Fine, Extra Fine and Super Fine. Below, we present the detailed classification according to its grade or fineness:
Made with natural toquilla straw fibers, these hats are soft, comfortable and light. They are true handmade jewels created by the artisans of Montecristi. In this category, the number of strands per inch varies between 13 and 20. Its manufacturing time ranges between 3 and 4 weeks. These hats have certifications from UNESCO, origin and personalized quality.
Made with original strands of toquilla straw (Carludovica Palmata), these hats stand out for having between 21 and 28 fibers per inch. The manufacturing time for a premium hat is approximately 16 to 20 weeks, constituting a true work of art. These hats also have certifications from UNESCO, origin and personalized quality.
Considered the finest handcrafted jewelry, these super fine Panama hats are made in Pile and finished in Montecristi. They are extremely light, soft and have a fabric-like texture. Its manufacturing time varies between 6 months and 1 year, with a number of strands per inch that starts at 29 and can reach up to 50. This category is recognized as the best in the world, with UNESCO certifications, origin, quality. and recognition.
Important note
All the hats on the website are high-end, remember that we are direct artisans and we send the best of the best from Montectisti, the more threads a hat has per inch, the finer and tighter the weave will be, which gives it greater strength and smoothness. The manufacturing time is also increased, which makes these handmade jewelry more expensive.
Size Guide – Panama Hats Ecuador
It is essential to know the correct measurement before choosing the perfect Panama hat. Generally, women tend to wear sizes small in their head circumference (S or M), while men tend to wear medium to large sizes (M, L, XL). Below, we present three methods to determine the ideal measurement:
Method 1: Using a Tape Measure
Method 2: Using a Rope or Cable
Method 3: For Gifts
If you want to give a toquilla straw hat as a gift but you don’t know the correct size, you can do the following:
Important note
If you are unsure between two sizes, for example, 58 or 59 cm, we recommend opting for the larger size. It is preferable that the hat fits loosely, as it can shrink over time. A hat that is too small could cause discomfort. If you are still undecided, when purchasing, you can request a Free “Reducing Strip” in the order description. This strip is placed inside the sweatband and reduces the size by one to two centimeters.
Additional Resource
If you don’t have access to any of these resources, you can download a virtual tape measure right now by clicking the button below.
Special orders
If your size is not available, you can make a special order by writing to our email [email protected], live chat or contact form – orders.
Size guide – Panama Ecuador Hats
It is very important to know the correct measurement before choosing the perfect Panama hat, generally women tend to be small in the circumference of their head “S or M” and gentlemen “M, L, XL” there are three methods to be able to know the ideal measure.
The first, with the help of a tape measure and looking at a front mirror, you place it around your head, make sure that the tape measure passes a centimeter above your ears and through the middle of your forehead, the same as the image in this section.
The second quick method that you can perform, with the help of a rope, do the same previous exercise, once done, place the lead on a ruler or tape measure and you will obtain the size in centimeters
The third method is aimed at people who want to give a toquilla straw hat, but do not know the correct size, you can do two things, first, you can select the size with reference to the person’s shirt Example: S, M, L , XL; Second, you can request help by making a call to MontEcuadorHats or writing an email – WhatsApp, send a photo of the person and we can tell you an approximate size
Note: If you are doubting the perfect size and you do not know which one to choose, for example 58 or 59 cm, I recommend ordering the larger size, it is better that it fits well, the reason is because if it is too small for you it could hurt your head a bit. If you still have the doubt when you make the purchase in the description write, send me a “Reducing Strip” is completely Free, this places it inside the sweat band and reduces from one to two centimeters.
Important: If you don’t have any of these resources, you can download the virtual tape measure right now by clicking on the following button.
If your size for a hat is not available you can make a special order by writing to our e-mail [email protected] or to our contact form – orders.
In MontEcuadorHats the fine toquilla straw hats of Montecristi origin are classified into three large ranges, worldwide they are also derived into fine, extra fine and super fine, according to their degree and fineness they are the following:
Made with natural fibers of toquilla straw, soft, comfortable and light, handcrafted jewel made by Montecristi artisans, the fibers in one inch in this category, are from 10 to 22 strands, their manufacturing time is 4 to 8 weeks, they have Unesco certification, Origin and Quality.
Made with the original strands of toquilla straw or Carludovica Palmata, it is characterized by having 23 to 32 fibers in an inch, the production time of an extra fine hat is approximately 16 to 20 weeks, a true work of art with certification Unesco, Origin and Quality.
Handmade jewel made with very fine strands of toquilla straw, super fine Panama hat made in Pile and finished in Montecristi, light, soft, really a fabric, its manufacturing time is from 6 months to 1 year, the threads in an inch start at 33, could reach up to 60 fibers, a category considered to be the best hats in the World with Unesco certification, Origin, Quality and Recognition.
Note: All fabrics are of export quality, the more threads a hat has, in one inch, it is finer, tighter, stronger, longer processing time, softer in its texture, for that reason the handmade jewel will be more expensive.
