Glossary of the Panama Hat from Ecuador: Essential Vocabulary to Understand the Craft and Elegance of a Global Icon

Explore the world of the authentic Panama Hat from Ecuador through this specialized glossary. Here you’ll find key terms, technical concepts, and traditional tools used in the creation of this legendary hat. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about this artisanal treasure, this vocabulary will help you make informed decisions and truly appreciate its craftsmanship and tradition.

GENERAL TERMS – PANAMA HAT

  • Panama Hat: A handmade hat woven from toquilla straw, originally from Ecuador. Known worldwide for its elegance, lightness, and breathability.

  • Armado (Assembly): The stage in which the structure of the hat is shaped. Two common types:

    • Cangrejo weave: Tighter and denser.

    • Estera weave: Looser and more flexible.

  • Plantilla (Starting Point): The center top of the hat, where weaving begins.

  • Crown (Copa): The raised central portion of the hat that fits over the head.

  • Brim (Ala): The extended part of the hat that provides shade and sun protection.

  • Hat with long straw (Sombrero en paja larga): A hat in mid-process, not yet finished, with loose fibers.

  • Finishing (Remate): The process of closing the weave at the edges to secure the hat.

  • Azocar (Tightening): Manual process where two upper and lower fibers are selected and pulled to reinforce the weave.

  • Trimming (Despeluzar): Removing excess or protruding fibers for a cleaner look.

  • Crown Cutting (Descoronar): Carefully trimming the crown’s top to define its final shape.

  • Sulfur Treatment (Sahumar): Exposing the hat to sulfur smoke in a closed oven to whiten the straw.

  • Adding straw (Ingerir paja): Inserting new fibers to reinforce the weave.

  • Removing straw (Sacar paja): Eliminating dark or defective fibers from the hat.

  • Shaping (Tumbar el sombrero): Placing the hat on a mold with a leather strap to press and shape it.

  • Frayed style (Desflecado): A relaxed, unfinished edge often used in beach-style hats.

  • Edge binding (Ribeteado): Sewing a decorative or protective fabric around the brim.

  • Points (Puntos): The number of straw fibers per inch — a measure of the hat’s fineness and quality.

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

  • Sulfur: A chemical element used in the fumigation process to whiten toquilla straw.

  • Leather cord / String (Piola): Used to secure the hat onto the mold during shaping.

  • Balsa wood mold (Horma de balsa): Lightweight wooden hat block used to define size and shape.

  • Aluminum mold (Horma de aluminio): Durable metal mold used in pressing machines for final shaping.

  • Weaving stand (Tripo or stick): A stand that supports the hat during weaving.

  • Water container (Matiancho): Bowl or tub used to keep straw fibers moist and pliable.

  • Mallet (Maceta): A tool used to gently beat and smooth the hat, removing wrinkles.

  • Pressing machine (Prensa): Machine used to iron and define the final shape of the hat.

  • Magnifying glass (Lupa): Tool to inspect and count the points per inch to assess hat quality.

  • Sweatband (Tafilete): Internal band that absorbs moisture and provides a better fit.

  • Outer band (Banda externa): The decorative band around the crown, customizable by color or style.

RAW MATERIAL – TOQUILLA STRAW

  • Toquilla Straw (Carludovica palmata): Natural fiber used to weave Panama hats.

  • Pajal: Rural or forested area where the toquilla plant grows.

  • Bundle of straw (Mazo de paja toquilla): A group of toquilla shoots tied together for processing.

  • Shoot (Cogollo): The tender part of the toquilla palm used for weaving.

  • Heart of the toquilla (Corazón de la toquilla): The softest and finest part of the shoot, used for high-quality hats.