The Panama hat is an icon of summer style. Despite its name, the legendary accessory has its origins in Ecuador and it has since become the country’s most famous handcraft. As with many items that have stood the test of time, the Panama hat was born out of necessity and practicality: the hat woven from Ecuadorian toquilla straw offered the best protection from the sun.
But I think there is another reason for its timelessness: it was a men’s wardrobe item. We’ve seen it donned with style by Humphrey Bogart, Paul Newman, Gary Cooper, Sean Connery. It is imbued with ageless masculine elegance and it’s the tomboy touch it imprints on your look that I truly love and that ensures its all-time classic status. And let’s not forget that in summer accessorizing can be difficult, given the temperatures, and we all want to dress down: the Panama hat is such a chic and easy way to stand apart.
If you are thinking of buying a Panama hat, you should know that genuine panama hats are handcrafted and made from toquilla straw, ensuring the highest quality and a classic look. I think J.Crew offers a lovely option, that won’t cost a fortune either.
photos: 1-3: Kurt Markus for Latina, January 1999 (model: Christy Turlington, wearing a Panama hat by J.J. Hat Center in “Retur to Cuscatlan”) / 4-Koto Bolofo
I’ve had a Panama Hat on my list of classic things to buy for a while now and during summer holidays when I go down to the coast, there is a specialist stall set up (only for those few weeks) which sells authentic handmade Panama Hats – yes they are a bit pricey – but gosh they are very beautifully made. I’ll cross it off my list one day! PS: Love the Christy editorial too:)xx
This post speaks to me; it oozes summer – beautiful images and styling. Maybe I should just move to a place where I can wear soft linen outfits and a panama hat, or any other hat, all year long … maybe.
That first image is so beautiful, Ada! I wear both fedora/Panama hat and big summer hats. I have to admit, the Panama hat is more appropriate for the city 😉
I had one similar to this style, but can’t seem to find it 🙁
Guess I’m on the hunt again.
xxx
Couldn’t be without one… x
The Panama hat is a classic summer staple. I bought a J. Crew Men’s one a few years ago which always gets alot of use every summer.
Rowena @ rolala loves
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Okay— I officially just added a Panama hat to my must purchase list! I don’t know why I haven’t bought one yet! Fantastic!
thanks for the jcrew referral. i have been wanting to get one but haven’t found one that i loved. maybe because they weren’t authentic. i will check out jcrews!
Love the panama hat style. So classic.
My favorite style! I love my panama hat. I am going to Florida for vacation soon… And I am trying to build a wardrobe around my panama hat. Thanks for these inspiring images, Ada! : )
I do love a good hat–I found one maybe 10 years ago at Rampage of all places and it is my tried and true straw hat for summer–it’s neither a fedora or too large, so it sort of defies trend, but I also would love to get a pretty panama hat like these. Beautiful images Ada.
xo Mary Jo
I love these hats, so stylish yet relaxed too. I’m not big on wearing hats myself, I wish I was though! 🙂
I love the Panama hats! So graphic, essential, androgynous, timeless.
Talking about hats, have you seen Lagerfeld’s film on Coco:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o9dTCl0hkY
Have a nice week-end!
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