The Montecristi Panama hats are hand-woven by artisans from the toquilla palm straw which grows in the coastal region of Ecuador. Only the hats woven from this fibre are traditional Panama hats. Fedora hat is can be worn with anything, it will embrace both a sophisticated Rivera style with a linen suit as well as a very casual beach look complete with swim shorts and LeDD beach shoes. Whether you are at races, a beach party or a summer festival, a barbecue or a city pub, there is a style to fit you. The world is your oyster in a Panama.
These Panama hats are handwoven, and hand blocked according to traditional local craft by skilled artisans. They are lightweight and breathable so are the perfect hat to wear in the hot Australian summer. The Fedora has a slight variation in brim size between 7 cm - 8 cm.
Fun fact: The Panama hat should be called the Ecuadorian hat as it originates from Ecuador, but it was first traded out to the world from Panama during the 19th century, hence its current name.
How to wear your Fedora hat? Place it flat on your head for a conservative look or put it on at an angle for a more relaxed look. A darker colour Panama tends to look more casual, but you can easily dress it up.
How to choose the right hat? If you have a round or square face we would recommend choosing a hat in a lighter colour or narrower hat band. This makes the hat appear taller which will add some length to your face shape.
There are different grades of Panama hats, which differ according to the fineness of the weave. The tighter, narrower weave is much lighter and more flexible, but requires much more time and work to create, which results in a higher cost. A good quality hat though will, when properly looked after, last much longer than the cheaper alternative, so the investment will pay off.
Montecristi Fedora Hats come in 5 sizes: 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64. If you are in-between sizes when purchasing the panama hat, you can adjust the size to your head size by using a small safety pin to fasten inside the centre-back band and pull it across each other, or alternatively just add a stitch. A Panama hat will look best when it fits properly – which in turn ensures it’s not going to blow off with the wind. The hat should fit comfortably without you having to jam it on your head to make it stay put. On the other hand, it shouldn’t move around or feel as if it’s too loose, either. Take a tape measure, find out what head size you are and then choose your hat accordingly.
Material: Made from sustainably grown toquilla straw;
Do not fold or roll these hats for travel packing. Keep dry and if it does get wet, gently reshape it by hand then sit on shelf to dry, You can reshape by lightly and safely steaming and pressing into shape.
For removal of marks lightly use a damp cloth or nappy wipes. First try inconspicuous place to see there is no discolouration when using damp cloth and wipes.
The natural ageing process should be considered as part of the uniqueness of your own treasured hat. Being hand made by skilled artisans each hat has individual variations.
