Panama Hats are made out of  “Toquilla Palm” or “Paja Toquilla” as we say in Spanish, the scientific name of this palm is “Carludovica Palmata”, it naturally contains a certain amount of humidity, according to its thickness which gives it its flexibility.

When panama hats are exposed to  humid weather (near a beach without sun) the fiber absorbs the additional humidity found in the environment and then it is expelled when the atmosphere is drier. This recurrent event, gradually weakens the structure of the fiber in time. 

This is a completely normal process that can be slowed down with some care tips. If not followed, the average life of a panama hat will be 1.5-2 years of continuous use.

The finer hats such as extra-fino  and  Montecristi, due to the density of their fiber, are not subject to this phenomenon and will have a very long life if taken care of properly. 

In order to prolong a regular panama hat life, we as weavers may recommend you the following:
 
1) Do not let it come into contact with water. Since the palm or fiber is  like a sponge, it will absorb the water and retain it. If this ever happens, let the hat dry in the shade do not expose it to sunlight or the heat of  lamps.
 
2) Do not leave the hat in the sun in a closed atmosphere (for example: in your car or display window). The straw will dry up so quickly and in a couple of weeks it will change color and break.

3) Do not grasp the hat from the crown, it will lose its original shape, reshaping the hat is a bit expensive, if you are not in Ecuador where we may reblock it with our machinery, you will have to find a hatter in your country to solve the problem. It is better to grasp the hat by its brim from both sides.

3) If the brim folds you may easily iron it with steam like a shirt, as long as you protect it with a cloth. Spray some water on the part you wish to iron before. This also damages the hat in time, so try not to do it daily or very often, take care of your hat and avoid folding its brim or crown, store it in a ventilated atmosphere, avoid water, etc.

4) Remember the only hat that can be folded is the “Optimo Style” the one with a division line in the crown, and lady's round hats.

5) There are low price panama hats you may use when enjoying the beach on vacation or backpacking South America, Asia or Europe.

Although, the finest hats which are also the most expensive, due to their structure tend to last very long, it is no bad idea to follow the same instructions listed above to make them live even longer.

Remember a fine hat is a very fancy, sophisticate and also sexy detail, it is a jewel for your head as well as an enhancer of the beauty of your face and body, treat it accordingly!

Panama Hat Weavers

Andean Art