The Panama hat is a timeless accessory, appreciated for its elegance and comfort. Handmade in Ecuador, it is the result of ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation. Yet, it is also one of the most copied hats in the world. Imitations are found everywhere, often sold under the name "Panama," but they lack the quality and authenticity. So, how can you be sure you're not being ripped off? Here are three essential things to check before buying.
1. The central button: the signature of artisanal braiding
A genuine Panama hat is entirely hand-woven, and its braiding always begins at the top of the crown. This starting point forms a small central button , also called a rosette , recognizable by the harmonious convergence of the straw strands. This rosette is an essential signature of an authentic Panama hat, as it testifies to meticulous manual work and traditional know-how.
If this button is missing or if the braiding begins irregularly, it is very likely that the hat is industrially produced, mass-produced with lower quality materials.
2. The price: a real Panama has a cost
Braiding a Panama hat takes hours, even days, of work, depending on the finesse of the model. This meticulous craftsmanship inevitably comes at a price. An entry-level model rarely costs less than 100 euros .
If you find a "Panama" hat for 50 euros in a market , it can only be an imitation, often machine-made with synthetic materials or low-end straw. Depending on the fineness of the braiding and the time required to make it, a real Panama can reach several hundred, even several thousand euros for the most prestigious models, such as the Montecristi extra fino .
3. The fineness of the braiding: an essential quality criterion
The quality of a Panama hat is largely measured by the fineness of its weave. The finer and tighter the straw strands, the more supple and durable the hat. High-end models, such as the Montecristi Extra Fino, have such delicate weave that it almost resembles fabric.
A simple test to assess the authenticity and quality of the weave is to hold the hat up to the light. A genuine Panama hat should have a consistent, even weave, with no visible irregularities or defects. Furthermore, a quality hat can be rolled without breaking or losing its shape, a characteristic unique to hand-woven Panama hats.
