What are Panama hats made out of?

Panama hats are made out of straw, not from the country Panama. The straw used in the crafting of Panama hats comes from the leaves of the toquilla palm plant, scientifically known as Carludovica palmata. These hats are handwoven by skilled artisans in Ecuador, particularly in the town of Montecristi. The intricate weaving process involves the use of thin and flexible straw strands, resulting in a lightweight and breathable hat. Despite their name, Panama hats gained international recognition when they were worn by workers during the construction of the Panama Canal. The misnaming occurred when these hats were exported from Ecuador to Panama and then to other parts of the world. Today, Panama hats are renowned for their quality, craftsmanship, and the natural straw material that makes them suitable for warm weather.