What does the grade mean on Panama hats?
The finer the weave, the higher the quality grade of a hat. Every time the weave quality is doubled, the amount of work is multiplied by four so the finely woven hats demand more time and cost more. A standard Cuenca hat may take 3 days of weaving while a fine Montecristi could take months of work.
Who makes the original Panama hat?
Ecuador
Panama hats are hand-woven in Ecuador by craftsmen hailing from the cities of Cuenca and Montecristi. These hats became known as “Panama hats” due to their massive export from Ecuador to Panama during the 19th century, promoted by Manuel Alfaro y Gonzalez and his wife during the construction of the Panama Canal.
What is the highest grade for Panama hat?
Usually, the vertical count is one or two more waves, and it also depends of the place of the crown you are counting, therefore, the grade of a Panama Hat will be (6-8 WPI), (10-12 WPI), (12-14 WPI), (14-16 WPI), (16-18 WPI) and so on.
What is the most expensive Panama hat?
Master-weaver Simón Espinal’s finest hat has a weave count of 3906 per square inch – that’s 100 times more than a Montecristi fino (which is still a very nice hat). The hat is currently for sale at $3 million dollars and is being marketed as a museum piece, not an item of clothing.
Who wears a Panama hat?
Household names throughout the 20th and 21st centuries have used the Panama hat, including Humphrey Bogart, Orson Welles, Gary Cooper, Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Paul Newman, Alberto Santos Dumont and celebrities of today like Johnny Depp, Sean Connery, Kevin Spacey, Madonna, Monica Bellucci.
Where are genuine Panama hats made?
Today, the legendary genuine Panama hat continues to be made of toquilla palm, and the very finest Panama hats are hand-crafted by artisans in the small town of Montecristi, Ecuador.
How tight should a Panama hat fit?
Fit For Purpose 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.
Why is Panama hat so expensive?
Summary: The longer it takes to weave a hat, the more it is likely to cost. It takes longer to weave a hat with a wide brim than a hat with a short brim. It takes longer to weave a very large hat than a very small hat.
Do people still wear Panama hats?
Mistaken identity aside, the Panama hat continues to hold its place among high fashion. And because it’s a matter of material, not shape, this Ecuadorian creation comes in a variety of styles and colors to suit any personality.
What Colour should a Panama hat be?
A fine Montecristi hat is more the color of ivory. Even the finest hats will have some red and grayish straw. All hats darken slightly with age. A consistent, light ivory color throughout the hat is ideal, and rare.
Where should a Panama hat sit on your head?
The hat should sit comfortably mid-forehead above your eyebrows and not obstruct your view. The sweatband inside the hat should provide a snug fit, not a tight fit. If you feel any tension or end up with deep red marks on your forehead, pick a looser-fitting hat.
Can you wear a Panama hat indoors?
Generally, it’s alright to wear a hat outdoors and in the streets, regardless of your gender. It’s also okay to wear your hat in public areas even if they are indoors, such as hotel lobbies, airports, train stations and elevators.
Why choose Montecristi for your Panama hat?
We work in Panama straw hat bodies and Fur Felt bodies. At Montecristi, we finesse this raw material into a hat that perfectly matches your custom specifications. A traditional ribbon trim is included in the cost of each hat. For a more personal touch, choose from any of our many hat bands options.
What are the options for my Montecristi hat?
Options include materials, colors, weave quality, and hat bands. For your Montecristi, our collection of rare and unusual hat bands is the perfect way to further personalize your selection. We offer an unquestioned money-back guarantee and are recognized for our excellent customer service.
How to choose a panama hat?
Made with toquilla straw selected by true master weavers from Montecristi Ecuador, with Unesco certification and Authenticity of Origin, the popular artisan jewel. Select your favorite style, size and fineness, it is known as grade, the more strands go into a linear inch, your Panama hat will be thinner, softer, completely a fabric.