At the end of the last century, under the scorching tropical sun, they worked on the construction of the Panama Canal. These men of great strength were dividing the continent in two. They also wore straw hats from Ecuador for protection. Unintentionally, they “christened” these hats with the name “Panama hats.” Over time, during the first half of the century, this created confusion regarding their origin, since they are produced exclusively in Ecuador.
Caring for Your Panama Hat
1. MOISTURIZE YOUR PANAMA HAT
When you notice that your hat is becoming dry and stiff, hold an iron a few inches away from it and direct the steam toward it. This will restore its flexibility, and you’ll find it less brittle.
2. STAINS
Since straw is a fiber very similar to paper, using a classic Milan eraser will remove most stains. However, some stains require a bit more skill. In these cases, try removing them with a soft sponge dampened with water and coconut soap. If this doesn’t work, it’s best to take it to an expert hatmaker for an assessment of whether it can be repaired.
3. WHEN PUTTING ON AND TAKING OFF YOUR HAT
Don’t press the crown with your fingers. If you pinch the crown area with your fingers every time you put on or take off your Panama hat, it may eventually crack and become brittle, as this is the most delicate part of the hat. Therefore, the best approach is to put it on and take it off by holding the brim or handling the crown with delicacy, subtlety, and gentleness.
4. ALWAYS KEEP THE STRAPS AND PADDING CLEAN
To fix this, gently rub the fabric where those unwanted sweat stains have formed using a cotton cloth dampened with water and coconut soap. Once you’ve done that, use the steam from an iron to make it look perfect again.
5. HEAT AND THE PANAMA HAT
If you expose it to high temperatures (such as inside a car), the heat will dry out a fabric like toquilla straw. Solution? Avoid leaving or storing your hat in places that reach excessive temperatures.
6. WATER AND THE PANAMA HAT
Panama hats are designed for times when the sun can cause discomfort. Therefore, they are not waterproof. If it does get wet for any reason, wipe it down with a clean cloth and then let it dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. To prevent warping, never use direct heat sources such as hair dryers, radiators, or heaters. Also, don’t leave your damp Panama hat in direct sunlight—it will get scorched!
7. HOW TO STORE THEM TO KEEP A PANAMA HAT IN PERFECT CONDITION
Use a hat box of the appropriate size to store and protect it. This will prevent the hat from being knocked around and becoming misshapen or damaged by pressure from other objects.
