The classic Panama hat

In Ecuador, the Panama hat is the ultimate male accessory. It’s not hard to see why. Distinguished and elegant, this particular style of wide-brimmed hat, hand-woven from the Toquilla plant, seems to imbue its wearer with dignity, civility, even a sense of history. Without one, a man is just a man — a worker, a father, a grandfather. With one, he could be a gentleman.

Contrary to its name, the Panama hat has its origins in Ecuador, not Panama. Some say it gained its moniker because of the widespread use of the hat by Panama Canal construction workers in the nineteenth century; others say it’s because Panama’s location made it an ideal export hub to Europe. The hat has an impressive list of famous fans: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Sean Connery, Justin Timberlake and even Napoleon III, Emperor of France, had one.

Panama hat styles

During my recent trip to Ecuador, I decided to visit the Quito showroom of Homero Ortega P. & Hijos, a family-owned company that has been producing high-quality hats since 1899. The shopgirl relayed some key points for shoppers:

- The test of a good Panama hat is the quality of its weave; a good hat has 10 straw fibers per inch.

- Each Homero Ortega is hand-made and takes one to two days to complete.

- A basic hat can be had for as low as US$15, with more expensive models costing up to US$900.

The company also produces womens hats and handbags, along with other male hat models. However, nothing beats the original.

Womens hats

Womens hats

Homero Ortega Quito

Showroom

Benalcazar N 2-52 and Sucre, Old Town, Quito

Tel: (593-2) 295-3337