The Perfect Summer Companion: The Panama Hat
The Panama Hat: Your Passport to Summer Style
When it comes to timeless warm-weather style, few accessories are as iconic as the Panama hat. Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly elegant, the Panama is the perfect companion for sunny days — whether you're strolling through city streets, holidaying by the coast, or attending a summer garden party.
At Laird Hatters, our Panama hats hold a special place in the collection. We pride on ourselves of always delivering high quality materials that our customers keep coming back to, all year around.
Why Our Panama Hats Come From Ecuador
While every other Laird hat and cap is proudly made in England, the Panama is the one exception. That’s because a true Panama hat must be handcrafted in Ecuador, where the tradition has been passed down through generations.
Despite its name, the Panama hat has its roots in the Andean regions of Ecuador, where skilled artisans hand-weave each piece from Toquilla straw. This meticulous process can take up to 1 day or 8 months, depending on the fineness of the weave. The result is a lightweight yet durable hat that offers both sun protection and classic style.
At Laird, we only source genuine Ecuadorian Panamas from trusted makers who share our commitment to heritage and sustainability. Once they arrive in London, each hat is carefully finished by our own team, who hand-ribbon and style them in our signature fashion — giving every piece that unmistakable Laird touch.
A New World Staple in the Older World
Panama hats are a favourite among our British clients. Much like tea, they were imported and embraced as part of our cultural tradition.
The Panama hat became a staple of the British summertime after British engineers, who helped construct the Panama Canal, brought them back home. This connection is also believed to be one of the reasons behind the hat’s misleading name. Although handmade in Ecuador, these hats were commonly purchased and worn in Panama, which led to the name that endured.
