Originating in Ecuador, the mythical Panama hat is traditionally crafted by specialized artisans who work with fibres from the leaves of the palm-like Carludovica palmata plant. Panama hats are hand-woven in a concentric pattern and their quality is determined according to the fineness of the weave and the number of turns in the top of the hat or crown. There are three different levels of quality, Brisa, Cuenca and Montecristi, each of which features a specific type of weave. Read more
