this is what is known as the “panama hat” . . . though they are actually made in ecuador. during the panama canal construction thousands of these were shipped to panama from ecuador for the workers to wear. when theodore roosevelt wore one of these hats on camera while visiting the panama canal construction site, it quickly became a fashion icon and then known as the “panama hat.”

this is the actual panamanian hat. these are made in panama and unlike the “panama hat” (which is woven), these are braided and then stitched together. really well made ones can actually hold water. this is the hat i bought in panama. i found it much more unique and stylish and i got SO many thumbs ups from the natives because of it.