Panama Hats: From the Ground Up

This video shows you the step by step process of making a Panama Hat. Starting in the jungles of Ecuador where Toquilla Palm leaves are collected, boiled and bleached. They are then woven together to create the frame work for the hat. Artisans gather together on the streets of Cuenca where exporters select the finest hats - checking the quality of the weaving as well as the brim length. From there the hats are refined further, trimming the loose palm at the end of the brim, and washing before under going blocking which gives the hats a more familiar shape. Lastly we get a peek behind the scenes at the Signes factory for the finishing touch - attaching in the sweat and hat band. The video comes to a close with another satisfied customer at the Village Hat Shop in San Diego, California.

Check out our large selection of Panama hats at VillageHatShop.com