Panama hats are the best known and one of the most timeless. Often known as fedoras or floppy hats, they are characterised by their unique manufacturing process, in which they are woven entirely by hand in Ecuador. Toquilla straw from the palm tree of the same name is used, which is extremely fine and light. In combination with the elaborate weaving process, the result is the highest quality hat for the summer!

 

Another very popular material for summer hats is paper straw. This is obtained from wood and processed with viscose into a semi-natural fibre. The resulting straw plaits are then sewn together rather than braided. This process results in a hat that is somewhat cheaper and more flexible than a hat made from natural straw.

 

However, that doesn't mean that natural straw hats are bad! Whether they are sewn like the paper straw hats or woven like the Panama hats. Natural straw can be obtained from many different sources and processed in many different ways. Hats made from raffia straw, cereal straw or seagrass straw for example are robust and at the same time pleasantly breathable.

 

Everyone has to decide for themselves which straw hat is right for them. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it depends on what is most important to you.