Bring a piece of Ecuadorian heritage into your everyday style with our authentic Panama Hats.
Handwoven from natural fibres in Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Panama Hat is a timeless summer essential. Lightweight and breathable, it keeps you cool without compromising on style, whether you're strolling through the city or relaxing by the coast.
Each hat is crafted using traditional Ecuadorian weaving techniques, available in two classic colours and seven sizes for a perfect fit.
- Material: Natural plant fibres, handwoven
- Origin: Handcrafted in Ecuador
- Colours: Golden Beige, Ivory
- Sizes: 56 (M) through 62 (XXL)
- Lightweight and breathable, ideal for warm weather
Because each hat is crafted by hand, small variations
in texture and shape make every piece unique, a reflection of the artisan who
created it.
Style tip: Choose
beige for a warm, natural look paired with earthy tones, or opt for white for a
fresh and elegant summer aesthetic.
SIZING
Finding your fit is easy! Measure around your head across the middle of your forehead and just above your ears using a flexible tape measure.
- Pro Tip: Don't pull too tightly, and measure 2–3 times for accuracy.
- Between Sizes? We recommend choosing the next size up for comfort.
(Please do not measure the inside band of an old hat, as inner band fabrics stretch over time).
👇 Need step-by-step instructions or using a string to measure?
Scroll down for our complete Sizing Guide & Hat Size Chart
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Your Panama hat is a handcrafted piece made from natural toquilla straw, designed to last for many years with the right care.
To keep your hat in its best condition:
- Avoid excessive moisture: Although the hat can handle light humidity, avoid heavy rain and soaking, as water can affect the natural fibers and shape.
- Handle with care: Always hold your hat by the brim rather than the crown to help maintain its structure.
- Store properly: Keep your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store it flat or upside down on its crown to prevent the brim from losing its shape.
- Keep it clean: Remove dust gently with a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products.
- Protect its shape: If your hat becomes slightly misshapen, gently reshape it with your hands. The natural fibers will respond to warmth and careful handling.
With time, your Panama hat will develop its own character, becoming a unique reflection of the moments and places where it has been worn.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
🚚 Shipping Free shipping on orders over €100 — Netherlands & EU. Standard rates: NL €4.95 · EU €12.95 · International €19.95. Delivery times are calculated at checkout.
↩ Returns & Exchanges Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery. Items must be unused, unworn, with tags and in original packaging. To start a return, contact us at sierra.593.ec@gmail.com. Return shipping is at the buyer's expense, except in cases of damage or error. Refunds are processed within 10 business days to your original payment method.
🇪🇺 EU Right of Withdrawal EU buyers may cancel or return any order within 14 calendar days of receipt, for any reason. Refunds for EU cancellations are issued within 14 days of receiving your request.
For full details, see our Returns & Refunds Policy and Legal Notice in the footer.
Finding the perfect fit
Wearing the right hat size makes all the difference in how your Panama hat sits and feels.
- Too large, and it flops over your ears or catches the wind.
- Too small, and it perches awkwardly on top of your head, leaving a mark and giving you a headache.
We want your SIERRA Panama to fit effortlessly from the moment it arrives.
How to Measure Your Head
If you don't know your size yet, follow these simple steps using a flexible (cloth or plastic) measuring tape:
- Position the Tape: Wrap the tape measure around your head so it sits across the middle of your forehead, just above your ears, and midway around the back of your head.
- Check the Tension: Do not pull the tape too tightly—hold it with the exact snugness you'd want your hat to feel on your head.
- Double Check: Measure yourself 2 to 3 times to ensure complete accuracy.
- No Tape Measure? A piece of string works well too (though slightly less accurate). Wrap the string around your head as described, mark where it meets, then lie it flat against a ruler to get your measurement in centimeters or inches (e.g., 57 cm or 22 ¼ inches).
Once you have your measurement, match it directly to our Hat Size Chart above to select your size.
The Story Behind the Hat
Despite its name, this iconic hat was never born in Panama. Its origins lie on the coast of Ecuador, where artisans have handwoven hats from the fibres of the toquilla palm for centuries.
So why is it called a Panama Hat?
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, these hats were exported from Ecuador through Panama, an important trade route at the time. During the construction of the Panama Canal, workers, travellers, and merchants wore them to protect themselves from the tropical sun.
When President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing one during his visit to the canal in 1906, the hat became famous around the world. The name "Panama Hat" stuck, even though its true home has always been Ecuador.
Want to know more?
Discover the history, materials, and traditional craftsmanship behind the Panama Hat, from the toquilla palm to the finished hat.
Care & Maintenance
Your Sierra Panama Hat is more than an accessory. It is a piece of Ecuadorian craftsmanship, handwoven by skilled artisans from Paja Toquilla, a natural fibre renowned for its lightness, breathability, and remarkable flexibility. With proper care, your hat will accompany you for many years, developing its own unique character along the way.
Cleaning
Most marks can be removed with a soft, dry cloth. For more stubborn stains, gently wipe the area using a clean cloth slightly dampened with warm water.
Avoid harsh cleaning products, soaps, or vigorous rubbing, as these may damage the natural fibres and finish of the straw.
Everyday Care
Because every Sierra Panama hat is woven entirely by hand from natural fibres, it deserves gentle handling.
- Handle your hat by the brim rather than pinching the crown.
- Avoid folding, crushing, or tightly packing your hat unless rolling it briefly for travel.
- Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
- Keep your hat away from prolonged exposure to rain or excessive moisture, as natural straw can lose its shape.
Travelling with Your Panama
One of the unique qualities of a genuine Panama hat is its flexibility. However, not every shape is designed to be rolled. Our classic Panama styles can be carefully rolled for travel when needed, but this should only be done temporarily and never for long-term storage.
To roll your hat:
- Turn the brim down all the way around.
- Hold the hat with the crown facing left to right.
- Gently fold the crown along its natural centre crease.
- Loosely roll the hat into a cone shape and secure it with a soft scarf or elastic band if necessary.
Once you arrive at your destination, unroll your hat and allow it to return to its natural shape before wearing.
Restoring the Shape
If your Panama hat loses its shape over time, it can often be restored with a little care.
Hold the hat above gentle steam until the fibres become slightly more flexible, then reshape it carefully by hand. Allow it to dry naturally before wearing again. If needed, the brim can be carefully reshaped using low heat with a damp cloth placed between the straw and the heat source.
A Hat Made to Last
Every Sierra Panama hat carries the story of Ecuador's weaving tradition. The natural fibres will soften with time, making the hat even more comfortable while preserving its timeless elegance.
Treat it with care, and it will reward you with years of effortless style and craftsmanship.