Panama

My latest purchase for summer is a delightful Panama Hat. The hats have been around forever, but they were made famous in 1900’s when US President was photographed wearing one during a site visit to the Panama Canal. Several more ‘celebrities’ followed his lead after his photo was published, including the King of Sweden and Price of Wales wore one to the races and the hats became a fashion sensation.

Genuine Panama hats are woven from fibre of a specific palm, Toquilla and only a few of the master weavers make the finest straw hats today. Like all true classics, there are several permeations of the original available, but if you are chasing the real deal, look out for the seal on the inside of the hat. Prices start from about $150. There is a travelling version, which I might just have to get as well.