About Elegancia Tropical Genuine Panama Hats

Elegancia Tropical Hats is an Ecuadorean manufacturer and wholesaler of genuine handcrafted Panama Hats with over 25 years of experience. If a Panama Hat is not handcrafted in Ecuador with natural Toquilla straw, it's not a real Panama hat. Despite their name, ‘Panama Hats’ are not from Panama. In fact, they have never even been made in Panama. This type of hat is an exclusive creation of Ecuador, a country that rarely receives credit for it. Our innovative aesthetics are firmly grounded in a sustainable production that prioritizes environmentally friendly materials and responsible practices. As a result of our work, more than 20 talented artisans earn fair wages in safe and clean conditions. The difficult and traditional art of hand weaving Panama Hats was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2012, an honorary title awarded to practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills which communities have passed down from generation to generation as part of their cultural heritage.Read their story