Panama hats: how to choose, wear and care for one
A good hat is one of the most useful accessories in Dubai, and the Panama is the classic choice. It protects from the sun, lets air through and finishes an outfit. This guide explains what a Panama hat is, how to choose one, how to wear it and how to look after it.
What is a Panama hat?
Despite the name, the traditional Panama hat comes from Ecuador. It is woven from the fibres of the toquilla palm, a plant that grows along the Ecuadorian coast. The name became popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries because the hats were shipped through Panama and worn by workers building the Panama Canal. Traditional weaving of the toquilla straw hat is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Today the word Panama is also used more broadly for light, brimmed straw hats in a similar style. When you buy, ask what the hat is made from and how it was woven.
Choosing a shape
Fedora shape. A pinched crown and a medium brim. The most versatile option, easy to wear with linen, denim or a summer dress.
Wide brim. More sun protection and more drama. Ideal for the beach or a desert outing.
Coloured hats. Natural straw is classic, but coloured Panamas, such as the pink Esperance hat by Bronte Woods that we have stocked, can become the centre of an outfit.
Getting the size right
Measure around your head with a soft tape, just above the ears and across the forehead, where the hat will sit. Hat sizes are usually given in centimetres. A good fit should feel snug without pressing. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one; a small sizing strip inside the band can adjust the fit. Remember that hair volume and style change how a hat fits.
How to wear a Panama in Dubai
A Panama works with almost any warm-weather outfit: a linen co-ord, a flowing dress, tailored shorts or a kaftan. Keep the rest of the look simple and let the hat do the work. Tilt it slightly forward for a classic look, or wear it further back for a more relaxed style.
Remember basic hat etiquette: many people remove hats indoors, in places of worship and at the dining table.
Handling your hat
Pick up a Panama by the brim, not by the pinch of the crown. Repeatedly gripping the crown can crack the straw over time. Use clean, dry hands, since sunscreen and make-up can stain light straw.
Cleaning
For everyday dust, use a soft brush and follow the direction of the weave. For small marks, dab gently with a slightly damp cloth and let the hat dry naturally, away from direct heat. Avoid soaking a straw hat. Sweatbands can be wiped with a damp cloth. For serious stains, ask a specialist.
Storing
Store your hat upside down on its crown or on a hat stand, so the brim keeps its shape. A hat box protects it from dust and crushing. Avoid leaving it in a hot car for long periods: intense heat can dry out the straw and make it brittle. In Dubai’s air conditioning, the opposite can happen, so do not keep it next to a vent.
If your hat gets wet
A light splash is not a disaster. Reshape the brim gently with your hands and let the hat dry at room temperature on a towel, with the crown supported. Never use a hairdryer.
Pairing hats with boots and leather
A Panama looks great with leather accessories. Bronte Woods, whose hats we have carried, also makes handcrafted ankle boots, and recommends sizing up one size because they are made by hand. Combining a hat and boots from the same maker gives a coherent, relaxed look.
Travelling with a Panama
Some Panama hats can be rolled for travel, but many cannot, so ask before you try. The safest way to travel is to wear the hat or carry it in a rigid hat box. On a plane, place it upside down in the overhead locker on top of soft items. Once you arrive, let it rest on its crown for a few hours to recover its shape.
Find your hat at Urbanist
Try hats on in store at Boxpark, Al Wasl Road. Our team can help with size and shape. Message us on WhatsApp to check what is in stock before you visit.
