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The Panama hat may be one of Panama’s most distinctive souvenirs, easily recognizable around the world. The white, wide-brimmed straw hats are clearly identified as Panamanian, part of the city’s style and lore.

But Panama hats are not from Panama, something overlooked when people discuss the fabled hats.

The Panama hat was actually designed in Ecuador. The hats were imported into Panama in the mid-1800s and then grew in popularity during the construction of the Panama Canal. Workers and executives were seen sporting the hats and the connection was made around the world.

The hat makes sense for Panama. It is lightweight, blocks the sun and offer a touch of tropical style perfect for Panama’s climate and sense of culture.

But they are Ecuadorian and Ecuador is still proud of its hat making skills. The best Panama hats come from the cities of Montecristi and Cuenca, Ecuadorians argue. The best hand-made hats can fetch thousands of dollars.

NPR recently produced an interesting piece on Simon Espinal, who is regarded as perhaps the finest hat maker in Ecuador.  The feature, “He’s Just Woven the World’s Finest Panama Hat. But Who Will Buy It?”  describes the detail that Espinal put in to creating what the locals consider the greatest Panama hat ever created. Read the story here.

You can also find an interesting history of the Panama hat here.

Duncan McGowan is president of Punta Pacifica Realty, a Panama real estate agency focused on Punta Pacifica, the exclusive neighborhood of 18 towers perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.