Panama

We all know from childhood that a Panama hat is a necessary attribute during the summer heat. “He’ll bake his head!” - our parents told us if we went outside without this simple headdress. A lot of time has passed since then, but Panama has never lost its relevance. Today it is worn by both adults and children.

@kapeluh_ua

Story

Note that the state of Panama is not the birthplace of this headdress. It was invented in Ecuador back in the 15th century. Residents of the sunny state saved themselves from the sweltering heat with the help of a straw hat. It perfectly protected the ears, neck, face and scalp from the hot rays of the sun.

Ecuadorians strictly followed the technology of making such a hat. It is noteworthy that rolling the headdress into a tube was considered a kind of quality check. After this procedure, a good hat quickly returned to its original appearance.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, construction of the Panama Canal began. The workers worked in inhumane conditions, spending several hours a day under the scorching rays of the sun. Then the decision was made to purchase straw hats from Ecuadorians.After construction was completed, the fame of the Ecuadorians (as they were originally called in the USA and Europe) spread throughout the world. Then they were given the official name that we use to this day.

@aliexpress.com

In the middle of the last century, Panama became the headdress of the military. It was especially used by soldiers serving in hot climates. So, before the Great Patriotic War, in 1938, the order of the USSR NCO No. 61 came into force, thanks to which this summer hat became an element of equipment for military personnel in the Crimea. But Soviet soldiers are resourceful people; they used Panama not only for its intended purpose. For example, it was used to carry cartridges and grenades, soil for laying a mine, and even water if there was no other container at hand. They used it to grab a pan or a tin can when cooking over a fire, and to gag the prisoners’ mouths.

It was only in the 60s that Panama came into the everyday life of ordinary citizens. In the 80s, it was actively worn by representatives of hip-hop. Then it became a must-have item in a child's wardrobe.

@juicyworld.org

Peculiarities

In the classic version, Panama is a straw hat, the quality of which depends on the characteristics of the material and its weaving. In southern countries, palm fibers are used to make straw. Panama hats there are often made by hand. It looks great, but costs an exorbitant amount of money.

However, in our country, the making of summer hats is approached in a more casual manner. For example, in our country they are often made from synthetics, which, however, are sometimes indistinguishable from natural materials. The textile industry is also not asleep - cotton Panama hats have been in demand for decades.

@mom_tales_

Kinds

Anyone who thinks that a Panama hat is an ordinary knitted hat is wrong.The fashion world knows a huge number of its types. Let's name only the most common:

1. Bosa Blue is a hat with a small, slightly curved brim that goes perfectly with a colorful shirt and shorts. It is monochromatic and most often light.
2. Diamante is very similar to the first one, but its brim is straight.
3. Gamber is a headdress with a curved brim. An extravagant Panama hat that we often see on actors in foreign films. It goes well with a white classic suit. A cigar adds impressiveness to the image.
4. Fedora Calado is a lightweight beach hat with a short, neat brim. Ideal for the confident gentleman.
5. Outback Macano is a kind of cowboy hat with the brim slightly curved at the sides.

Panama hats are available for men, women or children. The differences between these hats are observed only in colors and sizes.