took the world by storm after it was spotted on the head of Theodore Roosevelt during the Panama Canal construction in 1906. Soon after increased production of Panama hats, it began to swipe in US and other European countries. The 1920's mark the height of popularity of and the demands began to pour in Ecuador. From Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Napoleon III and Edward VII, all donned the famous straw hat from Ecuador during their prime time. Custom made Panama straw hats were in huge demand and numerous hat lovers keep their Panama hats as their most prized possession.

The craze of Panama hats began to cease somewhat in between but today the straw hat is back with a vengeance. These days the Panama hat has started to reclaim its place as the most popular hat in the industry. Frankly speaking, no other hats have won the heart of the people just as Panama hat has done.

The Panama straw hats are mostly popular as an elegant protector from the advancing sun. Now, golfers seem to appreciate the protection the straw hat gives during the game and most of them adorn the Panama hat. Even the celebrities love to don this famous straw hat.

Why the Panama hat is still popular is that it can be custom made to the taste of the wearer. There are also many Panama hat styles from Panama hat Fedora, Plantation, Optimo and Gangster Hat style. You can make the crown shorter, taller or the brim wider or smaller. Although a true is recognized by the off-white color, you can also get the straw hats in palette of colors from pink, red and green. However, a true Montecristi Hat will come in beige hues only. The Panama straw hats are also mostly accompanied by ribbons, which can be either made from cloth material to leather. Women's Panama Hats are often decorated with laced, flowers or silk ribbons. Lastly, most people love the Panama straw hats for its quality. The fine weaves of the hat, the quality of the straw and the artistry of the Ecuadorean hat weavers makes the Panama hats soft, smooth and rich.

The many styles of the Panama straw hat can be tuned into today's vogue seamlessly. Most reggae musician prefers the Gangster Hat style. Panama Fedora and Optimo are the classic hat styles that are still loved by all.