When it comes to hats, there is no brand more synonymous with the style than Panama hats. These finely woven pieces of headwear have been worn by everyone from presidents to movie stars over the years.
If you’re looking to buy a Panama hat of your own, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a good brand that’s designed to last, looks good, and gives you great value for money. In this post, we’ll compare five of the best Panama hat brands money can buy.
#1 – Christys
Christys has been making hats since 1766, making it one of the oldest hat brands in the world. The company is based in England, and its Panama hats are made from the most delicate straws sourced from Ecuador. Christys also offers a bespoke service, where they will custom-make a Panama hat to your specific requirements. Imagine that!
However, along this same line, what makes Christy’s Panama hats so special is the attention to detail that goes into each and every one. No two Christys’ hats are ever the same, from the hand-woven straw to the custom-made linings.
#2 – Borsalino
Borsalino is an Italian hat brand that has been making hats since 1857. The company is based in Alessandria, and they continue to make their hats using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. Borsalino’s Panama hats are made from the finest grade of straw, and each one is hand-woven by one of the 80 skilled artisans in the Piedmont factory.
Borsalino is one of the few companies worldwide that still make their hats entirely by hand. This attention to detail ensures that each Borsalino Panama hat is truly unique. Borsalino’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship sets it apart from other brands, meaning there are no other hats like these!
Borsalino Darolan Panama Hat (Amazon)
#3 – Lock and Co
Lock and Co is a British hat brand that has been making hats since 1676, making it the actual oldest hat shop in the world. The company is based in London, and its Panama hats are made from the finest straws sourced from Ecuador, using Ecuadorian artisans that have become the modern industry standard.
There are plenty of styles to choose from, including the timeless classic Panama selection, to some more unique and unusual styles that are sure to complete a look, make a statement, or turn curious heads in your direction, wherever you go!
This is also one of the oldest still family-owned businesses in the United Kingdom, so you know the amount of love and care that goes into each hat.
#4 – Borges and Scot
Borges and Scot is another British hat brand founded in 1866 and has been making hats ever since. The company is based in Bristol, and their Panama hats are made from the finest straws sourced from Ecuador. This means the hats are authentic Paja Toquilla straw hats, which are the only straw used to make proper Panama hats.
What we love about Borges and Scot is the fact that they take proactive steps to be as ethical as possible with their business, which is why they’re a member of the British Association of Fair Trade Suppliers (BAFTS). This means they make sure to treat their workers fairly, no matter where they are in the world.
Borges and Scot Sundowner Panama Hat (Amazon)
#5 – Brent Black
Brent Black is an American hat brand that has been making hats since 1988, based in Medford, Oregon, and is renowned for its expensive hats. It’s not uncommon to see some of their hats listed around the $5,000 mark, although many are more affordable. They even have a hat for $25,000, which they describe as the best of the best.
What makes these hats so special? The attention to detail is simply outstanding. They consider everything, from the fineness and evenness of the weave to the straw color and origin of materials.
These aren’t just your typical everyday hats but are instead seen as works of art. As the website says, just like the Mona Lisa is made from paint or a diamond from carbon, yes, a Panama hat is made of straw, but how it’s made and the care behind it is what gives the hat its value.
So, there you have it, the five best Panama hat brands money can buy. Whether you’re looking for a traditional straw hat or something a little more unique, there’s sure to be a brand on this list that has the perfect Panama hat for you.
