Panama hat, also known as an “Ecuadorian hat “or a “toquilla straw hat”, is a traditional brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin. Traditionally, hats were made from the plaited leaves of the "Carludovica palmata" plant, known locally as the “toquilla palm”or “jipijapa palm”, although it is a palm-like plant rather than a true palm.

The two main processes in the creation of a Panama hat are weaving and blocking. The two most common types of weaves are the “Cuenca” (“Basin”) and “Brisa” (“Breeze”). The Cuenca weave has the appearance of a herringbone pattern and utilizes slightly more straw than the Brisa weave. The Brisa weave has the appearance of small diamonds/squares. This type of weave is less intricate but perceived as finer than the Cuenca weave by some as it is lighter. Other types of weaves include the Crochet, Fancy, Torcido (“twisted”), and New Order.

Ecuador became known for exporting straw hats named "Panama hats" because they were shipped to Panama and worn by Panama Canal work crews in the early 19th century.

The quality of a Panama hat is defined by the tightness of the weave, the finer, the better. Although the Panama hat continues to provide a livelihood for thousands of Ecuadorians, fewer than a dozen weavers capable of making the finest "Montecristi superfinos" remain.

The art of weaving the traditional Ecuadorian "toquilla straw hat" was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists on 5 December 2012.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org