Perhaps few articles of clothing complement guayabera shirts better than the Panama hat. They - like guayaberas - are stylish, practical, cooling in that they keep the sun out of one’s face on those hot summer days. However, how much do you know about this Panamanian fashion icon? Here are a few little-known facts about the famous headgear and its history. The Panama hat does not originate in Panama: Just as is the case with the guayabera shirt, the Panama hat’s origins are disputed. Some swear that it originates in Panama while others, who make a stronger case, believe that the hat originated in Ecuador, where the hats were traditionally made from the plaited leaved of the toquilla straw plant. This plant, by the way, is commonly grown in Western Ecuador which strengthens the claim that the hat originated there. The test of a high class Panama hat is the quality of its weave: A high quality Panama hat is said to consist of at least 2000 weaves per square inch. On the other hand, hats that have a weave count of 100 are said to be of very low quality. High quality Panama hats can actually be folded: It is far easier to store high quality Panama hats than it is to store other kinds of hats. Panama hats can be folded without being damaged. Indeed Ecuadorian hat makers boast that the hats can be passed through a wedding ring when properly folded. The color of the hat does not have a large bearing on the price: Although the most common color for Panama hats is white, the actual color of the hat has little effect on its price. A more common factor in determining how expensive a hat will be is how much time and quality the weaver has put into the hat However, wearers should know that the bleaching process can somewhat loosen the weave of a Panama hat. There are three main styles of Panama hat – the Optimo, the Fedora and the Monte Carlo All of these styles of hat have been worn by celebrities and ordinary people alike. Among the celebrities who have donned Panama hats in public and on film are Anthony Hopkins, Sydney Greenstreet, Clark Gable and Sylvester McCoy who played the seventh Doctor Who. Yes, the Panama hat has been an iconic article of clothing in many parts of the world for generations just as has the guayabera shirt. It is also the perfect accessory to wear with this equally iconic article of clothing. Check out our site for guayabera shirts for kids and for women. And while you are here also check out our hats and pants as well.