Women's Panama hats: types of hats. National headdress Panama. In what country was it created?
The long-awaited summer has arrived. And with his arrival it changed radically women's wardrobe. Clothing has become lighter, airier and brighter. The girls happily dressed in wonderful summer dresses and sundresses made of thin fabric. Comfortable shorts have replaced jeans and trousers, and instead of sweaters you can now wear T-shirts and tank tops. But when updating your wardrobe, don’t forget about hats for the summer. After all, they are not only fashionable and stylish accessories, but also protect the head, face, and hair from the scorching rays of the sun. Therefore, they simply need to be worn on a hot summer day.
Among the wide variety of summer hats, Panama hats occupy a special place and this is not surprising, since they are very comfortable and incredibly cute.
The summer Panama hat is a soft hat, only its brim, unlike a hat, is not raised, but lowered down. It looks as elegant as a hat and is just as comfortable.
Initially, Panama hats were woven from the finest reed straw by hand. Nowadays they are made from various lightweight fabrics, but most often natural cotton is used for their sewing.
Some people mistakenly assume that the birthplace of Panama is the country of the same name, but do not be mistaken. The first summer Panama hats appeared in Ecuador and were initially worn only by men. These hats came into fashion among women only in the second half of the nineteenth century. There, to this day, these lightest hats in the world are made.
Panama hats have become famous throughout the world since light hand builders of the Panama Canal. A large batch of summer hats was ordered for them from Ecuador, and from then on such hats began to be called “Panama hats.”
A real Panama hat, woven from pre-beaten, sun-dried toquilla fibers, is very practical and lightweight. No matter what you do with it - fold it and put it in your pocket, crumple it, twist it, wash it - after all these actions it still straightens out and takes on its original shape.
Summer Panama remains at the peak of popularity in the fashion world for several recent years. This universal headdress can protect your head from both summer rain and the scorching sun. Panama combines all the best properties of other types of summer hats. This is an ideal option for a country trip, a picnic, a walk around the city or relaxing on the beach.
When choosing a Panama hat, you should pay attention to the shape and features of the face. Geometric clear shapes of hats are not suitable for girls with soft hair. smooth lines faces and curly hair. They should wear round hats. But women with pointed features should buy a cylindrical Panama hat.
You should also pay attention to the compatibility of the size of the headdress and the girl’s height.
Here you need to be guided by the principle: a small hat is suitable for short people, and large summer Panama hats with wide brims look great on tall women. For a petite, thin woman, the brim of a hat should not be wider than her shoulders, while a plump lady, on the contrary, can wear hats with very wide brims.
In order to create an elegant or sporty summer look, a Panama hat should be in harmony in style and color with a woman’s wardrobe, and the combination of a headdress with accessories is considered the height of style and a sign of good taste.
And, of course, we must not forget about practical characteristics Panama hats. When choosing a headdress, make sure that it fits tightly on your head and does not slip off when you tilt your head. Make sure that the crown does not exceed the width of your face, and that the crown rests on the top of the crown. If all these requirements are met, your summer bucket hat will comfortably protect you from the bright rays of the sun and will be an excellent addition to your summer look.
In the summer it is quite difficult to maintain sanity and a sober mind. Blame it on the scorching sun! Before you know it, it’s going to hit your head and it’s going to happen sunstroke. But there is a salvation - a headdress or a hat with large edges around the perimeter. Today we will talk about a hat - Panama, the history and essence of which is not as simple as it seems at first glance.
History of Panama
Despite the fact that the name of the hat makes us remember one small Central American country of the same name, Panama, in fact, the Panama hat has nothing to do with it.
The thing is that this headdress gained its fame during the construction of the Panama Canal among American builders. They, accordingly, brought a considerable number of Panama hats home. In the South American world, this hat is better known as the sombrero de paja toquilla. or simply " straw hat", and her real homeland is in Ecuador, in the small town of Pila in the west of the country. Experts say that the highest quality and most comfortable Panama hats in the world are woven there.
Types of Panama hats
Despite the potential simplicity of this product, there are a huge number of types. Each type goes well with a certain style, and in some places complements it with freshness and a kind of freedom. We have chosen one of many classifications as an example.
How to choose a Panama hat
The quality of a hat depends most on two factors: the quality of the straw and the quality of the weave. Straw is prepared from palm fibers and the most important thing in the selection of material is not so much the type of wood as the selection of these same straws. It is important that they are as similar friend on each other both in thickness and in length. Only then will it be possible to weave a truly strong panama hat. No less (or even more) important role The quality of weaving and the density of weaving per square centimeter play a role in this matter. The higher the density, the higher the quality. Everything is logical!
Most often, Panama hats are divided into “Montecristi Fino” and “Montecristi Superfino” (the best and even better). This should determine the quality of the weaving, but these terms are so vague and so loosely used by some unscrupulous traders in the markets of beautiful Latin American cities that it is almost useless to navigate them. Even large manufacturers have not agreed on this issue among themselves. In order not to look at vague symbols, you can simply take and count the number of weaves per square centimeter. It's tedious, difficult, but it works.
In addition to the above quality criteria, there is one more - the so-called Vuelta. Vuelta are circles that appear around the edges of the hat when it is held against a bright source of light. For example, the sun. If you believe the tales of some Latin American sages, then the more circles and the larger they themselves are, the correspondingly higher the quality of the product. This method is probably good to some extent, but I really don’t advise you to take risks.
Prices for Panama hats
Perfection has no limits, but hatters do. The highest quality Panama hats have about two thousand weaves per square centimeter. Such incredibly sensitive and labor-intensive work takes the master from four to six months a year. Considering how much time it takes to make one such hat and the fact that there are only a dozen such hat makers left in the world, no one should be surprised by the fact that the price will be astronomical.
However, for comfortable wearing in a short period of time, a Panama hat with three to four hundred weaves will be enough and its price is unlikely to exceed a hundred dollars.
Care and storage of Panama hat
Even your grandchildren can inherit a real Panama hat if you pay due attention to it. Here are some tips:
- First, watch the band on your hat. It protects it from stretching and your forehead from scratches.
- Secondly, avoid wearing in the rain and generally avoid any contact with water, these hats do not tolerate moisture very well. Store in a dry place.
- Thirdly, take a hat only for top part, and not for the fields. Can greatly affect the shape.
- Fourth, when cleaning, use a brush with soft bristles.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your hat by years.
Hatter etiquette
Hidden in Panama great power, and, as is known, with great power comes great responsibility. Therefore, it is worth adhering to a number of rules that should be followed not only by the owner of a Panama hat, but also by the owner of any headdress.
First you need to learn how to take off your hat in time. If you are not a king, king or shah, then when entering someone else's home, holy or religious places, it is better to remove your headdress. When greeting someone (especially a woman), it is also better to take off your hat, but as a sign of respect you can get by by simply tearing it off your head a couple of centimeters. You should also take off your hat when going to the theater, cinema or a big concert, so as not to ruin the view for anyone present. In the workplace, it is also better to go without a hat, if it is not part of the uniform.
You can leave your hat on when going to a bar, restaurant or night club. For some business meetings, this approach is also welcome.
Finally
Today we looked at such a simple on one side, but such a multifaceted Panama hat. It will become an essential summer accessory both for a walk in shorts along the coast and for a business meeting. Not many accessories can boast such versatility, so we can safely recommend a Panama hat for people who collect.
Finding models among hats with such qualities is not at all easy. One of the most successful options is a women's Panama hat, which has these properties in full.
They are more democratic than pretentious hats and much more spectacular than scarves or shawls. The same cannot be said about Panama hats; it is only important to choose a model that matches the general style.
In which country did the national headdress Panama appear?
In women's trends, by the standards of fashion history, they appeared relatively recently - only some 30-40 years ago, in the wake of the wild popularity of the “safari” style. Many designers, by the way, consider him the founder of modern casual, in which a simple and effective image is valued.
Meanwhile, these models have their own rich history, the exact date Probably no one knows their appearance. But to answer the question “in which country the national headdress is Panama?” not as simple as it seems. In fact, it is so obvious.
The country of origin of these models is Ecuador, they were historically woven from a rare variety of straw - toquilla, it is this country that considers such models national, they are worn by both men and women. Exotic straw is an ideal option for protection from tropical heat, and these models got their name thanks to the construction of the Panama Canal - one of the most ambitious projects of the beginning of the last century. These models came in handy for the summer outfit of the military and construction workers - and successfully conquered the street trends of Europe.
For a long time, Panama as a headdress was considered precisely men's accessory. Women's fashion literally a hundred years ago it had not yet borrowed overtly masculine silhouettes and styles. The model, made from the finest straw, is comfortable and very practical, and quickly acquired the status of a world fetish. The rigid shape of the crown and narrow brim were complemented by laconic decor - a ribbon on the crown, tied at the side in a knot.
Panama hats in sexy and asexual styles
This style has taken root perfectly in military uniform and summer male images– it is from there that many ideas that are so in demand in today’s trends were borrowed.
It was actively used by the English and French armies, which actively conquered the colonies. Both countries are trying to forget this historical trace, but almost everyone uses the Panama hat as their main headdress. Israel joined the world empires.
Want a sexy military style? Look for a suitable model. By the way, according to tradition, these are the models that are always maintained in pastel colors. Milky white, cream, caramel - a slight hint of the historical past and a precisely calibrated style never hurts!
Panama hats today are made from a wide variety of materials. The historical model - woven from toquilla straw - is more of a souvenir option. Like any element of the national costume, just like the Russian earflaps or the Turkish fez, these original models look quite complicated. Much more interesting are the fashionable interpretations of their styles.
By the way, the original Panama hat can only be purchased in Ecuador itself, and like any souvenir option, such models are expensive (and yes, useless), and are not always adapted for real life.
They fit perfectly into the asexual style - urban and tough. But it’s much more interesting to get a Panama hat that will solve all your problems when you go out in the morning. In summer - denim or linen models.
Feel free to borrow them from your wardrobe bins own husband or boyfriend. The combination will be perfect only if you do not complement such outfits with other overtly “masculine” things.
These original models actively entered trends in the wake of obvious borrowings of things men's style. This topic was actively used by almost all leading designers at one time. Elegance, sexuality, simplicity and obvious stylistic confusion of the image are active accents that you should definitely use in your own image.
Panama hat: current models
There are many types of Panama hats today. First of all, thanks to the variety of materials, since the style - the most valuable thing in this current model - remains unchanged.
Summer Panama hats are made from high-quality cotton, linen and denim - this, by the way, great option for any informal spring-summer looks. These models are the optimal addition to outfits in casual and, of course, sporty style.
It is not for nothing that they have gained the status of the most popular headdress. They are great at participating fashion game called "collect complex image" Due to their democratic nature, they will perfectly complement any outfit when you want to look stylish, but at the same time neutral.
According to the history of the model, they are, first of all, appropriate in spring-summer outfits. Along with textile textures such as cotton, linen or denim, knitted models are very, very relevant.
Styles of women's Panama hats: non-standard solutions
Ready for non-standard solutions? Then it is worth considering that hand-made, or handmade, are considered exclusive by today's standards. Such models are created manually, using a crochet hook from the most different types yarn - from thick cotton or linen to bamboo and agave leaves. The source material must be sufficiently obedient, plastic, but at the same time keep the given shape.
The style, due to its democratic nature, implies much more sophisticated techniques than when creating the same knitted hats. In addition, it perfectly accepts almost all types of decor. The fields of this model can be knitted with openwork flowers. And the crown can be decorated with a voluminous textile brooch made of silk.
But it is worth considering that such models require filigree and almost jewelry-like execution techniques. Therefore, under no circumstances should they resemble grandma’s napkin. If you are not fluent in crocheting techniques, it is better to order such a model from an accomplished master.
They look romantic and feminine, but are less versatile than models made from the same denim. These Panama hats will perfectly complement vacation looks designed for beach ensembles. By the way, they are an excellent addition to outfits and any other looks designed for informal and elegant solutions.
Winter hats made of fleece and wool
The winter bucket hat is a notoriously controversial idea. But it was precisely this idea that was picked up by manufacturers of elite sports equipment, such as Nike. It is these brands that today sew standard models from fleece or wool. The reason was quite simple - these brands are the sponsors and suppliers of uniforms for leading national teams competing at both world championships and the Olympic Games.
The model has taken root perfectly in men's wardrobe– not all men dress in a style where or is appropriate. And, of course, this idea was quickly introduced into women's trends. It’s simply not fashionable to display a brand or label today. But spectacular models from brands that are proud of quality and support it at top level, have taken root perfectly in the women's wardrobe.
What should you be wary of if a Panama hat of this style frankly doesn’t suit you and doesn’t fit into your wardrobe?
Of course, they should not be worn with sportswear, if you are not part of the Olympic team. But try on and create with them informal image- definitely worth it.
Look at the photo, the Panama hat looks absolutely stylish:
Even if you wear hats and caps, you should definitely get a Panama hat. Democracy, stylishness, which defines the “golden mean” between (to put it mildly, not an elegant hat or a prim hat) will always be decided by a Panama hat.
And don’t forget that such models are in trend. Compromise solutions and complex combinations are the crest of popular fashion today.
What should you not combine such models with? Sincerely men's things: , And . Panama hats are a real cherry on the cake; they should be complemented with overtly feminine and revealing outfits. Of course, if you are not striving for the image of a teenager. , frivolous and romantic style - perfect combination with this model. As well as elegant shoes. Eliminate brutal combinations, and then the real secret of these models will be revealed to you.
A headdress such as a Panama hat can be a universal choice for women of any age, with any body type, height and face shape. In addition, Panama is one of the most trendy sun protection hats that will be popular this summer.
Advantages of a women's Panama hat
Women's summer Panama hats have a number of advantages that make them a desirable purchase for many of the fair sex. First of all, they are very comfortable. Thanks to soft form and the absence of a frame, such a hat can be safely carried in a bag when folded, and, if necessary, taken out and used. Panama will not lose its appearance, and slight bruising is more likely typical of this model. The second advantage of such a headdress is its small soft brim. Women's Panama hats In the summer you can easily wear it from the sun, even if you have to move around the city by public transport. In addition, the brim of such a hat can be rolled up different ways. If necessary, it is easy to open your face or, conversely, hide it from the direct rays of the hot summer sun. Finally, a big advantage of a women's Panama hat is that it is made from natural fabrics, usually cotton or linen, which allows the skin to breathe and prevents the head from overheating. Knitted women's Panama hats are also relevant, which, thanks to the properties of the knitted fabric, have additional ventilation.
What to wear with a women's Panama hat?
This year, the most relevant options will be soft summer Panama hats. Such models do not attract unwanted Sun rays, which protects the head from overheating, and also refreshes the complexion and looks very fresh. These Panama hats can be combined with clothes of similar shades, as well as with bright sets in related colors. For example, a hat in the shade of young foliage can be safely worn with a sundress in bright green and yellow tones, as well as with maxi skirts in green and olive.
In this article we will talk about one very famous and popular summer headdress. Who doesn’t know what kind of hat is a Panama? Of course, everyone knows her. In its original form, the Panama hat is woven from elegant straw and bordered along the lower edge with elastic straw brims.
It would seem, what is so unusual about it that made it the subject of study of this article?
Lexical paradox
This question is simple. Try asking your friends: “In which country is the national headdress called Panama?” What do you think the majority of respondents will answer? They will say without hesitation: “In Panama!”
And, of course, if they bet on the similarity of the name of the hat and the Central American country, they will be mistaken. After all, human inconsistency in coming up with names is well known. In particular, this hat, created in one country, is named after another.
Ecuador is the real birthplace of Panama
To be precise, the birthplace of the “Ecuadorian hat” is the city of Cuenca, cultural representatives of creative professions. And it is in the area around this city that the endemic Ecuadorian palm tree - carludovica palmata - grows en masse - a source of raw materials for making Panama hats. The grateful residents of this country call it a “national treasure.”
In the 17th century, the inhabitants of Cuenca first decided to use the dried leaves of the mentioned palm tree (toquilla), cut into strips, to weave light, durable and “breathable” headdresses. Local entrepreneurs, realizing the benefits, organized mass production of these wonderful hats in the 19th century.
TO early XVIII century, almost every resident of Ecuador wore a new and very comfortable national headdress - Panama.
In what country does this not happen? Popular folk craft grew into a thriving segment of light industry, and its products, filling the domestic market, began to be exported.
According to established tradition, “Ecuadorian hats” are still woven exclusively by women. This is very painstaking work. It sometimes takes a craftswoman several months to make a particularly elegant, expensive Panama hat.
Paradoxes of fashion
During the emergence of a widespread fashion for Panama hats in the world (and this was in the first decades of the 20th century), the famous canal was being built between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, passing through the territory of Panama - a small state located on an isthmus between continents South America and North America.
By this time, Ecuador had already established the production of many thousands of Panama hats and was looking for new markets for their sales. This profitable business reached a new level at the beginning of the last century. At that time, Panama was on the news of the whole world (in connection with construction). And Ecuadorian hats poured in there, so that bales of sombrero de Panamá (as it was called at that time) were then delivered to different countries on merchant ships.
In addition, this product was a bestseller: the people who built the 81.6 km long and 150 m wide, however, like the people who celebrated its opening, for the most part wore Panama hats on their heads. Who knows, maybe this also contributed to the transfer of the name of the majestic structure to the headdress that had become extremely popular.
Fashion is an amazing thing. After all, if you follow the logic of things, then (excuse the tautology) Panama is not the national headdress in Panama. (In which country it is a national treasure, we have already mentioned.) But in order not to be unfounded, we will try to prove that it is certainly not in Panama.
Panama is not the birthplace of Panama
It is very easy to prove that the population of this small state, even theoretically, could not have created this remarkable national headdress - Panama.
In which country was Panama previously only one of the provinces? Answer: Colombia. The reason for the spontaneous separation of part of the country into a sovereign state was purely external character. The US capitalists financing the canal construction project calculated that it would cost them less under these conditions. Appropriate political pressure was applied to Colombia, and... Panama appeared.
Therefore, in the correct answer to the question “Which country’s national headdress is Panama?” The name of the country - Panama - should not be present.
Let us summarize the proof of the obvious: at the beginning of the 20th century, the word “national” was not even logically applicable to Panama, a state created bureaucratically and coercively, having a subsidiary pan-Colombian origin and history
About the production of Panama hats
Several million of them were created annually in the last century. Gradually, the national headdress, Panama, began to be characterized by more diffuse generic characteristics. In which country was it produced?
Soon, taking the Ecuadorian style of headdress as a basis, the elastic straw began to be replaced with dense fabric. Over the decades of production of Panama hats, fashion designers have shown their imagination. Thanks to them, Panama hats were no longer called a specific type, but an impressive assortment summer hats. Whether they are made for resort holiday from thick fabric with narrow margins or for military service- with wider margins.
However, among this variety, real connoisseurs will prefer authentic Panama hats woven from palm leaves, which are produced exclusively in Ecuador. Unfortunately, this traditional and original craft is now continued by only a few enterprises. One of them is the Homero Ortega factory (Cuenca).
Conclusion
It is noteworthy that the name of the Panama hat is a homonym for the name of the Central American country. However, this does not at all determine the origin of this headdress. Obviously, the decisive argument about its belonging to the traditions of a particular people is the answer to the question “In which country in national costume Do you have a Panama hat? And this country is Ecuador.
