The Caroline Sills Panama Hat Story
From Ecuador to New Zealand with love
JOURNAL / AUG 29, 2025
Sills + Co is proud to share the story behind our authentic handmade Panama hats - woven by expert artisans in Ecuador.
From the harvesting of straw to the final shaping of each hat, the entire process is done by hand using techniques passed down through generations. These are not just fashion accessories, but pieces of craftsmanship and culture.
How Panama Hats Are Made
The journey begins with the Carludovica Palmata, a native plant of Ecuador. Skilled artisans carefully harvest the palm leaf buds, strip them to extract the soft inner fibres, then boil and sun-dry the straw in the intense Ecuadorian heat.
Once dry, the straw is ready for weaving — a delicate, time-intensive process that can take anywhere from 2 days to 15 weeks, depending on the weave style, brim size, and the fineness of the straw.
After weaving, the hats are finished in a local workshop where they are steamed, shaped, and fitted with a ribbon band. The result is a timeless, lightweight, and breathable hat perfect for sunny days.
Did you know?
Contrary to popular belief, the legendary Panama hat actually does not originate from the country of Panama as the name suggests but rather from Ecuador where they have been produced for generations.
In November 1906, the American President Theodore Roosevelt visited Panama to check in on the progress of the Canal. The visit to construction site involved a press photo with the President wearing a white Ecuadorian straw hat.
This picture, famously captured by a New York Times reporter which was published all around the world, consecrating the fame and popularity of the Panama hats forever.
Caroline Sills Panama Hats: A Personal Journey to the Source
Caroline herself designed and sourced these new hats exclusively for Sills + Co - travelling to South America (with Lloyd in tow) to meet the makers in Ecuador. They are another family business that for more than 100 years and five generations has been dedicated to the Panama craft. The collaboration represents a fusion of heritage, authenticity, and timeless design.
“A Panama is a staple for all wardrobes, especially in New Zealand where sun safety is paramount. I wanted us to work with true experts who share our commitment to quality – and by working directly with the makers, we’re able to offer our customers exceptional craftsmanship at a fair price.” - Caroline Sills, Founder of Sills + Co
Meet the Styles: Amal, Elle, Frankie, and Monroe
Our collection currently consists of four timeless styles, all based on traditional Panama Hats. Each is crafted in 100% Straw and finished with a classic black grosgrain hatband.
AMAL
ELLE
FRANKIE
MONROE
Choosing Your Perfect Panama
Not sure which one is for you? Here's a quick comparison:
Amal
Brim Size: 9cm
Style: Teardrop
Best For: Beach, Holidays
Elle
Brim Size: 11cm
Style: Boater
Best For: Weddings, Events
Frankie
Brim Size: 7cm
Style: Fedora
Best For: Casual, Unisex
Monroe
Brim Size: 19cm
Style: Oversized
Best For: Races, Couture
How to Care for Your Panama Hat
Your Caroline Sills Panama Hat is made with natural straw fibres and deserves thoughtful care to ensure it lasts for many years.
General Care Tips:
- Always pick up your hat by the brim, not the crown
- Never crush it or pack it under heavy items
- Keep it on a flat surface when not in use
- Avoid direct sunlight, extreme heat, or humid storage areas
Cleaning Your Hat:
- Gently wipe with a damp cloth or baby wipe
- Never soak or fully submerge the hat in water
- If the brim loses shape, lightly steam and press with an iron on a low setting
Post-Swim Care:
- Since straw is natural, water can cause your hat to shrink. After swimming, ensure your hair is towel-dried before wearing it again.
Need a Better Fit?
- We offer complimentary foam hat fillers (in-store only) for a snug, secure fit. These not only adjust the size but also help maintain cleanliness inside your hat.
We hope you enjoy your Caroline Sills Panama Hat for many years to come x
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