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The Panama Hat Company

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The Panama Hat Company

Family-run Panama hat specialists with 35+ years’ experience, based in Luton. PASSIONATE ABOUT PANAMAS!

Led by Ecuadorian-born Jenny and her daughter Mavi, we combine heritage craftsmanship with modern style to offer one of the UK’s largest ranges of authentic Panama hats. A genuine Panama hat should never be described as simply a straw hat! By virtue of its name, it is in fact a very unique hat, skillfully handwoven in Ecuador over several days or even months. Panama hats are woven from Paja Toquil

la straw, a member of the palm family indigenous to the coastal regions of Ecuador. Their history can be traced as far back as the Incas who were the first to weave hats from this fibrous plant. Since then the extraordinary Panama hat has had a wonderful and varied history. There are different qualities of Panama hats, depending on the fineness of the weave, and therefore can suit every pocket – from the exclusive Montecristi Panama hat, which can take up to 4 months to weave, to the standard woven Panama, which can take only 2-3 days. The weaving process is just a small part of the fascinating journey of a Panama hat, from straw to finished hat. Dependent on shape and weave, some Panama hats can be rolled up, making it a desirable feature for travel. Today the Panama hat, ever-known for its classic style and quality, has retained its charm yet has become ever more fashionable with new styles and patterned weaves to suit all tastes and pockets. See our fantastic selection of Panama hats on our website: www.panamahats.co.uk

Once you have a Panama hat, you will never look at a straw hat in the same way – at the Panama Hat Company we hope you appreciate this amazing piece of craftsmanship and keep this small but dying cottage industry alive for many more years to come !

10/08/2026

☀️ NOW AVAILABLE IN NATURAL! ☀️

Due to its popularity, we’ve added a Natural version of our much-loved Joules Cheltenham Panama. Previously available in Ivory, it’s been one of our best sellers this season, so we simply had to make more!

And although it’s a classic style for men, the Cheltenham looks equally fabulous on women, making it a wonderfully versatile Panama for anyone who loves a timeless summer hat. 🤍

Handwoven in Ecuador from genuine Toquilla straw using the traditional Cuenca herringbone weave, it’s exceptionally lightweight and breathable. Perfect for keeping you cool and protected on warm, sunny days.

Each hat is carefully blocked and finished by hand in our Bedfordshire factory, using traditional hat-making techniques and machinery.

✨ Available in Ivory or Natural
🎩 Choice of navy or black band
🧵 Bespoke trims also available
☀️ Lightweight and breathable
🇪🇨 Handwoven in Ecuador
🇬🇧 Finished by hand in England

Brim: approx. 7cm / 3in
Crown: approx. 9cm / 3.5in

One of our best sellers this season. Grab yours before it sells out! ☀️

06/08/2026

Handwoven in Ecuador in a fine Cuenca weave and expertly blocked and finished in England at The Panama Hat Company in Luton, the Limited Edition Balfour Fedora is a true celebration of traditional hat making.

Named after the historic Balfour hatmakers of Luton, this elegant Fedora combines heritage with contemporary style. Finished with a distinctive silver, plum and black striped grosgrain band and a luxurious satin sweatband, it’s designed for exceptional comfort and effortless sophistication.

Whether you’re exploring a coastal town, attending a summer event or simply enjoying the sunshine, the Balfour is a hat you’ll treasure for years to come.

✨ Genuine Panama Hat
🇪🇨 Handwoven in Ecuador
🇬🇧 Finished in England
👒 Fine Cuenca weave
📏 Brim: approx. 5.5–6.5cm (2–2¾”)
📏 Crown: approx. 11cm (4”)

Available now while this limited edition lasts.

23/07/2026

✨ Introducing the Mayfair Mosaic ✨

The first design in our New Classic Paisley Collection, the Mayfair Mosaic beautifully combines timeless Panama craftsmanship with a striking geometric paisley band in rich burgundy, sapphire and gold tones, inspired by classic European textiles.

Handwoven in Ecuador from genuine toquilla straw and expertly blocked and finished in our Luton factory, each hat is individually handcrafted to the highest standard, blending heritage styling with modern luxury.

Versatile by design, the rear brim can be worn turned up or turned down, allowing you to create two distinctive looks. Whether you prefer a relaxed, traditional silhouette or a sharper, contemporary finish, your Panama hat adapts effortlessly to suit the occasion.

Perfect for summer weddings, garden parties, race days, holidays or simply enjoying the sunshine in style.

The Mayfair Mosaic is just one of six distinctive designs in our New Classic Paisley Collection. From bold geometric patterns and elegant floral paisleys to rich heritage-inspired prints, each hat has its own unique character while celebrating timeless craftsmanship and effortless sophistication.

🌿 Genuine Panama Hat
🇪🇨 Handwoven in Ecuador
🇬🇧 Blocked and finished in England

Discover the full New Classic Paisley Collection at www.panamahats.co.uk

21/07/2026

Bold. Stylish. Effortlessly cool.

The Jack Trilby Panama Hat is your perfect summer companion. Handwoven in Ecuador with a traditional Cuenca weave and expertly finished in England, it pairs timeless craftsmanship with modern style. Lightweight, breathable and finished with a classic black ribbon, it’s made for everything from holidays and garden parties to race days and everyday wear.

17/07/2026

✨ Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating Lock & Co. Hatters’ incredible 350th anniversary at the magnificent St James’s Palace.

It was a truly memorable evening, celebrating the heritage, craftsmanship and timeless elegance of the world’s oldest hat shop. An honour to be part of such a special milestone and to meet so many wonderful people who share a passion for exceptional hats.

Congratulations to everyone at Lock & Co. Hatters on this remarkable achievement. Here’s to the next chapter of your extraordinary history! 🎩🥂

15/07/2026

🏇🎾 The perfect finishing touch for Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and beyond.

This customer recently visited our factory in Luton to find the perfect Panama hat for Royal Ascot - and we think he looks fantastic! This timeless style would look just as at home courtside at Wimbledon, adding effortless elegance while keeping you cool on sunny days.

Nothing compares to trying on different styles and receiving expert advice in person. Whether you’re looking for your first Panama hat or adding another to your collection, we’ll help you find the perfect fit, shape and style.

🏡 Visit our Luton showroom by appointment
📍 Hat House, Ground Floor, 32 Guildford Street, Luton LU1 2NR
🕘 Monday–Friday | 9am–5pm

We’d love to welcome you and help you find your perfect Panama hat.

10/07/2026

✨ Introducing our Special Edition Folder Panama – Cuenca Optimo 20–22 ✨

A truly exceptional Panama hat, handcrafted in Ecuador using an exquisite Cuenca Optimo 20–22 weave and finished to the highest standards in England.

Shown here with a striking blue band, but that’s just the beginning… 🤍

Included in the £395 price, you can choose any band from our extensive bespoke collection, allowing you to create a Panama hat that is completely unique to you and your personal style.

The Optimo, also known as the Colonial Panama, is the most traditional of all Panama hat styles. Its distinctive centre crease and elegant herringbone weave make it a timeless classic. Better still, it’s fully foldable, making it the perfect luxury travel companion.

With only a handful available, this is a rare opportunity to own one of our finest handcrafted Panama hats.

✨ £395✨ Bespoke band included✨ Handwoven in Ecuador✨ Expertly finished in England✨ Fully foldable for travel

Which band would you choose? Tell us in the comments! 👇

Address

Hat House, 32 Guildford Street
Luton
LU12NR

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.panamahats.co.uk/

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