Where to Find and Buy Authentic Panama Hats in Panama 🇵🇦 (Hint: They’re not from Ecuador.)
- Brownie
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
When most people hear "Panama hat," they picture the crisp white, wide-brimmed straw hat famously worn by presidents and beachgoers alike. But here’s the thing: that hat—the one sold all over the world under the name “Panama hat”—is actually made in Ecuador.
If you want real Panamanian hats, you’re looking for a sombrero pintado, a handmade, intricately woven straw hat crafted right here in Panama. These beautiful hats are a proud symbol of Panamanian identity and are still worn daily by locals in the countryside.
Let’s talk about where to find one, how they’re made, and what makes a high-quality one worth the investment.
🎯 Where to Buy Real Sombreros Pintados (Panama Hats)
1. La Pintada
This small town in the Coclé province is considered the birthplace of the sombrero pintado. If you want the real thing, come here. You’ll find workshops where you can meet the artisans, see the hats being made, and pick from a wide range of styles and quality levels.
Artesanías Reinaldo Quirós
A legendary name in traditional hat-making. Reinaldo and his family have been weaving hats for decades. Expect heirloom-level craftsmanship.
Sombreros Hernández
Another trusted artisan family, known for both traditional designs and custom work. Their workshop often allows you to see the full hat-making process.
2. Penonomé
As one of the larger towns in Coclé, Penonomé also has workshops and artisan markets selling high-quality hats—though often at a slightly higher price than in La Pintada. There is an indoor market in the center of town where you can buy Panama Hats, along with many roadside stands.
3. El Valle de Antón Artisan Market
If you're in El Valle on a weekend, the artisan market is one of the easiest places to pick up a sombrero pintado—especially for travelers who don’t have time to venture further inland. Look for stands with a wide variety of weaves, sizes, and colors.
4. Roadside Stands
Along many highways—especially in central Panama—you’ll spot small stalls selling hats hung in rows, often shaded by palm leaves. While not all are top-tier quality, many are made by local artisans and can be a fun (and affordable) souvenir if you know what to look for.
🧵 How Are Sombreros Pintados Made?
These hats are made from the leaves of the “bellota” palm, which are harvested, dried, and bleached. The artisan then begins weaving the hat from the crown outwards, in a circular motion. The process is done entirely by hand and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the intricacy.
Natural dyes made from local plants are often used to create the signature black or brown stripes and patterns in the weave.
🧠 How to Identify High-Quality Panama Hats
If you want to take home a hat that will last a lifetime (and isn’t just for tourists), here’s what to look for before you buy:
The swirl count (vueltas): Look at the top of the crown. Count the concentric rings (vueltas)—the more there are, the longer the artisan took to make it and the finer the weave. A high-end hat may have 12–20+ vueltas.
Tight weave: Hold it up to the light. Can you see gaps between the straw fibers? A tighter weave = better craftsmanship and more durability.
Flexibility: A high-quality sombrero pintado should feel soft and pliable—not stiff. You should be able to roll it gently and have it spring back into shape.
Symmetry: Check that the hat is even all around—no wonky curves or misaligned brims.
💬 Final Thoughts
Wearing a real sombrero pintado is more than just a style choice—it’s a way to support Panamanian artisans and connect with a living cultural tradition. Whether you pick one up in a workshop in La Pintada, a market in El Valle, or from a vendor on the side of the road, take a moment to appreciate the skill, history, and heritage woven into every strand.
And yes, they’re very packable.
