Panama Hat — Beige Wide Brim, Open Weave

Hand-woven in Montecristi, Ecuador, from 100% paja toquilla straw. The weaver begins at a single point on the crown and works outward in a continuous spiral, adding one strand at a time until the hat is complete. No loom, no machine, no assembly.

The crown carries a calado band, an openwork pattern woven directly into the body of the hat rather than cut or punched. Holding the pattern even while leaving deliberate gaps takes more skill than a solid weave, not less.

The brim is finished by hand and the sweatband stitched in, then the hat is blocked to shape. Every stage is done by a person.

Toquilla straw weaving was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012, recognising a craft that was at risk of being lost. Fewer weavers practise it each year.