Contrary to what the name suggests, Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador; there are several explanations for the misleading moniker.
In Cuenca, in the country’s highlands, we visited a factory where they made these traditional brimmed straw hats, weaving hundreds of plaited leaves together. There are various degrees of quality, but the superfino ones, which can hold water and be rolled and carried in a pocket, sometimes reach outrageous prices — up to $500.
