How to roll your Panama hat?

 Bailey Natural Roll Up Hat, available on the Traclet website.

Please note that not all Panama hats are foldable, we advise you to inquire before doing so. Indeed, many Panama hats are stiffened and therefore cannot be folded!

The fineness of its weave combined with the flexibility of the Toquilla palm allows the Panama hat to be rollable for transport. To better preserve your new travel companion, here are some tips:

1. Roll, but do not fold. Panama hats can be rolled, but be careful not to fold them, as this could damage the mesh (cause the fibers to crack).

2. Only roll your hat for packing purposes. The Panama hat will take longer to return to its original shape if it remains rolled for too long. This is why it should only be rolled in case of travel.

3. Generally, the finer the weave, the easier the hat will be to roll. It is therefore not advisable to roll a hat of lesser quality. Their straw fibers being thicker, they are more likely to crack easily.

4. The Panama hat needs some ambient humidity to maintain its flexibility. Do not roll a hat that is too dry. If the hat remains exposed for too long to hot and dry weather, it can dry out to such an extent that it may crack if rolled.

5. Always keep your hat in its original shape... to avoid breaking it. Below is the foldable Traclet model, available on our online store. 

How to wear the Panama hat?

As we mentioned above, it is important to take care of your Panama hat with appropriate gestures when putting it on and taking it off. Indeed, while many people tend to pinch the crown to lift and reposition it, this seemingly harmless gesture weakens the weave of your hat on a daily basis and causes irreversible damage in the long term. It is therefore advisable to handle your headwear only by its brim, and not by its crown. A good habit that prevents breaking the iconic weave of the Panama hat so you can enjoy it for many years.

Where is the Panama hat made?

The understated and elegant finishes of the Panama hat are the result of hand-weaving done in Ecuador. Dried Toquilla palm fibers are meticulously braided by a single person for each hat. This exceptional craftsmanship gives the headwear all its elegance, as well as its flexibility to roll it during your travels. However, it is important to note that there are different qualities of weaving, and not all of them allow you to fold your Panama hat without damaging it. It is therefore not recommended to forcibly roll your hat if the fineness of its weave does not allow it.

When making your purchase, don't hesitate to ask the hatter directly about the possibilities of your headwear in order to take the best care of it and benefit from valuable advice on maintaining a Panama hat.

How to store your Panama hat when it's not rolled?

As you may have understood, rolling your Panama hat is a temporary solution to facilitate its transport or free up your hands when you don't need it. Apart from these specific cases, your hat should be kept in its original shape and out of direct sunlight. To preserve it durably over the years, it is recommended to invest in a suitable hat box. Indeed, this type of storage is available in various sizes and models. It is advisable to choose a box in which the brim of your hat can lay flat without touching the sides. This way, you can be assured of maintaining its original shape and rediscovering the intact charm of its weave each time you take it out of its case.

Discover the most beautiful Panama hat models at Chapellerie Traclet!

As a specialist for over 20 years, Chapellerie Traclet offers you a wide catalog of Panama hats for women and men. Colorful or more subdued models that highlight the iconic ribbon of this hat. Whatever your desires, you will find on our site a quality Panama hat to accessorize all your outfits in the most beautiful way. Moreover, you also benefit from personalized support with an available team and numerous detailed articles to guide you in the maintenance and use of your hat. Don't hesitate to compare our different Panama models for a unique style and an essential fashion accessory!