Best Panama Hats For Men

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Last Updated: August 16, 2023

Panama hats make for those timeless classics that are always in fashion, no matter the day, month, or year. If you want to compliment your wardrobe with one of these, why not go for the best one? That can be a hell of a task, given the wide range of variety. This all-inclusive Panama hats guide is here to make the search simpler for you.

Origin of Panama Hats

The Panama hats trace their origin in Ecuador. They reached North America in the 17th century from the Ecuadorian town of Montecristi and soon became a hit. These had a classy, aesthetically pleasing look and practical use, i.e., protection from the harsh sun.

Towards the end of the 18th century, these ‘sombreros’ from Ecuador were ordered in bulk by the US government, and soon enough (around 1906), they became part of the wardrobe of the English aristocracy. Eventually, these hats became a hit the world over, and Panama hats became the top export from Ecuador by 1944.

Top 10 Panama Hats For Men Review

Look at our handpicked selection of the finest Panama hats for men.

1. Stetson Men’s Airway Vented Panama Straw Hat

This hat from Stetson can be your perfect companion for running outdoor errands. It features a vented crown along with an underbrim that’s UV-protected. That’ll save you on a sunny day. When it comes to quality, you don’t need to think twice. The neutral-colored hat is made using only genuine Panama straw.

People all over love this one, making it a featured hat in Stetson’s 150th Anniversary collection. With a 3-inch brim and a crown measuring 4 ½ inches, it comes with a buckle closure and a leather chin cord with a toggle.

This hat comes in a wide size range, from small to extra-large. That means now everyone can have a comfortable, classy, and functional hat.

PROS
  • Premium quality
  • True to size fit
  • Has a vented crown
  • Features leather chin cord
CONS
  • Not fit for hand washing

This is a great panama straw hat for active people who like to look stylish, while enjoying proper ventilation on their head.

 

2. Panama Jack Safari Sun Hat

This brown tropical ivory hat from Panama Jack is another refreshing option. It is made of a soft matte Toyo straw material and features a black cotton ribbon band with two pleats. Its antique air vents or eyelets promise you a breathable and comfortable experience.

Featuring an original black label, its 2 ½-inch brim offers the ultimate sun protection (UPF 50+ and UVB/UVA). What’s more, this hat ranks high in functionality, with its teardrop pinched crown, inner sweatband, and air vents. It comes in two standard sizes – medium and large.

No matter the season or occasion, you can never go wrong with this Safari hat. You can wear it the next time you go for fishing, when playing golf, or when casually lounging in the sun.

PROS
  • Structured brim offers UPF (SPF) 50+ protection
  • Perfect fitting
  • Elegant design
  • Affordable
CONS
  • Smashed, flattened delivery in an envelope

This is a beautiful hat, that won’t look out of place anywhere important. It is especially suitable for occasions such as weddings and inaugurations.

 

3. Ultrafino Gambler Woods Panama White Straw Hat

Do you fancy an exotic, handwoven hat? Check out this Gambler Woods Panama hat from Ultrafino. It is handwoven using straw, that too by master weavers in Ecuador. This classy, lightweight hat can be your ideal golf buddy. Plus, with a UPF 50+ rating, this is a go-to option for a sunny day, shielding you from the scorching heat.

Available in white and neutral colors, you can find the one that fits you best from its wide-ranging sizes. Pair it up with your formals, and you will be good to go! Alternatively, you can up your style by wearing this unisex Panama hat with your stylish outfits. Brace yourself for receiving compliments all day long.

PROS
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Handcrafted by authentic weavers from Ecuador
CONS
  • Comparatively expensive

This one is great for stylish men who like to look young and classy. It is made from top quality materials and gives you optimum cover from the sun. The craftsmanship is of the best quality.

 

4. Comhats Fedora Straw Panama Beach Hat

This fedora hat is your daily-wear summer wardrobe essential. Just some clever accessorizing, and you can match it with your outfits all around the year. Whether you want a sleek, formal look or a breezy casual one, this one has got it all.

You can be assured of its quality, for it is made with 100% genuine paper straw. Moreover, it comes with a hook-and-loop closure mechanism. Size-wise, you can choose from the four standard sizes – small, medium, large, and extra-large. Want more flexibility? This hat features an adjustable Velcro tape situated inside the sweatband.

You can simply fold and pack this breathable, lightweight hat or wear it on the go. That makes it travel-friendly, and you don’t have to worry about creases – it regains its shape right back. Whatever the occasion, you’ll always benefit from this ventilated, sun-protecting hat.

PROS
  • Easy to fold and pack
  • Provides ample ventilation
  • Available in multiple colors
CONS
  • Customers have complained of a larger than usual size

This is a top quality panama hat that is not only great looking, but it is also breathable, comfortable and stylish.

 

5. Panama Jack Original Mesh Safari Hat

Nothing spells comfort like a cotton twill hat. Add some polyester to it, and there you have it, your perfect safari hat. Featuring an inner sweatband and a mesh sidewall, it will shield your skin from harmful UVA/UVB and UPF 50+ sun rays.

Furthermore, its teardrop pinched crown, breathable, and lightweight build combines style with maximum comfort. You can choose the hat that fits you perfectly with its wide size range – medium, large, or extra-large.

You can have a fun-packed adventure with this trendy hat which combines premium quality, usability, and authentic style.

PROS
  • Provides protection from UVA/UVB rays
  • Features breathable mesh sides
  • Comes with an absorbent inner sweatband
CONS
  • The one-size-fits-all may be smaller than the advertised size

This hat is adorable. It has a combination of mesh and cotton twill. The UPF 50+ rating assures of maximum sun protection. You won’t regret spending money on this one.

 

6. Ultrafino Genuine Havana Retro Panama Hat

How about a Retro Panama hat? This toquilla straw hat from Ultrafino is all about elegance and comfort. You can wear it for eight hours at a stretch without feeling any discomfort, even on a hot and humid summer day.

Pair it up with your spring and summer outfits – button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, or a business suit. Leave the quality concern to us, for this stylish hat is built to last for several years. Moreover, it is hand finished by skilled craftspeople in Seattle.

You can choose from a wide variety of sizes and headband colors. To top it all, the brand offers a trouble-free 60 days return policy, in case you chose the wrong size or color.

PROS
  • Premium quality and classy style
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Free 60-day exchange available
CONS
  • Doesn’t have a leather sweatband

This beautiful straw hat feels lightweight and comfortable. It is classy and will look great for your parties, weddings or an evening on the beach.

 

7. Ultrafino Trilby Straw Fedora Panama Hat

This unisex classic fedora hat is one of the few headwears that are always in fashion. With an elegant black grosgrain ribbon bow and band, you can pair it with multiple outfits. Moreover, if you need more variety, you can choose between the white hat and the one with a striped hatband.

You can wear it in the sun and forget about the sweat, for its padded sweatband works to keep the moisture away. Plus, it offers ample shade on a sunny day. At the same time, the brim comes with a wire which holds the it’s shape.

Crafted by authentic weavers in Ecuador, it is further hand-finished in the US, which means double quality assurance. Further, its flexible straw construction guarantees shape retention with just minimal care.

PROS
  • Features a stylish grosgrain ribbon hatband
  • Durable construction
  • Retains its original shape
  • Complete sun-protection
CONS
  • Not easy to clean
  • Mismatched sizing

This men’s panama hat is great for weddings and it will also look amazing on a beach or a golf course. It has an awesome hatband that is noticeable even from a distance.

 

8. Ultrafino Foldable Panama Straw Hat

This one from Ultrafino is the Fedora packable and foldable hat made with toquilla straw. A great fit for traveling and outdoor adventures, you can rock this classy hat with both casual and formal wear.

It is your classical fedora featuring a central dented crown. It has a breathable and foldable straw weave. Plus, its adjustable with a medium, wired brim, and moisture-absorbent sweatband makes it a great option. Available in different sizes and hatband types (grosgrain, rope, leather, etc.)

Not only that, it is a genuinely crafted product, handwoven by craftspeople in Ecuador while being finished by hand in the US.

PROS
  • Offers comfort and has a smooth finish
  • Foldable and lightweight
  • Handcrafted in Ecuador
  • Comes with UPF 50+ sun protection
CONS
  • Might be creased due to its packaging

This is one of the best hats that show off your masculinity. Among all the panama hats, this one will give you the most desired classic appearance.

 

9. Scala Men’s Panama Outback Hat

This American-made Panama hat makes use of 100% original Panama straw. Available in a neutral color, you can get it in two sizes – medium and extra-large. This hat gives a complete cowboy look, which will make you the center of attention on your next adventurous expedition.

What’s more, the comfy and cozy twill sweatband will make wearing this one as effortless as it gets. You can ace the western fedora game with this lightweight hat from Scala.

Comfort and style go hand-in-hand with this one. It features a wide brim for an easy fit, a braided jute hatband, along with a secure Scala pin.

PROS
  • Features a wide brim for full complete coverage
  • Easy to clean
  • Perfect sizing
  • Elegant American-style hat
CONS
  • Fashion hat, not fit for daily wear

This is the ideal hat for the cowboy look. It has a high crown and a wide brim that gives you maximum protection from sun.

 

10. Levine Hats Men’s Casa Blanca Optimo Crown Panama Straw Hat

Pick any from small, large, or extra-large sized Optimo Crown Panama hat from Levine Hats Co. Available in a neutral color, you can wear this snap-brim hat in two ways – turned upwards or downwards.

It’s made of premium quality straw bodies, i.e., 3BU 2×2 weave Shantung straw. Treated with DuPont Teflon, this Shantung Panama straw hat is known for its durability, which means it will not crack even after considerable usage. Plus, it is water-resistant and will retain its shape.

Moreover, its cotton sweatband will keep sweat at bay while giving you a cooling experience. With time, the sweatband will automatically conform and adjust to suit your particular head size.

PROS
  • Coated with shantung Panama Straw
  • Water-proof and retains shape
  • Breathable sweatband
CONS
  • Crushed packaging

This is arguably the most suitable hat if you live in wet climates. It is lightweight, waterproof, has a classy design and built to be durable.

 

How To Choose The Best Quality Panama Hat?

Choosing the most suitable hat for a man may seem a bit tricky. To get the best out of your Panama hat purchase, you need to keep certain things in mind.

Straw

The straws come from the fibers of the toquilla palm tree. Typically, finer straws that are more identical to each other and have even coloration suggest premium quality hats.

Weave

Dense and even weave imply good quality Panama hats. Many times, to differentiate their quality, they are termed as either “Montecristi fino” or “Montecristi superfine.” At the same time, some retailers and manufacturers make use of numbered grades, like 1-20. However, these quality gradings are not universal, making it difficult to ascertain the quality of weave.

An alternative and more reliable way is just to count the number of weaves present per square inch. If you want a hat for daily wear, then 350–400 weaves per square inch should be enough.

Vueltas

Another quality criterion for Panama hats is determined by how many concentric circles or vuelta they have. These are located on the crown and are visible when you hold the hat under the sun or similarly intense light. It is commonly believed that more circles signify better quality.

Style

Now comes the style quotient. It is essential that the one you choose matches your taste in style and goes well with your wardrobe. Primarily, two features determine the style of Panama hats – the size and shape of their crown and brim. Some of the designs include the Fedora, Gambler and Optimo. The most popular styles are:

Fedora

With a combination of a contemporary and classy look, this is a favorite among modern-day hat wearers. The more traditional fedora hats feature a leather sweatband along with a black grosgrain ribbon.

Optimo

This one has a distinctly British look to it. The style is characterized by a top seam that runs at the rounded crown’s center.

Planter

If you want better sun protection, the planter-style Panama would be your best bet. It features an extended brim and a molded and rounded crown.

Golf

A style named after a sport? Well, yes! If you enjoy a good game of golf with your pals, try topping your look with a golf panama hat. Golf designs generally have an open, fancy weave running along the molded crown’s sides, which improves the airflow.

Conclusion

Hats are no more an obligation in the modern man’s daily wardrobe, except for when it comes to the evergreen Panama hats. These functional, classy hats are no less than a must-have accessory. There are not many headwear’s that can give the classy and classic vibe of a panama hat.

We have our heart set at the Men’s Airway Vented Panama Straw Hat from Stetson among all the choices mentioned above. You can wear it on a busy day or while casually chilling by the pool. Plus, its wide sizing options ensure that there is one perfect fitting hat for each one of us out there.

Forget about the scorching heat and get going with a sweat-proof and a sun-proof Panama hat!