El Guayacano Hat

The Hat That Traveled Far Enough to Get a New Name

On Calle 1a Oeste, choosing a hat can turn into a small history lesson—because here, every piece has its own story woven into it, quite literally. El Guayacano’s authentic Panama Hats are handwoven in Ecuador using toquilla straw, a lightweight natural fiber that can be transformed into remarkably fine yet durable weaves. The brand has worked directly with artisans and families since 2001, and some of its most intricate hats can take weeks to complete. That is why it is worth looking beyond the crown: the fineness of the weave, its flexibility, and every small detail reveal the time, technique, and skilled hands behind each piece. Here, you are not simply trying on a Panama Hat—you are trying on a story that crossed borders before reaching Panama.

When the Hats Left the Store

El Guayacano took things one step further by bringing its signature product into the skies of Casco Antiguo. Its founder, Aniel Beltrán, helped launch the Calle de los Sombreros, an installation featuring hundreds of hats suspended above the street, transforming the area around the store into a colorful cultural and photo-worthy stop. The initiative later evolved into a festival supported by Panama City’s municipal government.

Perhaps that is why buying a hat here feels different. You walk in looking for something to shield you from the sun and leave with a story that sparks your curiosity: a piece born in Ecuador, named after Panama, and transformed into part of Casco Antiguo’s landscape.