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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

The Panama Hat Company

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The Panama Hat Company

Family-run Panama hat specialists with 35+ years’ experience, based in Luton. PASSIONATE ABOUT PANAMAS!

Led by Ecuadorian-born Jenny and her daughter Mavi, we combine heritage craftsmanship with modern style to offer one of the UK’s largest ranges of authentic Panama hats. A genuine Panama hat should never be described as simply a straw hat! By virtue of its name, it is in fact a very unique hat, skillfully handwoven in Ecuador over several days or even months. Panama hats are woven from Paja Toquil

la straw, a member of the palm family indigenous to the coastal regions of Ecuador. Their history can be traced as far back as the Incas who were the first to weave hats from this fibrous plant. Since then the extraordinary Panama hat has had a wonderful and varied history. There are different qualities of Panama hats, depending on the fineness of the weave, and therefore can suit every pocket – from the exclusive Montecristi Panama hat, which can take up to 4 months to weave, to the standard woven Panama, which can take only 2-3 days. The weaving process is just a small part of the fascinating journey of a Panama hat, from straw to finished hat. Dependent on shape and weave, some Panama hats can be rolled up, making it a desirable feature for travel. Today the Panama hat, ever-known for its classic style and quality, has retained its charm yet has become ever more fashionable with new styles and patterned weaves to suit all tastes and pockets. See our fantastic selection of Panama hats on our website: www.panamahats.co.uk

Once you have a Panama hat, you will never look at a straw hat in the same way – at the Panama Hat Company we hope you appreciate this amazing piece of craftsmanship and keep this small but dying cottage industry alive for many more years to come !

15/07/2026

🏇🎾 The perfect finishing touch for Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and beyond.

This customer recently visited our factory in Luton to find the perfect Panama hat for Royal Ascot - and we think he looks fantastic! This timeless style would look just as at home courtside at Wimbledon, adding effortless elegance while keeping you cool on sunny days.

Nothing compares to trying on different styles and receiving expert advice in person. Whether you’re looking for your first Panama hat or adding another to your collection, we’ll help you find the perfect fit, shape and style.

🏡 Visit our Luton showroom by appointment
📍 Hat House, Ground Floor, 32 Guildford Street, Luton LU1 2NR
🕘 Monday–Friday | 9am–5pm

We’d love to welcome you and help you find your perfect Panama hat.

10/07/2026

✨ Introducing our Special Edition Folder Panama – Cuenca Optimo 20–22 ✨

A truly exceptional Panama hat, handcrafted in Ecuador using an exquisite Cuenca Optimo 20–22 weave and finished to the highest standards in England.

Shown here with a striking blue band, but that’s just the beginning… 🤍

Included in the £395 price, you can choose any band from our extensive bespoke collection, allowing you to create a Panama hat that is completely unique to you and your personal style.

The Optimo, also known as the Colonial Panama, is the most traditional of all Panama hat styles. Its distinctive centre crease and elegant herringbone weave make it a timeless classic. Better still, it’s fully foldable, making it the perfect luxury travel companion.

With only a handful available, this is a rare opportunity to own one of our finest handcrafted Panama hats.

✨ £395✨ Bespoke band included✨ Handwoven in Ecuador✨ Expertly finished in England✨ Fully foldable for travel

Which band would you choose? Tell us in the comments! 👇

26/06/2026

📍 We’re Open!

🕘 Monday – Friday | 9am – 5pm

📍 Hat House, Ground Floor
32 Guildford Street
Luton LU1 2NR

📞 To book an appointment, message Mavi on 07834 389789.

Come and visit our factory showroom, browse our beautiful collection of genuine Panama hats, and receive personalised styling and fitting advice.

Why not make it an experience and enjoy a guided factory tour, where you’ll discover the traditional craftsmanship behind every hat? Watch the fascinating process from mould making, blocking, hand turning, hat lining, hat cutting and stiffening, right through to the final hand trimming.

The techniques used to make our hats are virtually unchanged from those used over 100 years ago, preserving the artistry and heritage of true Panama hat making.

Looking for something completely unique? We can also create a bespoke Panama hat, designed especially for you with your choice of shape, colour, weave, band and finishing details.

We’d love to welcome you and help you find or create the perfect Panama hat. 👒

25/06/2026

✨ The perfect outfit deserves the perfect hat! 🤍

Today, Sophie visited The Panama Hat Company after finding a gorgeous new outfit in St Albans, paired with her beautiful Mint Velvet sandals. The final touch? Finding the perfect Panama hat to complete the look.

Mavi selected a natural Panama hat with a soft cream band, and we think it’s the perfect match. 🤍 Not only does it complement Sophie’s outfit beautifully, but its timeless, neutral tones mean it will pair effortlessly with so many other holiday outfits too. ☀️👒

That’s the beauty of choosing the right Panama hat – it’s not just for one occasion, it’s a stylish companion for the whole holiday!

Would you have chosen the classic cream band, or are you tempted by a pop of colour? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️

20/06/2026

🎩 Father’s Day is this Sunday! 🎁

Looking for the perfect gift for Dad?

Our handcrafted Panama hats are timeless, practical and made to be enjoyed for years to come.

To celebrate Father’s Day, we’re offering 20% OFF all Panama hats until 30th June.

✨ Use code: FATHERSDAY20

We’ve also added lots of gorgeous new styles to our website, including some beautiful limited-edition hats with only one available in each design.

☀️ Perfect for summer holidays, garden parties, days out and everything in between.

Offer excludes gift vouchers and accessories.

Shop now and find the perfect Panama hat for Dad (or yourself!).

17/06/2026

✨ The accessory you never knew you needed…

Meet our Leather Magnetic Hat Clip – the stylish solution for carrying your Panama hat when you’re not wearing it.

Simply attach it to your handbag, tote or luggage and secure your hat in the concealed magnetic fastening. Perfect for airport travel, sightseeing, shopping trips and summer days out when you want your hat close by without having to carry it.

Crafted from genuine leather and embossed with The Panama Hat Company logo, it’s practical, elegant and designed to make travelling with your hat effortless.

Trust us… once you’ve used one, you won’t want to be without it.

👜 Genuine leather
🧲 Strong concealed magnetic closure
✈️ Perfect for travel and everyday adventures

Planning a trip? You can also watch our handy guide on how to pack your Panama hat in a suitcase on our website.

Shop now via the link in our bio.

10/06/2026

This gorgeous Special Edition Diamond Capeline has been handcrafted in a small batch especially for our new Summer Season. Its soft creamy tone pairs effortlessly with a wide range of outfits, while the intricate diamond weave sets it beautifully apart from the crowd.

Designed with both style and practicality in mind, the generous wide brim offers excellent sun protection, making it perfect for frequent travel, holidays, and elegant everyday wear.

Address

Hat House, 32 Guildford Street
Luton
LU12NR

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.panamahats.co.uk/

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