What is a grade 8 Panama Hat?

The Panama "Grade" is defined as weave density or number of straws less 10 that run in a one-inch measurement. The larger this number the higher the "Grade". The toquilla "Panama" palms are specially selected for their purity of colour, fine texture and strength Weaving a Grade 8 takes on average 10-12 days, a few hours each morning and evening when the air is cool as the straw may crack in the heat of the day. Upon completion, each hat will be logged in by the "collector" for Grading and then assigned to the "azocador" or trimmer. Afterwards, the "bodies" are given to the "processador" for bleaching and finally to the "comicionista" where it is pounded with a wood hammer to gently stretch the crown. Each hat combines thee finest choice of materials, generations of tradition and the evolution of manufacturing processes. The result is THE GRADE 8 PANAMA.

Features and Specifications:

• Equipped with DuPont Teflon Shield+ Fabric Protector technology, this genuine Panama straw hat is as good as it gets.
• Classified as a grade 8 Panama, nothing messes with this hat.
• MADE IN USA with straw woven in Ecuador.