Panama hats have been made in Ecuador from the plaited leaves of the panama-hat palm since 1630. In 1906 Theodore Roosevelt wore such a hat when he visited the construction workers of the Panama Canal. Photos of him wearing the hat increased its popularity. Many other famous faces have also owned a Panama, notably Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill & Paul Newman. Panama hats are flexible. They can be rolled up or packed away in the suitcase when travelling. It takes about 8 hours to weave a hat. Traditional Panama Hat With black band & cotton inner b&. Available in S (head circumference 54-55 cm/2112;” approx.), M (56-57 cm/22” approx.), L (58-59 cm/23” approx.) & XL (60-61 cm/24” approx.). & Oslash; (L) 32.7 cm (13” approx.), height 14 cm (512;” approx.).