Rolling a Panama Hat

Contrary to myth, not all Panama hats are suitable for rolling up, and not all the hats you find around market are genuine. Click here to learn how to spot a fake one.

The type of weave is determinant to get a rollable hat. The most popular rollable weaves are the Herringbone (llano) — rollable since it is made using double straw, resulting in a more robust and durable hat — and the Brisa weave, which is rollable only from the superfine category.

The ideal hats for rolling up are the Montecristi Panama Hats because of their superb quality herringbone weave, minutely handwoven with double straw.

The purpose of rolling a genuine Panama should be for the convenience of travel only. It should not be permanently stored rolled up as it would lose its shape. To keep your hat looking perfect, roll it up as infrequently and as loosely as you can.

1. Turn down the brim all the way round, pushing up all the crown
2. Hold the hat with the crown running from left to right
3. Fold carefully along the centre ridge of the crown, pushing one side of the hat into the other
4. Gently roll it up loosely into a cone-like shape — you can put a band around to hold it in place or insert it in the travel tube

Make sure not to keep the hat permanently rolled up while stored