Naturally grown. Woven by hand. Crafted to respect the planet
Our devotion to the environment is woven into each luxury Panama Hat we produce. From utilising sustainable materials, to recycling extra fibres, we ensure our hats look beautiful today, without compromising tomorrow.
Our materials
Panama Straw originates from the ‘Carludovica palmata’, also known as the Toquilla Palm, a plant based in low-elevation rain forests recognised for its unique strength and flexibility. The exceptional sustainability of these palms stems from its ability to regenerate rapidly, even after being cut back, allowing for more leaf harvesting within 18 months.
Due to this remarkable trait, Toquilla plants can remain productive for 20-30 years, without being replanted, providing long-term economic value to standing rainforests, directly deterring deforestation, and so safeguarding the broader ecosystem. Furthermore, they ensure a continuous yield, optimise soil protection, and allow for sustainable, non-destructive harvesting for the luxury materials used to make our hats.
Recycling our resources
We aim to maximise the lifecycle of each natural fibre we use and so have various schemes in place to do so. We exclusively use refurbished traditional sewing machines instead of buying new equipment. This intentional choice minimizes industrial waste while honouring authentic crafting traditions.
Moreover, our production offcuts are donated to textile and fashion houses for use in creative design projects, ensuring no material goes to waste. Finally, our dedicated restoration and reblocking service gives used Panamas a second life, further actively countering the modern cycle of disposable fast fashion.
Minimising environmental traces
We are very conscious of the potential environmental impact resulting from importing our panama straw from Ecuador. So, in order to minimise these effects, we endeavour to densely pack our hats through multistacking methods in specialised boxes, avoiding all unnecessary airfreight environmental costs.
To further reduce our carbon footprint, we resource our other production materials from local suppliers, minimising ecological impacts through transport choices. We also purchase our electronic devices from refurbished sources, and utilise many materials (such as hat liners, trimming ribbons, factory furniture and cutting implements) from closed down factories, reducing potential landfill, and extending their lifespan.
Sustaining culture
The crafting of Panama hats has been part of UNESCO World Heritage Craft since 2012, as part of Ecuador's cultural heritage. As the last remaining British manufacturer of Panama hats, we are dedicated to keeping this historic culture alive across two continents. By sourcing our woven textiles directly from master artisans in Ecuador, and completing the manufacturing process right here in Britain, we bridge traditional South American craft with British trade.
Overall, our family business proudly preserves a 500 year old art form, sustaining rich culture and protecting slow luxury fashion, in a world of rapid, transient trends. Moreover, Luton (where we are based) has a rich tradition as a hat making stronghold. In its “golden age”, around the 1930s, the town produced an astonishing 70 million hats a year, and so we hope to sustainably, actively continue and revive this hat crafting culture.
Supporting communities in Ecuador
Our investment and relationships with individual weavers across Ecuador also helps to support the local livelihoods and economy, providing suppliers with jobs and opportunities at home, enabling them to support their families.
Having worked with our suppliers for many years we champion their autonomy. They manage their operations independently while we provide a reliable, long-term market for their craft. Together, we are creating a resilient supply chain built on mutual trust, continuous growth, and shared success.
Our support for communities in Ecuador is best illustrated through the story of Fabrizio (in the top right image), the son of one of our talented weavers Mariana. Born with severe eyesight issues, Fabrizio’s family faced significant medical expense challenges. For the past 20 years, Jenny has organized multiple fundraising lunches annually to help give long term funding for his medical care. Thanks to this sustained support, Fabrizio is now 20 years old and pursuing his dream of training to become a nurse. We are very proud to be part of his story, and are determined to remain dedicated to the families who make our work possible.
We believe that true fashion should not cost the earth. We support communities and respect our planet. The environment matters to us; wearing our hats shows it matters to you too.
Wear the change.