Panama hats are made from what material?
Correct answer: Straw
Laura
In the 19th century, Ecuador was relatively isolated, so the Ecuadorian hats were taken to be sold in Panama, which had a lot of travelers (many on their way to the California gold rush). Also, in 1906 President Roosevelt was photographed at the Panama Canal wearing such a hat. For these reasons, the hats came to be called Panama hats.