GENERAL INFORMATION: The legendary genuine "Panama" hat is made of Toquilla Palm. The very finest Panama hats have been woven in and around the small town of Montecristi, in Ecuador. Each hat is woven by hand, and virtually all of the work must be done at night, between midnight and six am, in order to protect the straw from damage. The better quality hats (Ultrafino Collectors) require a minimum of nine weeks to complete. The very finest can take up to six months to weave. These extraordinary hats are called Montecristi Ultrafino Museum. The result is breathtaking: comfortable, stylish, a link with the past, a living demonstration of caring craftsman-ship produced by true master weaver.