skip to Main Content
1 Million + Satisfied Visitors ❤️
Panama Hat Vs Cowboy Hat

Panama hat vs Cowboy hat. The Difference (With Pictures)

Do you know that there is a hat for every occasion? Yes, that is right, and this makes hats even more enchanted and beautiful to wear. While people love to wear hats, the charm of a few hats like baseball caps or cowboy hats is quite different from the rest.

But over the years, there has been a big question regarding Panama hat vs. cowboy hat? People are constantly looking for an answer to know which is better and how you can differentiate between the two. While the same might not be easy for many, with the help of a friendly guide, you can quickly gain the basic idea behind the two hats.

So, in this article, let us explore the details and differences between the two hats. Also, let us find out which of these two hats is more suited for a stylish look.

The Main Difference

Let us start by pointing out the main difference to end the confusion of Panama hat vs. cowboy hat. The main difference is based on the structure, use, and design at the forefront. While other differences are linked to fit, style, durability, and care, these are the main ones.

Difference 1: Structure

There is quite a mild difference between the Panama hat and the cowboy hat when it comes to the structure. Panama hats generally have a dent across the crown top and a ribbon around the crown. On the other hand, a cowboy hat is a high crown with a broad brim. The crown is dented at the center.

Difference 2: Material Used

The Panama hats are mainly made from the Toquilla straw or the jipijapa palm. The original cowboy hats were made from leather, straw, and felt. Currently, both these varieties of hats are available in breathable material, but the originality of the material used is a big point of differentiation between them.

Difference 3: Suitability

The Panama hats are light-colored and lightweight. This is the reason these hats are more popular as beach accessories. In comparison, cowboy hats are pretty popular among ranch workers and Texas. These are mostly worn during charity events, weddings, or other occasions to gain the complete western look.

Which One Is More Stylish, Panama Hat Or Cowboy Hat?

That might sound like a tricky question to answer, but knowing the right way to style each of the Panama hats and the cowboy hat can help you make the decision quickly. So, let us look at the essential styling tips for each hat.

A Panama hat can be styled with a beach backdrop and a white linen shirt. It gives you a perfectly vibrant look for the summer. Whereas cowboy hats are the iconic western-style hats but more suited when indulging in horse riding or participating in any event in the west.

So, if you are looking for a stylish hat that is simple to match with any attire and suited for almost all occasions, then a Panama hat is definitely the right choice to make. Apart, Panama hats are decorated with ribbon and have a comparatively narrow brim, making them a perfect choice.

What Is A Panama Hat?

The Panama Hat is basically a Toquilla straw Fedora. It is also known as the Ecuadorian hat and is distinguished by its material rather than its shape. The Toquilla Palm tree produces toquilla straw. Ecuador is where the Panama hat’s weaving pattern began. Since Ecuadorian artisans first created it, it has been known as the Ecuadorian hat. This pattern is a UNESCO-listed Ecuadorian cultural treasure.

panama hat

It is right to state that not all the straw Fedoras are Panama hats, but Fedoras made from Toquilla straw are Panama hats. When it comes to the shape of a Panama hat, you will find a dent across the crown top and a ribbon around the crown with a medium broad brim.

Features Of Panama Hats

  • It gained popularity in the mid-1800s during the Gold Rush era.
  • It was mainly worn by the merchants in the Gulf of Panama and soon established a name in Asia.
  • It is lightweight and has a light color tone.
  • It is highly breathable and comfortable.
  • You can wear it at beaches, parties, casual events, so it is the most acceptable summer accessory.
  • It is highly durable and can be folded up to be stacked in a bag to carry around.
  • It is designed by using two broad types of weaving. The Cuenca design is comparable to Herringbone Tweed; however, the Brisa pattern is diamond-shaped.
  • The weaving is usually quite intricate, which adds to the Panama hats’ overall beauty.

What Is A Cowboy Hat?

The cowboy hat is a high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat most commonly associated with the North American cowboy. Many people wear it nowadays, but ranch workers in the western and southern United States, western Canada, and northern Mexico are particularly fond of it. It is widely recognized as an item of Old West clothing.

cowboy hat

Cowboy hats are typically designed from fur-based felt, straw, or, less frequently, leather. A tall, rounded crown and a wide flat brim are included with a little decorative hat band on the exterior of the crown and a plain sweatband on the inside to keep the fit of the hat stable. The crown and brim of hats can be created and rolled to make them uniquely yours. A more ornate hatband is frequently used. “Stampe strings” or “wind strings” are also added in some places.

Features Of Cowboy Hats

  • It is seen as a hat mainly worn while riding the horse and has different etiquettes associated with it.
  • It has a high crown dented at the center and a few pinches on either side.
  • It is known for the level of comfort it offers to its wearer.
  • It is light-colored with lightweight and a chinstrap to make the fit appropriate.
  • It has broadly two variations in design. One is the famous ten-gallon hat, and the other is the Calgary White Hat.
  • You can wear it at charity events or weddings as well.
  • It is one of the hats that’s structure has the practical purpose of safeguarding the face of the rider in the scorching sun.
  • This hat became famous with movies and rodeo riders.

Panama Hat vs Cowboy Hat

Comparison PropertiesPanama HatCowboy Hat
Uses (for)It is a semi-formal, casual, and beachwear hat. It is also worn during formal meets.It is more suited for formal occasions like charity, weddings, or outdoor events.
Ideal ForIt is ideal for all seasons and is unisex.It is ideal for all seasons and is unisex.
Distinct FeatureIt has a dent across the crown top and a ribbon around the crown.It has a high crown dented at the center and a few pinches on either side.
Famous ForIt gained popularity in the mid-1800s during the Gold Rush era.This hat became famous with movies and rodeo riders.
DurabilityIt is comparatively less durable as it is made from straw.It is highly durable and suited for a rough climate as well.
Material UsedThese hats are made from the Toquilla straw or the jipijapa palm.It is mainly made from fur-based felt, straw, or leather.
Waterproof MaterialThese hats are not at all waterproof.Though these hats are not waterproof, they can provide safety to a certain degree.
Belongs ToThese hats are originally from Ecuador and are also known as the Ecuadorian hat.These hats are mainly from the western and southern United States, western Canada, and northern Mexico.
Care and MaintenanceThese hats are very delicate and require intensive care.These hats are comparatively sturdier and do not require high intensive care.
Types and StylesThere are mainly two styles, the Cuenca design, and the Brisa pattern.There are two variations: the ten-gallon hat and the Calgary White Hat.
WeatherIt is perfect for all the weather conditions but more suited for summers only.It is perfect for all the weather conditions and more suited for summers or windy periods.
FoldabilityThe Panama hats are quite easy to carry and foldable.You can fold the cowboy hat, but it is not easy to do so based on its structure.
FitThe fit is normally comfortable with no chinstrap.These hats have a tight fit with the chinstrap.

What Are Panama Hats For?

Panama hats are classic summer hats made from the toquilla palm, which is still largely woven in Ecuador today. Panama hats are truly amazing in all ways. These are designed to offer you the most amazing look while going out to the beach or attending a casual lunch party.

Popular as the beachwear hats, this is quite comfortable and lightweight. While the merchant initially used the hat, it does hold significant value in the professional world as well. Additionally, these hats can be worn at any point of the day and even during the rains.

Definitely, Panama hats are the multipurpose, unisex, and all-season hats that you should try styling. Also, these are the hats available for all the seasons.

What Are Cowboy Hats For?

When it comes to cowboy hats, there is a lot of history and etiquette associated with their use. Traditionally, cowboy hats were used by horse riders. It shields the wearer from the elements, including the sun’s rays, the wind, the rain, and the cold or even biting snow. You can use it to draw water from a stream for the wearer’s horse or himself.

You can use it to draw attention to a situation by signaling other ranch hands or swatting a horse or steer. With time, cowboy hats transformed from just a hat to a part of the western attire with intense emotions linked to them.

So, if you are looking to visit some charity or a wedding event, a cowboy hat is going to be a great choice. Being light-colored and lightweight, it is perfect for summer and gives you a cozy look.

The Best Panama Hat

Classic Felt Panama Hat with Belt Buckle

Designed from high-quality material, this Panama hat is a perfect unisex piece for all. Available in multiple colors with a fashionable design and decorated with a belt, this is perfect for outdoor and casual styling. Available in all sizes, the main features of the Panama hat are as follows:

  • Material – Cotton (65%), Polyester (35%)
  • Closure – Drawstring closure
  • Fitting – Comfortable fit
  • Care – Hand Wash Only
  • Measurement – Multiple Sizes
  • Nature – Unisex

Panama Roll up Hat Belt Buckle

A great Panam hat designed for women is highly stylish and comfortable to wear. Made from a soft, breathable material, this is perfect for outdoor wear and is available in an array of colors. The features are as follows:

  • Material – Paper Straw (90%), Polyester (10%)
  • Closure – Pull-On closure
  • Fitting – Comfortable fit
  • Care – Hand Wash Only
  • Measurement – One Size
  • Nature – Women

The Best Cowboy Hat

Kangaroo Cowboy Hat

The classic cowboy hat is available in four distinct colors; this is made from felt with metal studs. With the pull-on closure, this hat is one amazing piece of art. The features are:

  • Material – Felt with metal studs
  • Closure – Pull-on closure
  • Fitting – Comfortable fit
  • Care – Hand Wash Only
  • Measurement – Single Size
  • Nature – Unisex

Western Outback Cowboy Hat

Available in multiple colors and patterns, this cowboy hat is made from straw. This hat is a classic addition to your wardrobe, offering the perfect fit with the ultimate design and a perfect stud. The features are:

  • Material – 100% Straw
  • Fitting – Comfortable fit
  • Care – Hand Wash Only
  • Measurement – Single Size
  • Nature – Unisex

Final Thoughts

Owing a hat is really a matter of pride, and when it is a hat that is linked to history, it becomes even better. While the debate for Panama hat vs. cowboy hat has stayed for long, the best thing to understand here is that both these hats are quite crucial of their own. Where Panama hat is a perfect beachwear, Cowboy hat stands uncanny at any official event. So, if you are planning to expand your hat collection and are looking for some amazing pieces to add to it, both the Panama hat and the cowboy hat are fine choices to make. Know about the material, use, and style to make a wise purchase decision and enjoy styling these perfect hats.

This Post Has 0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top
Search