Panama Hats

Panama Hats are the finest Straw Hats made in the world! The Authentic Panama Hat is Handwoven from the very strong fibre of a short Palm tree that grows on the coast of Ecuador. The straw from the palm is known as Toquilla and the hats should rightly be called Sombreros de paja toquilla (or hats of toquilla straw). However, world wide they are known as Panama Hats, even though they have always been made in Ecuador.

We have over 60 styles of hats for men and women! Many of the styles are Classics and many are exclusive designs of Gabriola Imports.

 

Gabriola Imports

We are a Canadian wholesaler specializing in Panama Hats and have been importing and wholesaling products from Ecuador since 1991. During this time we have specialized in Ecuadorian Artesania or handmade products. Although the company has been the distributor for major clothing lines and other products over the years, we now import and sell almost exclusively Panama Hats.

Being the exclusive distributor in Canada for some of our Ecuadorian Designers and Hat Suppliers, we carry exclusive designs and all qualities of hats including Montecristi in whatever grade you desire.  We can create custom styles for retail chain stores with a sufficient order.

Please see our Conditions of Sale prior to contacting our service staff.

Howard Hats are imported and distributed by Gabriola imports (1993)
We offer to discriminating buyers a large selection of the finest handwoven hats in the world, made by some of the best weavers and designers in Ecuador-where all genuine Panama hats come from.

The authentic Panama hat is made from toquilla, the straw of a small palm tree that only grows in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. The straw is strong and flexible and the finest hats will last for decades. These hats offer excellent sun protection. Recommended by Dermatologists.