Handmade in the U.S.A., this ultra-premium Open Road is crafted from premier grade 20 Panama straw. Grades of Panama straw are determined by the tightness of the weave, with 20 registering as “extra fine,” resulting in a lightweight hat of unbeatable resilience with a smooth, almost fabric-like feel. Panama hats as we know them, actually come from Ecuador, where the tradition of intricately hand-weaving toquilla straw hats pre-dates the 15th century. When Teddy Roosevelt wore his Ecuadorian-made toquilla hat on his return trip from the Panama canal, so-called “Panama” hats became an essential warm-weather style for well-dressed travelers.The body of the Open Road Panama is traditionally handwoven one strand at a time in Ecuador and finished at our factory in Texas. It has a regular oval 4” low cattleman crown and 2 3/4” slightly curved short brim, with a grosgrain hatband, premium crystal JBS branding iron pin and genuine leather sweatband. Originally introduced in 1937, the legendary Open Road has been worn by modern pioneers and trailblazers ever since, from artists and outlaws to Presidents. 4" Low Cattleman Crown 2 3/4" Slightly Curved Short Brim Regular Oval Grosgrain Hatband Premium Crystal JBS Brand Hat Pin Genuine Leather Sweatband Premier Stetson Hat Box Grade 20 Panama Straw Body Handwoven in Ecuador Handmade in the U.S.A.
