Fresh from the Wimbledon finals, if the style inspired you as much as the sport, then you've come to the right place. And if, like everyone else in the woman&home office, you've suddenly developed a penchant for Panama hats, then I've got good news for you.
The sun-protecting headgear that was the accessory of the Royal box is surprisingly easy to find and at a host of price points, and I've curated a list of the very best. When looking at what to wear to Wimbledon, a hat in the Royal Box at Wimbledon is largely frowned upon, as you don't want to obscure someone else's view. However, the recent heatwave has meant hats are a must, with the Wimbledon-provided Panama, trimmed with the SW19's green and purple ribbon, being a standout.
Unfortunately, if you had your eye on an exact match, the Wimbledon Panama hat is currently out of stock; however, there are plenty of high street buys at every price point that promise shade and style. This slim-line hat is universally flattering, and as you can see from the Royal Box, everyone suited it and put their own spin on the style with their chosen angle. It never dates and looks fantastic with everything.
With a similar Panama-style aesthetic, this packable hat (big tick with summer holidays on the horizon) also features a contrasting ribbon trim. While it's from the men's section, don't worry, this is the sort of hat that is essentially unisex, just check the size detailing so you can get your perfect fit.
This Panama design is under £20 and has a delightful, wide ribbon trim and slightly more curved silhouette that gives it a distinctly feminine spin. Pair this with everything from luxe linen to floaty summer dresses and elegant tailoring. It's also available on Amazon Prime, making it an excellent Next Day Delivery sunhat should you need one.
The reason Panama silhouettes are so loved is their low profile, that still provides great shade, and this trimmed design just does that. In the traditional off-white/neutral hue and with a lovely thick ribbon trim, this is a great summer buy that will pair just as well with the best summer dresses as it will with summer suiting.
The most expensive of my finds, this iteration from The White Company is actually made for the brand by the Panama Hat Company and adheres to the specific guidelines needed to actually call the product a Panama hat. You'll notice many similar versions avoid using the term Panama because they don't meet certain criteria.
More fedora than Panama, this off-white, ribbon-trimmed hat is still a very sophisticated, stylish and flattering buy. I love the creamy hue and the contrast brown ribbon that adds an extra trending note to this design. Pair with other neutrals, or use it to tone down bolder shades. When it comes to what to wear in the heat, this is a winner.
Lightweight, breathable and available in four contrast shades, this design uses the classic Panama shape and finishes it with metal hardware for a very high-end finish, but a very affordable price tag. While not traditional, I particularly love the navy iteration, which looks ever-so-chic. Add this to your summer capsule wardrobe for season's to come.
So why are some hats Panama, and some Panama-style. To be called a true Panama, the design must be handwoven using toquilla straw in Ecuador, hence the price tag on The White Company design, as this is a real design, with all the necessary hallmarks.
The straw makes the design extremely breathable, which, coupled with the brim, makes it an ideal choice for sun protection in the summer. One of the best sunhats you can invest in, this is a look that doesn't date, regardless of what the catwalks are saying, this is a silhouette that lives on.
Because of the toquilla straw and the masterful, high-end craftsmanship, Panama hats should have a high level of flexibility, making them ideal for packing (yes, really), although I like to pack into and around my hats, instead of rolling them. But, this high end design and craft detail does come at a price, with true Panama's starting at around £100. However, Panama-style hats are widely available for less and still maintain that sleek, sophisticated, suits-everyone silhouette, that ensures their enduring popularity.
