MKHATS

The unique textile composed of Paja Toquilla, a traditional Ecuadorian palm-like plant, requires extensive processing that is an art in itself. With quality as the focus, each Paja Toquilla straw plays a role in determining a hat's grade. Before we even see something like what is shown in the pictures below, the jungle plants are harvested by scouts at the perfect time, leaves stripped down and split, boiled, dried, and commonly bleached with sulfur smoke.

Its easy to take the finished product for granted. Processing fibre and weaving are only but preliminary steps. Many more hands, each with their specialty, work to finish these pieces of art. Here we walk through some of these processes and specifics first-hand. Different shapes are made through a variety of methods. Here we witness local artisans triumphing their traditional craft.

With over 40 distinct grades, it is certain, not a single strand is overlooked. We learn that there are two main weaves; each bearing unique characteristics and purpose.

Traditional weave of Manabi province (monteCristi, Pile, San Lorenz), Ecuador and Cajamarca province, Peru

Most technical

Finer straw = highest grade weave

Densest sun protection

On the most premium, the rows of weaving are perfectly straight and so tight that some appear to be made of off-white cotton

Grades go from 0-40

Grade 0, initially takes 2 days to create the hat's body; from there, it is another good week of treating, trimming, and finishing to bring it to a stage ready to sel

Grade 20, you may able to find in high end boutiques

Grade over 30, will require a waiting time of months

Grade 40,  are rare and priced in the thousands

Traditional Mountain weave of Cuenca villages area

Composed of single weave

Compared with the llano weave

Lighter and easier to make

Most commercialized

Grades go from 0-20

Grade 0, will talk a half day to create the hat body, and few more days for treating, trimming, and finishing to bring it to a stage ready to sell

Grade 10+ can take up time up to 40 days this a price tag of $400-1500