There are vast varieties of hat types in the world. Some of these hats are much more significant than the others, and have lasted longer for years. The Panama hat sure makes other hats look less important in the hat world. This straw hat has dominated the hat industry for many ages. Taking a trip down the memory lane, there have been many hat styles from Top hat to Tricorne to Fez. Where do you see these hats nowadays except in the museums or some special events. The connoisseurs of straw hats have declared that the Panama straw hat is the best. To tell a fact, it is the best of all hats whether straw or not. The Panama hats have given the other hats a tough competition and seem to enjoy the highly regarded prestige until now.  
There is a great legacy behind this straw hat. The origin of the Panama hats can be traced back to 4000 B.C. The Panama hats were worn by the Incas and when the Spanish conquered what now is Ecuador, they soon started wearing hats made from the same straw.   
There are many reasons why the Panama hats survived until now. The number reason will be its fine quality straw. The hat is made from the toquilla straw. The straw when it is weaved makes the Panama hat soft, smooth, strong and rich. It is tightly woven and it can repel a mild rain and intense heat. It is strong, durable and can last a lifetime if used properly. There are no other hats, which can offer the same trait like the Ecuador Panama hat. 
Another reason is that the Panama straw hats can be shaped into numerous styles.  The most famous style is the Panama Fedora Hat. Name any style and you will get it. The Panama straw hats can be blocked to any shape. The Panama hat blocking gives the final shape of the straw hat and it can be re-blocked again.
The Panama hats are also roll up hats. They can be rolled up for storage or traveling if you don’t want to wear the hat. You will get a small box for storing the roll up Panama hats. For storing other hat types, you will get a big box, which can be a nuisance to carry.
Finally, the Ecuador Panama hat serves to be both fashionable and functional. The elegant patterns of the straw add a grace in your attire. Its lightness and airiness will keep your head cool. Now you know why the Panama hats hold the supremacy in the hat world. Even today, the other hats have a tough competition with the Panama hat.