As the warmer months approach, it’s time to pack away those cozy sweaters and hats in favor of lighter materials. If you’re fond of hats and want to wear them year-round, switching to summer-appropriate materials can be daunting. Straw hats are an obvious choice, but the variety of straw materials can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best straw for your summer hat needs, brought to you by Hats in the Belfry.

Natural Straws

Panama Straw

Handwoven in Ecuador from the toquilla palm, Panama straw hats gained popularity during the construction of the Panama Canal. Genuine Panama straw hats, like our Belfry Ladd, feature a center starting knot and a brand mark inside the crown. These hats are lightweight, comfortable, and offer good sun protection, making them perfect for summer events like garden parties.

Raffia Straw

Raffia straw is made from the raffia palm and is known for its durability and packability. With thicker fibers than Panama straw, it’s ideal for crushable and packable hats like our Belfry Corrado, which features a crocheted raffia crown and a toyo brim. Raffia straw is water-resistant, making it a great choice for beach outings.

Palm Straw

Woven in Mexico, palm straw hats are built to withstand the elements, making them ideal for outdoor activities like boating and hiking. Though heavier than Panama straw hats, they provide excellent sun protection. Our Cumberland hat by Stetson exemplifies the rugged and adventurous spirit of palm straw hats.

Hemp Straw

Hemp straw hats are breathable, lightweight, and naturally resistant to ultraviolet light and mold. The Belfry Mondello, with its packable cloche shape, is perfect for downtown outings or beach days.

Seagrass Straw

Seagrass straw hats, like our Belfry Elizabeth, showcase a natural shift in color from tans to greens. Harvested from the sea floor, seagrass straw offers a structured, neutral appearance and excellent moisture absorption, making it ideal for hot days.

Sisal Straw

Sisal straw is made from the agave sisalana plant found in Yucatán. With fine strands that take dyes well, sisal straw is popular for dressier hats like the Belfry Marini.

Sinamay Straw

Sinamay straw comes from the abaca tree, a type of banana tree in the Philippines. Despite their delicate appearance, sinamay hats like our Belfry Lilla are durable and can be easily refreshed with steam and gentle handling.

Paper Straws

Toyo Straw

Toyo straw is made from rice paper woven into yarns and shellacked for added protection. Light and sun-protective, toyo straw hats like our Belfry Ernesto combine function and style, making them perfect for summer looks.

Shantung Straw

Shantung straw, originally made from Manila hemp, is now similar to toyo straw and offers a comfortable alternative for those sensitive to natural straw textures. Our Belfry Arnold features a Teflon coating for added durability.

Paper Braid Straw

Paper braid straw hats, such as our Belfry Margharita, are created by weaving paper materials into long strands and sewing them together. This construction results in a distinctive, precise pattern.

Synthetic Straws

Poly Braid Straw

Poly braid straw, made from polypropylene plastic, is similar to paper braid straw but offers enhanced durability, especially in wet conditions. Hats like the Belfry Roark are ideal for outdoor events where rain might be a factor.

Choose the perfect straw hat for your summer adventures and enjoy the season in style and comfort! Visit Hats in the Belfry to explore our full range of summer hats.