<P> A Panama hat (toquilla straw hat) is a traditional brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin . Traditionally, hats were made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata plant, known locally as the toquilla palm or jipijapa palm, although it is a palm - like plant rather than a true palm . </P> <P> Panama hats are light - colored, lightweight, and breathable, and often worn as accessories to summer - weight suits, such as those made of linen or silk . The tightness, the finesse of the weave, and the time spent in weaving a complete hat out of the toquilla straw characterize its quality . Beginning around the turn of the 20th century, these hats became popular as tropical and seaside accessories owing to their ease of wear and breathability . </P>

Which country does the panama hat originated from
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