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Nina Blue Sun Hat
When the sun comes out, choosing the right hat is about more than style. Whether you're heading to the beach, a sporting event, exploring a new city or enjoying a garden party, the right hat offers comfort, shade and classic appeal.
If you're comparing a Panama hat vs a sun hat, you're not alone. While both are popular choices for warm weather, they differ in craftsmanship, materials, style and purpose. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your summer outfits.
Yes. A Panama hat is a type of sun hat, valued for its lightweight woven straw, breathable feel and natural sun-shading brim.
No. Genuine Panama hats are handwoven in Ecuador from Toquilla straw. They became known as "Panama hats" because they were widely traded through Panama and famously worn by workers on the Panama Canal, helping to popularise the name.
Panama hats are handwoven from fine Toquilla straw using traditional techniques. Sun hats can be made from a wide range of materials, including raffia, paper, straw, cotton and synthetics, and may be either handwoven or machine-made.
Only certain Panama hats are designed to roll. At Lock & Co. Hatters we have a few styles that can be rolled and are perfect for your travels. However most should be packed carefully to protect their shape, unlike many casual sun hats that can simply be folded.
Sun protection depends more on the brim size than the style. If your priority is maximum sun coverage for beach days, gardening or outdoor adventures, a straw sun hat with a wider brim may be the better option. A wider brim offers greater coverage, whether you choose a Panama hat or another sun hat.
| FEATURE | PANAMA HAT | SUN HAT |
|---|---|---|
| MATERIAL | Handwoven toquilla straw | Straw, cotton, canvas, raffia or synthetic materials |
| STYLE | Elegant and timeless | Casual and practical |
| BRIM | Medium width with structured shape | Often wider for maximum sun protection |
| BEST FOR | Holidays, smart-casual events, travel | Beach days, gardening, everyday outdoor wear, travel |
| DURABILITY | Long-lasting with proper care | Varies depending on material and construction |
| CRAFTSMANSHIP | Traditionally handwoven by skilled artisans in Ecuador | Handcrafted or machine-made depending on brand |
Whichever style suits your lifestyle, exploring our men's Panamas & sun hats and women's Panamas & sun hats collections is the perfect place to find your ideal summer hat.
Despite its name, a Panama hat is traditionally handwoven in Ecuador from fine toquilla palm straw. Known for its lightweight feel, breathability and elegant appearance, it's one of the most iconic summer accessories in the world.
A quality Panama summer hat combines comfort with craftsmanship, making it suitable for everything from city breaks to weddings and outdoor dining.
→ Men's Panamas & Sun Hats
→ Women's Panamas & Sun Hats
→ Craft
→ Heritage
A sun hat is a broader category that includes any hat designed to provide shade from the sun. A typical straw sun hat may be made from natural straw, raffia, paper braid or other lightweight materials, while many sun hats are also available in cotton or technical fabrics.
Sun hats often feature wider brims and more relaxed styling, making them ideal for beach holidays, walking and spending long periods outdoors.
While all Panama hats can be considered summer hats, not every sun hat is a Panama hat.
Both hats provide shade, but coverage varies depending on the brim.
A traditional Panama hat usually has a medium-width brim, offering excellent protection for everyday wear without feeling oversized. Many sun hats, particularly wide-brimmed styles, provide greater coverage across the face, neck and shoulders, making them popular for extended time in direct sunlight.
The best choice depends on how and where you'll be wearing your hat.
One of the biggest differences between a Panama hat and a sun hat is versatility.
A Panama hat effortlessly bridges casual and smart dressing.
It pairs equally well with linen tailoring, summer dresses, chinos or lightweight shirts, making it suitable for holidays, garden parties and special occasions.
A straw sun hat, on the other hand, leans towards relaxed styling. It's perfect for beachwear, picnics and everyday summer outfits where practicality comes first. You can also style a sun hat for a more dressed-up look, depending on the hat's design
A Lock & Co. Panama hat can last for many years when cared for properly.
Because it's woven from natural toquilla straw, it's important to avoid crushing it and excessive moisture, and to store it properly. If you're investing in a Panama, it's worth taking the time to learn how to look after it.
Read our guides:
These articles cover cleaning, storage and simple maintenance to help keep your hat looking its best season after season.
Whichever style you choose, getting the correct size makes all the difference to comfort and wearability.
If you're unsure which size to order, visit our hat sizing guide for measuring advice and fitting tips.
The quality of any summer hat begins long before it's worn.
At Lock & Co., we believe responsible sourcing and traditional craftsmanship go hand in hand. You can learn more about our approach on our sourcing principles page, where we explain how we work
with trusted suppliers and skilled makers.
For more seasonal style inspiration continue your summer hat journey with our guides below:
→ The Lock & Co. Guide to Summer Hats
→ Best Summer Hats for Women
→ Best Summer Hats for Men
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
Here's our guide to the best hats for every holiday this summer 2026.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of summer hats, how to choose the right one and how to care for it so it lasts for many summers to come.
From classic Panamas to lightweight fedoras, these are the styles worth investing in for Summer 2026.
Whether you're travelling abroad, attending a garden party or simply enjoying the sunshine, these are the styles to consider for Summer 2026.
This year, Lock & Co. becomes an official licensee of Royal Ascot for the first time, a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and British ceremonial style.
At Lock & Co. Hatters, we see racing season as an opportunity to embrace timeless elegance, where the right hat doesn’t just complete a look, it defines it.
As part of our 350th anniversary collection, we are proud to celebrate two of our most loved and iconic cap styles: The Gill Flat Cap and The Whitebridge Bakerboy Cap.
Join us on March 27th for wear a hat day and help make a difference. It's simple, fun and helps give hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
2026 will see Lock & Co. celebrating throughout the year, with very special events to attend, exclusive limited-edition men’s and women’s hats and caps launched each month - and even some extra-secret surprises!
