Straw Hats

With the increased popularity in straw hats, many people wonder exactly how straw hats are made. Most straws must be hand-woven, so women throughout the world make the hats. Oddly enough, for all the work that they invest, the hats are still incredibly inexpensive to purchase. It proves that some undeveloped countries are willing to do whatever it takes to bring in whatever money possible.

More from hats catalog

Once straw has been harvested, it is cut into specific widths and lengths. The straw is then washed to remove any dirt, bacteria and other impurities. Some straw makers will bleach the straw as an additional precaution. If the straw is to be colored, the dying process is the next step. Following this, workers spread the straw out in the sun to thoroughly dry. Straw cannot be dried under heaters because if they dry out too fast it can cause them to become brittle.

After the straw has completely dried, it is tied into bundles and sent to professional weavers. Weavers can be found throughout the world with the majority residing in countries like China, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Vietnam. These skilled workers weave the straw into sheets or cones. The weaving process can take hours, if not days to complete. The basic hat forms are then shipped to factories where they are inspected for quality and then the rims are attached.

Certain straw hats must be treated with a lacquer to help it retain its strength. Companies tend to use their own special formulation for lacquer hoping to come up with the formula that helps the hats retain their color and shape for years. The rims are cut to the perfect size and shape and trim is sewn on. Sweatbands are attached last. This process finalizes the hat making. Once they’ve dried, they are sent to stores throughout the world for retail use.