South America

Panama Hat - originated in Ecuador as Montecristi hats, named after the town where the Toquilla plant is grown. The leaves are dried and the fibers separated and used to make hats. The Spanish recognized the quality and exported them via Panama to Europe. Since they came from "Panama" they got the name Panama hats. Also the workers digging the Panama Canal used these light and very durable hats to protect themselves from the sun.