The History of Hat Making in Luton and Why the Perfect Holiday Hat Matters
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Panama Hat Company in Luton, where I met the lovely Mavi and her mum, who are continuing one of the town’s most famous traditions, hat making.
It was fascinating to see behind the scenes and learn how much craftsmanship goes into creating a proper hat. From shaping and steaming to adding ribbons and finishing details, there is far more involved than most people realise. Seeing the machinery and traditional techniques up close gave me a whole new appreciation for what makes a quality hat. Many people don’t realise that Luton was once known around the world as the hat-making capital of the world. In the 1930s, the town was producing more than 70 million hats every year! The industry originally began with straw plaiting in the 17th century before developing into large-scale factories and workshops across the area. Luton’s connection to hats is so strong that Luton Town Football Club are still known today as “The Hatters”. Although the industry declined over the years, there are still a small number of traditional manufacturers keeping the heritage alive today, and Panama Hat Company is proudly one of them.
As someone who spends all day helping people plan holidays, cruises and adventures around the world, I can honestly say that a good hat is one of the most overlooked travel essentials. Whether you are:
- relaxing on the beach
- heading off on safari
- enjoying a river cruise
- exploring a city in the sunshine
- sailing around the Mediterranean
- or simply wanting to look stylish while travelling
- a lightweight, breathable hat that actually fits properly makes such a difference.
One of the things I loved about Panama Hat Company is that you can personalise your hat with different colours, styles and ribbons, making it feel much more special than simply buying something generic online or at the airport before you fly. Their website also explains exactly how to measure your head properly to make sure you get the right fit.
The lovely team have also kindly offered an exclusive discount for my followers and customers. Use code HOLIDAY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
I’ll also be sharing some tips soon on how to pack hats properly for holiday without crushing them in your suitcase, because that is always one of the biggest worries when travelling with one.
If you are planning your next holiday and want something practical, stylish and comfortable to take with you, it is well worth taking a look at Panama Hat Company and supporting one of the last remaining traditional hat makers in Luton.
