Toquilla Straw is the finest hat. It is woven from the toquilla straw palm characteristic in Mexico. It is a type of palm, the fronds of which are dried, turned into threads, then weaved into products like fans, small sculptures, and hats, of which the most famous is the Panama hat.

• Leaves are cut and left to dry in the sun
• Leaves are separated into delicate strips using fine needle
• Depending upon width of palm, quality varies
• Hat mades from 4 part weave may take up to three weeks to finish as strips are much finer

Sisal fibres are obtained from Agave Sisalana, a native of Mexico. The hardy plant grows well all year round in hot climate and arid regions which are often unsuitable for other crops. Sisal can be cultivated in most soil types except clay and has low tolerance to very moist and saline soil conditions.

Although the leaves contain about 90 percent moisture, they are rigid and the fleshy pulp is very firm.