Montecristi Custom Hat Works

Montecristi Custom Hat Works The straw in Panama hats comes from the leaves of the carludovica palmata or "paja toquilla", a type of palm indigenous to Ecuador. Milton Johnson

A Montecristi Hat is a unique, handpicked treasure of flawless craftsmanship and classic style that is custom designed and fitted to your exact head shape and size. "Your New Hat Is Already Legendary"

A Montecristi Hat is a unique, handpicked treasure of flawless craftsmanship and classic style that is custom designed and fitted to your exact head shape and size. The art of weaving the straw has

flourished along the Ecuadorian Coast since the 1600's. Over generations, master craftsmen perfected many of the delicate weaves we see in only the finest Panama hats. The exemplary Panama must be nearly flawless, of good color and consistent weave, exhibiting numerous enjiras, concentric or spiraling patterns radiating outward from the center of the crown. The body must be supple and delicate, yet strong. Unfortunately, the masters of this craft are now passing into old age and due to modern Ecuadorian economy, few are taking their place. The finest grades of Panama hats are not infinite and are indeed in danger of becoming extinct. I first visited South America in 1973. I had just finished reading "Cien Anos de Solidad" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and from that wonderful and fantastical novel I took the name Macondo, for the company I established for trading textiles and pre-Colombian artifacts. After two years wandering around Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia in search of product, I stumbled into the humble village of Montecristi, close to the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. There I encountered the intriguing and beguiling Montecristi Panama hat. Understanding and expounding the mystique of this legendary hat has become my life's work. After three years of wholesaling the raw hats in huge quantities to the titans of the industry, I decided I could do a better job of finishing the material than they and in 1978 I established Montecristi Custom Hat Works. During the 26 years since, Montecristi has acquired an international reputation as the world's finest custom hatter, not only for panama straw hats but for our fine fur felts as well. Traveling to Ecuador two or more times a year, we personally select from thousands of panama hat "bodies" the few that are worthy of becoming a personalized hand crafted Montecristi custom made panama hat. Your hat will be a truly unique treasure that you can cherish for many years to come. To this perfect marriage of the finest weaves and expert hand finishing you may add personal elements such as exact brim width to create your own signature style. Finally, choosing from our wide selection of beautiful hat bands will ensure that your Montecristi Hat will in no way resemble the mass produced hats that other companies offer. Welcome to Montecristi Custom Hat Works. We guarantee you will find the perfect hat for your needs.

Iconic straws are our specialty.
05/04/2026

Iconic straws are our specialty.

Follow Milton’s South American adventures in our stories. He’s currently traveling through Ecuador, Colombia and Peru a...
09/16/2025

Follow Milton’s South American adventures in our stories. He’s currently traveling through Ecuador, Colombia and Peru as he searches for and secures the finest sombreros in total el mundo that are the worthy base for a Montecristi custom hat.

09/16/2025
SALE racks !🤠
03/27/2025

SALE racks !🤠

Upgrade your Friday night style with our light colored fur felts.
10/04/2024

Upgrade your Friday night style with our light colored fur felts.

Happy 80th Birthday to our legendary founder and the world’s greatest hatter, Milton.
07/27/2024

Happy 80th Birthday to our legendary founder and the world’s greatest hatter, Milton.

Real cowgirls wear Loved having you visit Come back soon!
06/07/2024

Real cowgirls wear

Loved having you visit
Come back soon!

A stunning custom with all the accouterments. Our Trailboss in white 100x with a one of a kind tasseled, horsehair stam...
05/31/2024

A stunning custom with all the accouterments.

Our Trailboss in white 100x with a one of a kind tasseled, horsehair stampede & band with a ribbon band and feather.

“Westernhat

Happy Memorial Day from our Veteran owned business. We salute and honor all who have served. 🇺🇸
05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day from our Veteran owned business. We salute and honor all who have served. 🇺🇸

A true beauty. And we’re not just talking about our Low RCA Tecate hat with a black, gator band with and concho. ...
04/27/2024

A true beauty. And we’re not just talking about our Low RCA Tecate hat with a black, gator band with and concho.

is Cowgirl perfection in her , , alongside her gorgeous horse.

Address

322 McKenzie Street
Santa Fe, NM
87501

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15059839598

Website

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