A Shantung 'straw' hat is made from high performance paper rolled into a fine yarn and then woven, a process perfected by the Japanese in 610 A.D.
This lighter yet very strong way of making hats offered a perfect panama alternative and was dubbed the "Shantung Panama."
Bailey's finely woven Shantungs are glazed with a proprietary LiteStraw finish to provide a supple feel, water repellency and enhanced shape retention.
Due to the nature of the fine fibres used to create the Shantung straw some colour variation will occur when dyed. This enhances the beauty and uniqueness of this product.
