FAQs

Everything you should know before buying a toquilla straw hat

The toquilla straw hat is originally from Ecuador, they are made in Azuay, Cañar, Jipijapa and Montecristi, the latter being the best quality thanks to the type of tequido, the amount of fibers used and the processing time, which can take up to a year. .

When we talk about the quality of a toquilla straw hat, we refer to the fineness of the fabric, this means that the more linear stitches per centimeter it has, its price will be higher.

In Montecristi hats we find three types of fabrics: fine, (Premium) super fine and (Golden) extra fine.

brim width:  The width of the brim of the Montecristi toquilla straw hat tends to be from 6 cm to 7.5 cm, in addition to these measurements, the brim of the hat can be shorter, as is the case of the “Brazil Style” hat, which has a brim of 4cm wide.

However, there are people with different tastes who want a personalized hat which can have the longest brim which has a maximum of 11 cm, it should be noted that for this the order must be placed in advance since it must be done again.

t is important to take into account that there may be a small variation in the sizes of the hats as they are made by hand.

The diameter of the head, at the average height of the forehead, varies from 57 to 63 centimeters in an adult male. For an adult woman, it is between 57 and 60 centimeters approximately.

The hat should go in smoothly, not leave an indentation on the forehead, and not blow off the head in the breeze of a bike ride.

To know for sure what your size is, we recommend you follow the steps below:

  1. You should get a tailor’s tape measure made of plastic or textile material.
  2. Place it from the point of 0 and circle your head along the midline of your forehead and about two finger widths (one inch) above the ears, continuing along the crown of the head until you reach the starting point.
  3. We recommend that you do it in front of a mirror or ask someone for help to make the measurement more accurate.
  4. If you have a hat that you like the way it looks on you, put it on. Measure and see the line where it rests.
  5. Re-measure at the same spot with the tape measure. Check that the tape line is level all around. Pull the tape until snug and see if it feels right. If not, try adjusting it up or down a bit until it feels right.
  6. Consider that hat measurements may vary depending on the type of fabric and clothing. Compare to a hat with similar features.

If you have any questions, you can follow our guide to take the appropriate measure.

At We Are Ecuador we value all the work and effort that goes into making each hat. Likewise, we appreciate that our customers recognize that it is an artisan, handmade and unique product when deciding to buy one. In addition to wearing it with great esteem, we hope that you can have it and enjoy it for a long time. Showing off the art they carry with them.

We want to offer some tips to properly care for your Wakanki hat. We are not responsible for damages caused by improper use or care other than the recommendations that we give below:

  • The hat should be put on the head in the correct direction, to keep its original shape. To do this, we recommend taking the hat by the edge or brim.
  • Avoid taking the hat from the top. Thanks to this, the hat will keep its original shape for much longer. Remember that it is a piece of natural fiber and should be treated as such.
  • You should not handle the hat with dirty hands.
  • Avoid using it in the rain. Since it could lose its original shape. If the hat were to receive some water, let it dry in the open air for a maximum of one hour.
  • Protect your hat from dust. You can keep it in its original case. It is not recommended to fold or roll it to keep its shape intact
  • Over time the fiber of the straw can dry out. To keep it hydrated you can give it a steam bath from time to time.
  • If the client has more than one Wakanki hat, the best way to care for them is to place the small ones below and the larger ones on top. This way you can give it the proper care a fine hat deserves.
  • You should not put anything heavy on top of the hats. It would cause them to lose their original style and shape.

TIPS FOR CLEANING MY WAKANKI HAT

  • We do not recommend washing them with water or the use of soap.
  • To clean them you can use a wet washcloth or cloth and rub gently on the part you want to clean. Remember that the fibers can break if not done with due care.

RESHAPING THE SHAPE OF MY WAKANKI HAT

If your hat is starting to lose its original shape, you can use the steam from an iron to bring it back into shape.

  • Turn your iron on to a very low temperature.
  • You can start by reshaping the crown of your hat by adding steam from the iron for half a minute, about 15 centimeters (6 inches) on the outside and inside.
  • Place the hat on your head while it is still wet, to shape it into the desired shape with your hands until it is just the way you like it.
  • To reshape the brim, place a clean cotton cloth over the brim or brim and iron the cloth on a very low heat setting carefully.
  • You can repeat the process if you think it is necessary.

These simple recommendations are given by the hat artisans themselves. Ensuring that they are necessary to be able to give proper care to a genuine toquilla straw hat.

Everything you need to know before buying an alpaca garment

Alpaca is a light, soft, warm and resistant fiber that is used to make clothes, accessories and rugs. It is a natural fabric that belongs to the so-called noble fibers, such as mohair, cashmere or angora. At first glance it may resemble sheep’s wool (merino), although it is of better quality. It presents a wide range of natural colors (more than 20) ranging from white to black, passing through brown, brown or grey. And it is produced mostly in Peru and Bolivia. It is known as “the true treasure of the Incas”.

Why will it be? You will soon discover it.

This fiber is taken from the hair of a very cute mammal called an alpaca, which is a close relative of the wild vicuña and llama. The truth is that the three animals are very similar and, if you are not an expert in the matter, it is easy to confuse them, right?

 

Most of the alpacas that exist in the world are found in Peru, where there are 3.5 million. Taking care of their herds and selling their hair are the main means of subsistence for thousands of families in this country and, therefore, their most important source of income.

 

Alpacas live in large herds that graze on the Andean plateau, always at a high altitude, above 3,000/4,000 meters above sea level. The climatic conditions in which they live (with sudden changes in temperature, strong winds, very high solar radiation and a low concentration of oxygen) have made them develop a resistant and high-quality coat.

 

Between the months of November and April, the alpacas are sheared with a knife or scissors. This process is normally done once a year, the animal is never sacrificed to carry it out and an average of 3.5 kilos of fiber is removed per unit.

 

When they are sheared, the hair is manually classified into different groups based on its origin, color, quality and length. Depending on this, the fiber is used to make some products or others. Expert hands carry out this work using techniques that have been transmitted from generation to generation. It is not a process that can be mechanized.

There are different types of alpaca fiber, depending on its fineness and quality.

 

On one side is the Alpaca Fleeze. It is the fiber that is obtained from the usual shearing that is done to the alpaca once a year. It measures 26.5 microns in diameter and is usually used to make jackets and coats. To give you an idea, a micron or micron is equal to one millionth of a meter.

 

There is also the Baby Alpaca, which is the fiber that comes from the first shearing that is done in the life of an alpaca. This does not mean that newborn or very young animals are used. For this first cut it is necessary that the animal has reached the adult age of three years. This hair measures 22.5 microns and fine knitwear, sweaters, shawls, pashminas are made with it… This fiber is of enormous quality and extremely soft. Without a doubt, it is one of the most valuable and appreciated.

 

In third place we place the Royal Alpaca, which is a selection of the best baby alpaca fibers. It measures between 19 and 19.5 microns. It is an ultra soft and very exclusive hair, since only 1% of the world production of alpaca fiber corresponds to this variety.

 

Other types are Huarizo (30.5 microns), used to make knitted fabrics, and Thick (more than 34 microns), with which rugs, upholstery and linings are made.

Alpaca clothing and accessories are of exceptional quality. This is due to the number of properties that this fiber has and that you will not find in other wools:

The benefits of alpaca are superior to those of cashmere and mohair.

It is warmer and stronger than sheep’s wool.

It itches less than other fibers.

It does not cause allergies because, unlike sheep’s wool, it does not contain lanolin. So it is very suitable for delicate and sensitive skin.

It hardly absorbs environmental humidity and repels water very well. This means that if it rains or gets wet, its appearance, shape and quality are not affected.

It is thermal and insulating. This makes it maintain body temperature very well regardless of external conditions and the type of environment there is. It helps combat sudden changes in temperature and retains heat but, at the same time, it is highly breathable. Its degree of comfort is very high.

It has a wide palette of natural colors, something rare in other wools. And it is easy to dye.

  • An important quality of the alpaca is its ability to resist solar radiation.
  • It is silky and shiny. It does not lose its shine after dyeing and washing.
  • It is light and airy, despite being a very warm fiber.
  • It is elastic and resistant, no matter how fine its hair is.
  • It is fire retardant, a property it shares with sheep’s wool: it is very difficult to burn.

The garments last for many years, they do not break, deform or wear out from use. They are also not affected by fungi and other microorganisms. So they are always a good investment.

They are products that help care for and respect the environment.

Being a valuable fiber and with so many properties, one might think that the care of alpaca garments must be very expensive and delicate. It is not like this. It is easier than we imagine. It is true that they are products that we cannot safely put in the washing machine or iron, but following some recommendations, maintenance is easy. In addition, precisely because of its quality, alpaca garments are kept clean and shiny for longer. We suggest you take a look at these tips for washing alpaca clothes.

Once washed, it is convenient to take into account the following tricks to keep your alpaca garment intact. Take note:

Store it only when it is completely dry.

Leave it well folded to avoid wrinkles.

Do not hang it on hangers so that it does not deform.

Do not expose it to the sun or put it in a place with high humidity.

Out of season, it is best to keep it in a plastic clothing bag, tightly closed and with natural elements inside such as lavender or coffee. To avoid moths it is not recommended to use naphthalene.

Do not keep it near objects with which it can get caught (jewelry, belts, wallets…).

If you follow these recommendations, your alpaca clothes will remain as beautiful as the first day for years.

At this point in the article, you may have already fallen in love with the alpaca. But if you still have any doubts about its virtues, here is a list with 5 reasons to bet on natural fibers (and not synthetic ones):

more ecological

Alpaca fiber is still made using ancestral techniques that respect the environment and the planet. It is a renewable resource and 100% biodegradable.

Healthier and more hygienic

Garments made with alpaca fiber provide natural ventilation, insulate from heat and protect from the cold. In addition, they offer great resistance to all kinds of fungi and microorganisms.

It’s fashionable

On the one hand, alpaca is a product highly appreciated by the best international designers and competes on the most recognized fashion catwalks. And on the other, it is part of what we call “sustainable clothing”, something that has become a trend in recent times. It is clothing that is respectful of nature and provides well-being to producers and consumers.

More responsible

Alpaca clothing belongs to the fair trade market that offers higher prices to producers and better conditions for workers in the textile industry. In addition, it is a vital product for the subsistence of thousands of families.

en_USEnglish
es_ECEspañol de Ecuador en_USEnglish
Scroll to Top