When it comes to summer hats, the Panama hat is probably the first style that comes to mind. However, the classic white and beige colors felt a little too conspicuous for me. While Panama hats are available in other colors, I felt they lost some of the distinctive summery character that makes them so appealing.
While looking for alternatives, I came across hats made from a material called Kenma straw, a natural plant fiber known as ramie, commonly used for summer hats in Japan. What caught my attention was the wide range of vibrant colors and their unmistakably summery appearance.
Curious, I decided to buy one. The first thing that impressed me was how lightweight it was. It was also far more breathable than I had expected, making it comfortable even during Japan’s hot and humid summers.
Felt hats tend to catch the wind easily, making them more likely to be blown off on windy days. A Kenma straw hat, on the other hand, allows air to pass through, so it stays on surprisingly well in moderate winds. Only once did a strong gust send mine flying while I was visiting a lighthouse during a trip. Fortunately, it landed somewhere I could easily retrieve it.
After buying my first hat in light brown, I later added a navy one as well. Most of my summer linen shirts and jackets are in shades of blue. The light brown hat adds contrast to an outfit, while the navy one creates a more subtle look by staying within the same color family. I enjoy choosing between the two depending on what I’m wearing.
Online hat retailers usually offer a wide selection of Kenma straw hats, yet I rarely see anyone wearing one. The material itself doesn’t seem to be very well known. In fact, I had never heard of it until just before buying my first one.
Today, it has become an essential part of my summer wardrobe, valued both for its practicality and its versatility in styling.
