Hats in Mexico

Zihuatanejo has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and, indeed, the world. Its sheltered bay along the Tropic of Cancer offers boaters, swimmers, and sunbathers five main stretches of beach to enjoy heat and sun.

The sombrero with its broad brim and chin strap was originally designed for long days working in the Mexican climate. It gives sun protection not only to the face, but also to the neck and shoulders. In fact, the name sombrero is derived from the word “sombra” which means shade in Spanish. Mexican farmers and peasants wore hats made from straw, while the upper class had felt and velvet hats adorned with embroidery, beads, and sequins. Mariachi musicians and the Mexican Hat Dance have made the sombrero an iconic piece of Mexican culture. Ranchers adapted the sombrero to the leather cowboy hat with its upturned sides.