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 "Washi" paper offered a perfect panama alternative and was dubbed the "Shantung Panama."Our finely woven Shantungs are glazed with our proprietary LiteStraw® finish to provide a supple feel, water repellency and enhanced shape retention. The Creel is a classic center dent shape that is available with a seasonal array of band colors. Made in the USA with Globally Sourced Materials