Sombrero Popayan - An Icon of Colombian Elegance - Rollable Design and Sun Safe

Celebrate timeless Colombian craftsmanship with the Sombrero Popayan, a luxurious and practical expression of cultural heritage. Handwoven by descendants of the Zenú Indigenous Artisans in the remote areas of Cordoba and Sucre in Colombia - this Sombrero embodies over five centuries of ancestral knowledge.

Traditionally worn by Zenú farmers to protect them from the tropical sun, the Sombrero Popayan has evolved into an icon of contemporary elegance - perfect for coastal escapes, resort wear, or sophisticated summer styling. Its 12 cm wide brim provides SPF 40+ sun protection, water repellent quality while the rollable design makes it an effortless companion for travel.

Woven from 19 fibres of premium Cana Flecha (native cane), the sombrero offers a unique balance of strength and softness, creating a supple yet structured silhouette that retains its shape. Each Sombrero Popayan takes five days to weave, reflecting patience, precision, and deep respect for nature.

From poolside afternoons to summer holidays, this rollable cane sombrero exudes natural sophistication - a statement of eco-luxury and cultural pride.

Key Features:

• Artisan Excellence: Crafted by members of the Sombrero Vueltiao Association, representing over 250 Artisan families. Each sombrero is handwoven using ancestral Zenú techniques, that have been recognised as a National Cultural Symbol of Colombia (Law 90 of 2004) to create.

• Natural Beauty: Made from sustainable Cana Flecha leaves, known for their luminous texture and durability. The result is a sombrero that feels luxuriously organic and timelessly stylish.

• Eco-Friendly Elegance: Entirely vegan and biodegradable, this design honours both environment and heritage. Every weave reflects generations of ecological respect and craftsmanship

Product Details:

• Statement Elegance: Due to the classic design and superior quality of these Sombrero Popayan, you can wear them for everyday use and special occasions.  Compliment your beach and resort wear, weekend chic and summer events. while being sun-safe.
• Product Dimensions: Sombrero Brim: 12cm
• Weaving Category: 19 threads (19 fibras)
• Unique Feature: Rollable design
• SPF: 40+ protection

• Water Resistance: Cana Flecha is a fibre that contains natural resins and waxes that give it a light water-repellent quality 

• Sombrero Fit: Includes complimentary foam insert for an adjustable fit (see chart below)

• Conscious Choices: The Sombrero Popayan is a piece of living heritage that supports Indigenous families, preserves ancient weaving traditions, and connects you to Colombia’s cultural legacy. Each product carries its own personality through subtle variations in tone, weave, and shape - a testament to the Artisan’s hands and the beauty of authenticity.

• Unique Variations: Due to the Artisan nature of this product, expect delightful variations in size, color, and shape, adding to the charm of each piece.

Materials:

• Cana Flecha fibre - a Colombia native fibre 
  
• Natural dyes
• Quality ribbon band 

Product Care:

• Do not leave your hat in a car, as the extreme temperature may dry out and break the Cane fibres
• If wet, shake off water gently and allow it to air dry in the shade

• Avoid sun-drying or placing near heat sources

• After wearing the hat on very hot days (30+ degrees) in dry environments, allow the hat to cool down and finely spray with a little water. Check the Cane fibres are fully dry before storing it

Rollable Feature:

The Sombrero Popayan owes its unique rollable quality to the Cana Flecha fibre and the ancestral Zenú weaving technique. Each strand of Cana Flecha is carefully split, softened, and polished before weaving, creating a material that is both strong and flexible.

Artisans interlace 19 to 23 narrow cane fibres in a precise pattern that allows the hat to bend without breaking, giving it its signature supple yet structured form. This craftsmanship makes it easy to gently roll and pack in a travel bag, returning flawlessly to its original shape when unrolled.

For generations, this design has allowed Zenú farmers and travelers alike to carry protection from the sun wherever they go - a perfect balance of practicality, elegance, and cultural heritage.

How to Roll Your Hat:

Your Sombrero Popayan is designed for effortless travel. Follow these simple steps to roll and protect it beautifully:

1. Lay it flat and gently fold the brim upward on both sides

2. Fold along the centre line, bringing the two sides of the crown together

3. Roll softly from one side toward the other, without pressing too tightly

4. Secure lightly with a silk ribbon or place inside your carry-on bag

When unrolled, let it rest for a few minutes as the natural Cana Flecha fibres will then regain their perfect shape.

Origin: 

Tuchín, Córdoba, Colombia

Artisan Group:

Sombrero Vueltiao Association

Social Impact: 

Generates Authentic Employment: Casa Bonita generates authentic job opportunities, supporting communities with meaningful and sustainable employment.

Fosters Financial Stability: Your purchase ensures a stable income for skilled Artisans and Indigenous tribes, strengthening their families' future.

Empowers Women's Economic Freedom: By choosing our products, you directly contribute to empowering women, enabling them to take control of their economic destiny.

Nurtures Self-Worth and Well-Being: It's not just a purchase; it's an investment in the self-worth and quality of life of our Artisans.

Champions Sustainability: We are dedicated to eco-conscious business practices, reducing our environmental footprint.

Inspires Creativity and Pride: Your support fosters a sense of creativity and personal and collective pride in our artisans' work.

Preserves and Shares Heritage: Casa Bonita honours and preserves cultural identities, traditions, and ancestral techniques, ensuring they flourish for generations to come.

Your Impact with Every Purchase:

• Supports fair income for rural women Artisans

• Empowers women toward economic independence

• Preserves ancestral weaving techniques and traditions

• Encourages eco-conscious and sustainable practices

• Fosters community pride and creativity

Measuring your Head Size:

• Place a tape measure in the centre back of your head
• Bring both sides round to the front with the tape above your ears and below your hairline
• Bring the tape measure together in the middle of your forehead
• Don't pull the tape measure too tight, however you do want a firm fit

Casa Bonita Hat Size Guide: