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 ' offered a perfect Panama alternative and was dubbed the 'Shantung Panama.' Our finely woven Shantung's are glazed with our proprietary LiteStraw® finish to provide a supple feel, water repellency and enhanced shape retention.