A great store that sells exactly what they say they sell. Handmade Panama hats went in and was treated with great customer service very personalized. Had the ability to try on all sorts of hats and found sizes that work for me along with the styles. Went to buy one, but I couldn't make up my mind so I went out with two. If you're looking for something that's quite sophisticated and great quality. I highly recommend stopping by. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

See all

Beautiful hats! I purchased a fedora style for golf. I believe the owner. Stephanie helped me. She was more focused on me knowing the quality of the product I was purchasing and the history of how/where they are made, than upselling me. I appreciate that! I started with a hat close to $300, ended up with one for $179, because it looked and fit best. So reassuring to purchase from a shop owner that cares about the client! read more

A beautiful selection of true, hand woven Panama jats for both men and women. The quality of the hats is amazing. The owner is very helpful and patient to help the customer find just the right fit and style! read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - My husband bought this beautiful Panama hat for his birthday! - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

Best experience ever. Had a great time!!! Read the sign people!! Never had a custom hat fitting, try it out. read more

See all

From quality products to excellent knowledge of Panama hats, Stephanie has an amazing store. I asked many questions about her hats and she knew all there is to know. As someone who loves hats, I enjoyed learning about the history and how I can best care for them. I am very satisfied with her great personal service and will enjoy my new hat! Be sure to visit this store as a highlight of your trip and treat the hats with respect. read more

Excellent, quality hats. Lots of unique and modern options so that you can find your perfect match(es). We ended up with four beautiful hats of all colors. Go with the flow and be respectful of the shop rules and you'll be fine. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Two hats I purchased - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

See all

While visiting Key West, I purchased an authentic Panama Hat from LaRubia, which was hand-weaved in Ecuador and I was very pleased with the craftsmanship and durability. Unfortunately, before I left the Keys, it was lost. When I arrived back home, I looked for the same type of hat claiming to be hand-made in Ecuador, but all I found were flimsy, replicas. None could hold a candle to the one I purchased at LaRubia. I called Stephanie, ordered another. It was shipped promptly and well packaged, arriving in pristine condition, and I just love it. I will be much more careful with this one. Thank you, Stephanie! read more

Door has a sign saying "open" or "with a client", or something close! But even when we were being help tourists randomly walked in. She takes time to explain the history of panama hats and help you find a hat your size. Which I is where the sign is handy, it's a small space and so many hats inside that it's not easy to move things around yourself. Hence the signs to ask for help. We walked away with two hats each around $160 and I thought that was a great deal for such quality hats! read more

My family member is very happy with the authentic hat from this store. Stephanie was great - she helped us pick out a hat as a gift that fit perfectly, and is very stylish, for a family member who was not on the trip - and who was thrilled to receive it. Stephanie, and her husband, also patiently answered my texts about tracking - since USPS didn't update tracking regularly. As far as other reviewer's comments - these are expensive, hand-made by artisans, hats and the store doesn't want them damaged so they ask kindly to handle them themselves. I also understand why they close their small store while there is a fitting: because customers need individualized time for Stephanie to pick out and adjust a hat that is perfect for the customer. ***** All around 5 star positive experience and a very happy customer! Thank you! ***** read more

I discovered this little place back in 2011, on my first trip to Key West. This is the only place to stope. The owner gives you the 'white glove' treatment herself. Men's and women's hat are available. Help out a good cause and spend the time to learn what the term 'haberdasher' really means! read more

I travel to Key West 2-3 times a year. I've been in this store approx 4-5 times and have bought 3 hats (photo for proof of purchase). Yes they are very high quality hats and the owner is very knowledgeable and passionate. However also yes, she is pushy and pretty judgmental. I understand having one person in the store, it is small and I think actually started during covid. The problem is that since then, the owner has increasingly hovered over us when we shopped. I DO NOT like being the sole focus of a sales person (def makes me less likely to buy). And aside from that, I know what I like. I know my look. So let me look. And yes I want to touch.... the hats I've bought have averaged around $300 each. The shop is located on a major side street in a tourist town. What does she expect? We are currently in Key West and visited the shop today. I def felt like we were intruding on the owner as she kept on repeating she "wasn't ready" with some of the hats. I saw the the "don't touch" signs and was very respectful, but the lady wouldn't even let me scan with my eyes. She kept commanding and diverting my attention to whatever she wanted me to see. My fiancé and I felt like such an intrusion we walked out. From my perspective, shopping at this higher end shop has just gotten stressful. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

See all

This hat store is totally a disappointment! I bought this hat for $210 , I wore one day , and the edge is falling apart on the second day ! I tried to contact Stephanie , instead of helping , she just keep telling me it is not her responsibility, she is a person that as long as she gets the money , she doesn't give a shit anymore . Her store not only has bad quality hats , high price , but also have rude customer service! Oh , just see your reply ! I have to add my answer here : Your hats are really low quality , after I wore it one day , it started to fall apart , you insist on telling me it because I tugged it too hard ! I make myself very clear that I didn't tugged it at all , I was just simply hold it !!!! Who will tug their new hat till it's ruined ???? Only because this hat has bad quality , the high price you charged not worth it . My husband and I traveled everywhere in the world , we bought many hats , none of them are like yours . And also , i made my self very clear that if it is my mistake to accidentally ruin this hat , I won't bother you . But it is not . All the store has 7 days refund , 14 days exchange as long as the tag is on , but when you meet the problems , you just blame your customer, and don't offer any help ! read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - 3 places falling apart after wear it one time ! - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

Beautiful handcrafted Panama hats! I wasn't planning on buying a hat, I just went there with our group of four and we all ended up with great hats! The salesperson Stephanie was very helpful and knowledgeable. She said we could wear them throughout our trip and she would ship them for us when we were heading home. They have a great variety for women and men. I think these are the nicest hats in town! I have to add to my review. On the last day of our trip we stopped by to have Stephanie ship our hats home. She noticed our rental car had a flat tire. We stayed parked in front of their shop for a while talking to the rental car company trying to figure out what to do. Stephanie's husband was so nice to take one of us to the hardware store and back to buy some "fix a flat". He delayed one of his photography clients for us. We were so thankful for their generosity. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

See all

I was looking for an authentic Panama hat. I discovered this interesting little hat shop in the heart of Key West. It was near closing time when I stopped by but the shop keeper unlocked the door for me. Inside I found a treasure trove of authentic Panama hats. The owner took the time to let me try on several different styles until I found the one I liked. I can honestly say that I am very happy with my purchase. The quality is excellent and it fits perfectly. She even gave me a special hat bag to keep my hat safely stored. A pleasant experience. I will come back when I need another hat. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - My new favorite hat! - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

If your looking for an authentic Panama Hat and your on Key West this is your place. Super customer service and a great selection too boot. My wife were in KW on a quick get away last week and I purchased a hat while we were there. The owner answered all my questions and helped me find the perfect fit/size and look I was looking for. Unfortunately on the way home the TSA crushed my hat while going thru the scanning process. Obviously I was very upset with TSA, all they said was "oh well, sorry". The hat has big dents and worse creases in both the crown and brim. Once I got home I emailed LaRubia for some advice on removing the dents and creases. The owner responded very quickly and offered me advice on fixing the damage, it worked! Next time I'm in KW I'm going back and pickup an additional hat or two! read more

With a special hat everyone is different and need this special place will help you individually. After purchasing my first hat I felt like I could not pass up another. After trying on numerous ones again. One of the owners Stephanie pointed me to a very unique one of a kind hat that I just could not be without. The quality and workmanship of these hand woven hats are one of a kind and cannot be found anywhere else on the island. Do yourself a favor and visit you will not be disappointed. read more

We wanted a quality Panama Hat and we went to the right place for great selection. The owner was as nice and helpful as she could be. First hat in 63 years that fit. Highly recommend coming here. We will return! read more

Last stop after a week in the Keys. Ve wanted a nice Panama for years. The owner helped us and we found a beautiful fedora that fit perfectly. Somebody said the clothes make the man. Well, the hat is the first thing they see. Then, we headed to the airport to return to frigid Iowa. When I went through the TSA checkpoint, I placed my new Panama in the bin on top of my shoes. The agent picked up the hat, examined it, smiled, and said she would walk it around the checkpoint and meet me on the other side. When she handed it back, she said, "Now, you wear that beautiful thing all the way home - on the plane, at your connection and in the car." I did. We both made it. read more

Absolutely phenomenal selection! The owner was very patient and helpful... She will fit you with a hat that makes you feel like $1M. A true statement piece! If you love wearing hats - you absolutely should go here. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

This small shop offers a wide assortment of high quality hats from Ecuador at very fair prices. A wonderful addition to old town Key West shopping! And for the non-hat wearers, this shop also has an array of fun fashion accessories that also make great gifts. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Extensive assortment of fine hand-made hats from Ecuador. - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

Beautiful hand woven hats, excellent staff helped us all find our perfect hat! These hats are high quality, from Equador, authentic Panama hats. read more

La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats - Whats NOT to like?! - Hats Near Me - Key West, Florida

See all

The owner only works with one customer at a time so you get a lot of attention and advice from the owner.

We were very poorly treated by the lady that I suspect is the owner. She kept looking with a disgusted face and saying things that suggested we weren't able to afford her products. Maybe she was judging us because we were talking between us in our language, Portuguese. We are Brazilians. Maybe she is just racist. Anyway, avoid this place. Bad vibes. read more

It was a bad experience. We came decided to buy at least 2 hats (one for me another to my mother in law) but the owner treated us very bad, judging us since the beginning and making assumption we were searching for the cheapest goods ... even before mention the price of what we were asking for. She lost not only the 2 hats but all the others things we would probably buy there. We felt very disrespectful the way she treated us, with a "superior" look and being very rude. She lost the sale, lost the customer and gain a bad review read more

I needed a new hat like I needed a hole in the head (which if I had, I would need a hat to cover). Still, I bought an incredibly beautiful, one-of-a-kind hat and I'm having it shipped home. I was happy to chat with the owner, Stephanie. Stop in and try a few on, learn about the art of hat making in Ecuador, buy a pack of beautiful cards (which supports local artists). Win win. read more

Beautiful, quality, authentic hand-woven hats. really nice selection Too! My husband's hat freyed after a few wears & they replaced it promptly with a new one. These are not drugstore products - they're legit! read more

excellent customer service, authentic Ecuadorian hats, and downright beautiful products. you get a personalized experience with a custom fit. love, love, love this place! read more

My husband and I were visiting Key West for our 28th anniversary and were on the hunt for a traditional 'Panama Hat'. Some of the complaints and the owners hilarious responses intrigued us so we had to go and experience it for ourselves. We were greeted by Larry, the husband of the owner Stephanie and was an absolute delight. If you want a cheap hat from China to throw in your bag, move along.....this shop is not for you. If you are looking for authentic quality and style, then this is your place. La Rubia offers a variety of lovely styles and sizes for the discriminating buyer. We found Larry to be lovely and sincerely passionate about the hats they offer and I categorically refute the nasty reviews of previous posters. The shop is top notch. Larry was very knowledgeable and took his time to help us each find the right hat for us. It was a wonderful experience and we're extremely satisfied with our high-end hat purchase. If you are in the market for an authentic Panama hat, be sure to check out La Rubia. You won't be disappointed! read more

Might be one of the cutest store, might be her hats are amazing but when it comes to her attitude, she was totally wrong. Two young ladies very well educated and entered to the store with our own hats. I honestly have a big love for hats; any kind of and probably have more than 30 pieces. After the store owner welcomed us, she was explaining us her handmade Panama hats. My friend and i started to try one and other to find the perfect match and size obviously. All of a sudden her attitude changed. First she was telling me nervously how to wear the hat and then don't touch that, be careful, that one is very delicate...said that i put the hat back and thanked her and left....she was saying behind us "Jesus". Yes, hope Jesus may help you lady. You are rude, unkind and unfair to your customer. read more

What a millinery pleasure! I saw a stunning hat that pulled me into the store today. My husband saw a different hat, equally beautiful. Stephanie helped with style and fit. I couldn't decide which one to buy. We bought them both! This was our second time to her store. I believe the store in the mall may be smaller. What a find to see something beautiful and to know you are helping others in the process. We will return on our next trip and suggest you do the same! read more

She was extremely pretentious and rude. Trying to ease the mood, we asked the owner, Stephanie, about her hats. No matter the question, Stephanie just responded with, "these hats are world famous." When we asked her for a price range, she responded with "Very expensive. Higher than your price range." Later, when calling to ask a question about possible commissions (I'm aware this would take some time. An art such as this takes immense skill, patience, and time.), she told me, "If I receive one more communication from this number, I am reporting you to the Federal Communications Commission." How rude, and what a waste of our time. I made several attempts to work with her, and purchase some art from her, but she refused to even attempt to work with us. A waste of time; would not recommend. read more

A pleasant interesting hat shop. We found it by accident with no intentions of buying a hat. But I bought the hat that is pictured in the first review. I have been interested in purchasing an authentic Panama hat for sometime and had some knowledge of the grading system. A lot of supposedly Panama hat sellers would never tell the grade or make something up that didn't match my limited knowledge. All the hats were marked with the grade and the prices matched the grade and that I had seen on the Internet. So I trusted her. Her prices match the Internet. read more

I've been wearing my hat! I love it, thanks. This is a great shop for real hats. I'd prefer to support a local business who gets their stuff from an ethical source. read more