Grades are a way of classifying the quality of Panama hats, which is done with reference to the quality and fineness of the straw used and the weaving of the hat. The finer the straw and the weaving, the lighter and more comfortable the hat will be; however, one common aspect is that they all share an indicator for the quality of the weave.

The adjective system describes the grading in words such as "Fino" and "Super Fino" (Fine and Super Fine). This two class grading system is often used for hats made in Montecristi, Ecuador.

In meeting the weavers, some say “10 hebrons” or 10 threads.

With so many grading systems, it as an American expert who invented the number system referring to the WPI, Weaves Per Inch for a more standardized approach. Counting the weaves vertically and horizontally, i.e. 12 horizontally, 14 vertically.

At Little Havana Shop, we have chosen to use the WPI system. However we  begin with a step up from Grade 1. We start with a grade 3 / 4  up to as high as a grade 16 for a tighter weave like a fine fabric. For a trained and expert weaver, however, just looking at the weave and the finish, one can discern its fine quality.