If you've been drawn to the beautiful, naturally textured hats in the Lachesis London collection, you may have wondered: what exactly is Carnaúba straw, and what makes it so special?
Carnaúba (pronounced car-na-OO-ba) is a natural fibre harvested from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm — a tree native to north-eastern Brazil, known locally as the "tree of life." It's one of the most sustainable, versatile and beautiful natural materials in the world, and it forms the foundation of our handwoven hat collection.
Where Does Carnaúba Come From?
The Carnaúba palm grows almost exclusively in the semi-arid regions of north-eastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Ceará, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte. These areas have a warm, dry climate that the palm thrives in — and the communities there have been harvesting and weaving Carnaúba for generations.
What makes this material truly remarkable is how it's harvested. Artisans gather the young, pale green leaves from the palm by hand, before they unfurl. The leaves are then dried, split into fine strips, and woven — entirely by hand — into the hats, bags and accessories you see in our collection.
Why Is Carnaúba Straw Sustainable?
Carnaúba straw is one of the most environmentally responsible materials used in fashion today. Here's why:
- No trees are felled. Only the young leaves are harvested; the palm continues to grow and produce new fronds every season.
- Fully biodegradable. At the end of its life, Carnaúba returns to the earth — unlike synthetic materials that persist in landfill for centuries.
- Low water and chemical input. The palms grow naturally in the Brazilian semi-arid climate without irrigation or pesticides.
- It supports local livelihoods. Carnaúba harvesting and weaving is a traditional craft that provides income for rural communities in north-eastern Brazil.
At Lachesis London, sustainability isn't a marketing claim — it's built into every step of how our pieces are made.
Carnaúba Straw Hats in the UK
Carnaúba straw hats have long been treasured in Brazil, but they're only just beginning to find the audience they deserve in the UK and Europe. Their natural texture, lightness and durability make them ideal for British summers — from garden parties to coastal weekends to city days out.
Our hats are handwoven by Malu Pires, a master artisan in Brazil who has spent decades perfecting her craft. Each piece takes considerable time and skill to produce, which is why no two are quite identical.
How to Care for Your Carnaúba Straw Hat
With a little care, a Carnaúba straw hat will last for many summers.
- Carry it by the brim — not the crown — to preserve the shape.
- Allow it to air after a warm or humid day before storing.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth if needed.
- If the hat gets wet, reshape it and leave to dry naturally.
Shop Carnaúba Straw Hats at Lachesis London
Our Carnaúba straw hat collection is available now, with styles ranging from classic wide-brim Panamas to boaters and structured summer hats. Each one arrives with a personalisation kit so you can customise the band to suit your style.
Shop the Hat Collection →
Shop Hat Band Kits →
Free standard UK delivery on orders over £99.
Lachesis London — Handcrafted Brazilian luxury accessories, as featured in Tatler and The Sunday Times Style.