Panama cloth work shirt. Panama cloth is a breathable and durable fabric widely used by the British Army in tropical and subtropical regions. It has a coarse plain weave structure to ensure breathability. Plain weave has the disadvantage of being weak to tearing, so to compensate for this, multiple threads are aligned both vertically and horizontally, a technique known as "nanako" (twill), achieving both breathability and tear strength. Its characteristics are dry and silky, making it comfortable to wear even in the sweaty season. The buttons are carved from coconut.