El Galpón expands into wooden accessories with focus on sustainability
El Galpón, the Puerto Rico-based artisan brand best known for its Panama hats, is marking its path to 20 years in business with a new line of handcrafted wooden watches and sunglasses.
The expansion builds on the company’s long-standing emphasis on sustainability, quality and craftsmanship, according to its founders.
Established in Old San Juan by husband-and-wife team Gustavo Lerner and Betsy García, El Galpón began as a boutique focused on hats. It has since grown into a lifestyle brand offering fashion accessories made with natural materials and minimalist design.
The move into wooden accessories, Lerner said, was a natural next step.
“We imagine individuals with a strong sense of personal style, who appreciate details and seek pieces that reflect their identity,” he said. “We want them to feel proud to wear something one-of-a-kind.”
El Galpón’s watches and sunglasses are made from responsibly sourced wood selected for durability and low environmental impact. The design process includes careful evaluation of the material’s texture and color, and each item is made in collaboration with artisans specializing in woodcraft. Every piece is inspected to meet the company’s quality standards.
“These are not just everyday accessories,” García said. “They are conversation pieces that tell a story and reflect the soul of those who wear them.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has seen a 300% increase in hat sales, which helped drive the decision to expand its product line. El Galpón currently employs 10 people and sells globally through its digital storefront.
Despite its international reach, the company remains based in Old San Juan.
“Every hat, every watch, every pair of sunglasses is a silent statement of individuality,” Lerner said. “Our products don’t follow trends — they tell stories.”
The brand continues to focus on products rooted in authenticity and emotional value, with each release reinforcing its vision of sustainability, elegance and a conscious link to handmade traditions.
