Just received this hat yesterday (thanks Amazon Prime for free 2-day shipping). CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: This hat appears to be very well made. The two-piece crown has black cloth tape wrapping the inside seam so if your head happens to bump it it's not scratchy. The back seam does not, but it lays flat and didn't seem to be a problem. All the stitching seems good. The brim, being made of a stitched layer of both the solid material underneath and the mesh topside, is pretty rigid; it flexes but seems to return to shape. The mesh sides crush but also seem to return to shape; repeated crushing might eventually cause rippling. The crown comes with a nice, moderate dent on top, and due to the crown's construction, it seems like it will hold this shape. STYLE: I wanted a ventilated hat that offers more shade from the sun than a ball cap, yet doesn't look like a floppy gardening hat, and this fits the bill. Resembling a fedora, it's more stylish than most casual hats but not overly dressy. The leather chinstrap with wooden bead gives it a western touch without being a full-on cowboy hat. You won't really be able to shape this hat with your own pinches, dents, brim curls, etc., but why would you want to... it's already a nice shape, and probably the best shape for doing its job of keeping the sun off your face, neck and ears. VENTILATION: The mesh lets in plenty of air; I can feel a breeze through it even just walking through the house. The sweatband was comfortable but felt a little warm, so any sweating from wearing this hat would be caused there. COLOR: The "Earth" color is a nice medium brown just like the photo (at least on my screen); pretty neutral, not chocolate brown but also not orangey or reddish. Due to the color variations in the canvas weave of the top / band / brim edging, I can see this hat matching a variety of medium-brown-shaded clothing well. The solid top and mesh sides of the crown match color with each other probably better than the picture shows. Some of the other color choices for this hat almost made it look two-toned, and I didn't want that. The reason for the apparent shade variation between the two pieces is probably more due to the fact that the holes in the mesh make the side look darker, while the solid top piece reflects more light. To test, I put a piece of white paper behind the mesh; the mesh and canvas looked almost identical in color. Can't say for the other color options, but Earth's materials are close enough to not be an obnoxious contrast. SIZING: This is my only regret, but unless you order hats with true hat sizes it's always going to be a guess. I ordered the XL based on Henschel's size comparison chart. I measured my head circumference at 23-1/2". Maybe I measured at the wrong spot or angle, or maybe Henschel's sizes vary from hat to hat, but this one is snug on me. I can wear it, but all-day wear might be uncomfortable. If it relaxes after some wearing, I'll be OK; but if it shrinks even a bit, I'm in trouble. I probably measured my head wrong, because a 7-3/4 usually fits comfortably if not a little loose. I think I'll reorder as an XXL, and put some narrow padding behind the sweatband. Find a chart that compares circumference with hat sizes alongside S/M/L sizes to get a good idea. OTHER: The bead seems to hold its place, but I'd definitely put a knot in the chinstrap below the bead to avoid losing it. OVERALL: This is a great casual hat that provides excellent ventilation and good shade from the sun. Measure your head carefully; if you're between sizes, go up.
