Black Creek 100% Crushable Wool Black Cowboy Hat with Stud Detail. BC2012

My head size is 22.5 inches (58 cm European) so I straddle exactly between Medium and Large (US hat size). I chose the medium for me and it works out fine. The hat looks great and I've already been complimented in it on my first day wearing it ! The felt is a 'soft' felt which is also packable when traveling, which is a feature I require. The more expensive black felt hats are stiff felt and have a tendency to bleed when drenched in the rain. The felt is lightly thinner than a more expensive Bailey or Stetson but it looks good, feels good and seems to retain its shape quite well. The brim is 3 inches, which can be important depending on where you live. I Live in North Carolina and it is quite acceptable here, but when I visit my son in Colorado out west I would prefer a hat with a 3.5 or 4 inch brim. The sun is much stronger out there. The hat band looks more expensive on the hat than it really is. I've bought more expensive hats with cheaper looking hat bands. I am very satisfied with the hat band ! It adds class to the hat ! Best of all, thr brim doesn't have that excessive "Outback droop" in the brim, which is ok if you're looking down at your shoes, but you don't have to lift your head if you want to stare out at the horizon. I dislike droopy lids.

Way to soft! blow's rite off in the wind!