Henschel Hats Original Aussie Breezer - Wide-Brim Sun Hat for Men with Adjustable Chin Cord | Perfect Men's Summer Hat

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.

This is an AWESOME hat! Fit was true to the size guide, though I did get some hat tape in case it stretches a little or I need some adjustment. It came folded over, but recovered nicely. I likely will invest in a hat shaper for when it’s stored at home, so if anyone has any suggestions there I’d appreciate it! I like the wide brim, and frankly the price point was also very competitive. The ventilation provided by the huge number of air holes was critical to me, I used to always get a hot head!

Been wearing "similar" hats for a lot of years (~20), but of what I'd call now a cheaper variety. Probably have bought more than 10 of those, similar style hats. They're lighter weight, but i was pestered by the brim which would bend up/down in the breeze. This is a much stiffer brim, and as a result is also a bit heavier, though the weight was not a problem for me. The stiffness of the brim is key and really adds to the wearability. The strap is a bit shorter than I'd like, but I removed the knots where it enters the brim as well as moved the knot at the ends of the strap to be as low down as possible. I like to button the strap into my shirt so a wind from behind doesn't send it flying, and yet I can just throw it off the back of my head and the strap doesn't rest on my neck. Breeze moves well through the mesh, and on muggy days the sweat has not yet bled through the brim. Will be buying a 2nd to keep a bit more pristine for travel, etc. Have not tested the recovery from crushing, but will try to report back when I do. Packaging was a bit flimsy in a substantially crushed box with a bit of a crush on the hat, but it seems to have survived fine. This style hat was a godsend when I discovered it 20 yrs ago, and this is a very nice implementation of it! My head measured 22.875" and the Large stated it was for 23". It's fairly loose to my head, but stays put in the wind and is comfortable.

This hat can vary in size a bit, so it's more try and see if it's perfect or not. Some run a little large, others, a bit smaller. Not extremes, just manufacturing tolerances, to be expected in any mass produced product. But these are quality hats no doubt, and very comfortable to wear. They are not featherweight hats, if that is what you prefer, just average, good quality hats that follow form and function, and deliver what they say. I will not swear to the protection in sun use, since I have not used mine in such a situation, except for short periods of time. Extended wearers in sun should seek advice elsewhere, but from what I've read and see in the quality of the hat, I would be surprised if it did not function well in the sun too, as specified. They have adequate ventilation, with a large area for the crown (top space of the head) and a generous brim to shield off any high or low sun rays that are often bothersome, along with the ventilation that is needed for many days in warmer weather (of if you are hiking hard at times and need the ventilation along with sun ray shielding), that I find comforting when I am in the bright outdoors, either coming and going with the clouds, or when needed to view through my binoculars in bright conditions. I doubt you would be sorry, unless your head size is a mis-match for the size offered. Otherwise, some headband foam can go a long way to fitting a too large hat for your head size, if needed, so larger is better than smaller. That foam is included with the Henschel hat company order directly from them, at no charge, but not often with other retailers on Amazon, nor Amazon Prime. Funny though that Henschel shipped their hat squashed (as folded) but in a hat box, which lead to a permanent defect, while Amazon sent theirs in a plastic bag with a hat form fully formed (not squashed), and that survived better. So pick your choice, but I would recommend Amazon over Henschel, from my experience. Nice hat though, and I like the somewhat camouflage exterior of the distressed gold-green as they call it. A nice muted and woodsy color, for sure in the choices offered.

I rated this hat based on my comparison to the best hat I've ever tried on, in terms of workmanship, etc. -- if you want to spend a bundle there are superior hats for that budget, at least in terms of hats you'll wear for life. If I had rated it based on the value, I would have given it 5 stars. This hat is certainly light and perfect for summer. It seems very well constructed and my guess is it will be more than durable enough to outlive any reasonable expectations. I am usually a size 7 1/4 and my head measurement is 22.75 inches, so I used Henschels size chart http://www.henschelhats.com/new/sizing/ to order a large. It is a teeny bit roomy in circumference but I'm sure it looks better overall than a Medium would have (better too big than too small), so I am happy. I might search for one of those inserts that go inside where the sweat band is. This is a great-looking hat and the brim is styled just right for sun protection and a classy "Aussie" vs. Western look. It is not at all "floppy" but it not as stiff as the ones with wiring. If I were to "crush" it when I packed it, I would lay it down crown up and flatten just the crown rather than bend or roll it. Others have mentioned putting socks or tee shirts in the crown which seems ideal. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again and I may just order another one in a different color. This review is a little wordy, I know, but I hope it is helpful. I rely on reviews a lot so I try to offer some real help when I write one.

Wow, this is a nice hat. I ordered a Panama Jack vented hat and it was very cheap and flimsy. Returned that one and ordered this one. What a difference. Way worth the $10 additional dollars for this upgrade. This hat in Large fits my 23.5 inch head nearly perfect. It is a pinch snug but will definitely loosen up when worn. The materials appear to be very good. The brim is nicely shaped and stays in place firmly. I will end as I started, this is just a really nice quality hat with a nice fit and look. UPDATE: If you want your hat delivered in a quality hat box and not crushed by Amazon, be sure you order from the seller "Henschel Hats" or order directly from their website. Other sellers are not shipping the hats in the same box used by the manufacturer. I learned this after ordering a second hat that was crushed in shipping.

Hat was delivered in a timely manner by FedEx. Hat was in a box with an internal cardboard shelf with raised round opening that preserved the shape very well. I bought the XL that was true to my usual size as described in the size guide. The top crown had the deeper usual indentation that kept the hat a bit too high when wearing but after pushing the top back up the hat came down and fit perfectly with the headband about an inch above my ears. Nice rigid brim and mesh provides needed ventilation on top of the head. I easily removed the chin cinch strap but can always put it back on if needed. All in all it’s a very nice, quality looking hat that is certainly worth the price. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

If you look back in reviews you will find my past reviews of this hat. It's made in several flavors, both here and abroad. I have both. This is the foreign made one, and it has a slightly smaller brim. I believe 3 inch compared to 3 1/2. It's the same material, and oddly as it may seem I feel the quality is a bit better. My first one was bought at an airshow and I wore it daily for years. I watched it get stolen on live video and couldn't do anything about it. Next I bought the pricey American made one, and never liked it quite as much. The top of the hat just doesn't sit correctly in line with the rest of the hat, and the brim is a bit larger. Recently I decided to get a lighter colored one and purchased this. Ahh, my well loved hat is back in a different color. Happy camper. As far as crushproof goes I ha0ve tested the limits with my past ones, shoved into corners and behind headrests in hot trucks, smashed flat in a backpack. It always comes back to shape and without a wire in the brim I don't have to mess with it. With its mesh sides and solid top and generous brim it feels light and even in darker colors I feel cooler. It's one great hat. Unless you have a real need for the wider brim I think (my opinion) the 3 inch is better proportioned. Either way. It a good hat and you'll be happy.