I love this hat.  It has no smell at all.  The top is rounded, so I had some thin tan string, I popped the top in a bit and sewed around the edge so you can see the stitches, they look like they are supposed to be there.  The hat is lightweight and fits just right.  I have another Coolibar hat, it has a very large brim and scarf attached, I love that hat too.  See my pictures, look closely you can see the stitches.