Okay, after reviewing all of these fedora hats on Amazon, I at last chose one. I needed it for a guided "Gangster tour" I was taking with relatives in Chicago. I am in my mid-fifties and recall very well the fedoras my Dad wore to work everyday growing up. This is as close to an actual period hat as you will get without spending the big cash for a felt model--if you can find one. Forget these guys who wrote on reviews it is a "hard plastic hat covered with felt material." If you were in the Army, or Marines you may recall the "Montana Peak" hats the Drill Sgt.'s wore. This is the exact same hat material. Starched fur-wool-felt blend. It holds up to the elements abuse and keeps it's shape. The only drawback I have is that I had to exchange it for a smaller size. But it was free of charge to do so. I am very happy with the hat and recommend it to anyone looking for a Fedora from the 1920's-30's-40's or 1950's periods. These people at Dorfman got the look right for this fedora hat. (P.S.--if you buy the popular 3 inch brim hats of the "Indy" model, you may be disappointed as that extra half inch makes it look like a cowboys hat. True fedoras had a 2-1/2 inch brim back in the day. A 3 incher would only work for a big guy with a big head. That half inch does make a noticable differance to guys of an average height).