I was in the market for a large sunhat when I bought this Large Brim Straw Beach Floppy Hat.  However, I failed to understand just how large and floppy this would be.  It is so big that the brim does not stay up on its own.  You have to hold it or be prepared to have it cover your face.  On the beach or on a boat, this can be extremely annoying if you are talking to people.  However, it does provide great protection from the sun since it covers your entire face (and your shoulders and some of your back!).  I would say be sure you understand just how big this hat is before you buy it.  Also, do not fold this up, it does not easily bounce back to its original form.  The thatch on this is widely woven so some light does shine through but it's no different from many straw beach hats.  The actual hat color is more grey than black because of how it is woven with the white straw so do not expect it to be solid black or stripped black and white.