I own a Dorfman summer hat with a mesh section, so I tried this hat for cooler weather. I got it large enough I can ever wear a thin fleece skull cap for cold but bright sun days.  I am beyond pleased!  It looks like leather or suede unless you're close up.  It is very soft, yet not floppy (much softer fabric than the stiff summer hat I own).  I can see where the wire in the brim can get rather wobbly out-of-shape... but it is a nice feature to be able to turn up the front or sides, so it's an acceptable compromise to have to smooth out the lumps.

I think the proportions on this hat are really flattering, and would look good on a male or female (I am female). Every time I've worn this, complete strangers have come up and said "hey, NICE hat!!"... which frankly I find quite enjoyable (and I"m in metro NYC, where stranger comments/compliments aren't usual). Two strangers and two friends have asked where they can buy one, and were stunned at the price.  Altogether, I am delighted: I would buy it again if lost or damaged, and purchase as a gift with no hesitation.