First off, **THESE HATS RUN LARGE** so whatever size you think you are, get the 2 sizes down. I wear a 7-3/8 verging on a 7-1/2 (aka Large), so that's what I ordered. It turns out that the company actually sizes these hats as S, M, L so the measurements you select from on the Amazon page are pretty much meaningless. The 7-3/8 hat I got was entirely too large (marked Size L, actual size more like XL) and I ended up having to return it. I was pretty impressed by the hat's overall quality so I took a chance and ordered a size 7-1/8, which would be far too small for me in real life. The hat that arrived has a tag showing "Size M" but it's a lot closer to a Large so it ended up fitting perfectly.

As others have noted, the hat is very stiff but for me that's a selling point as I don't want the brim to droop. The 2nd hat I got fit a little tight, but I boiled some water in a kettle and used the steam to shape it to fit my head perfectly (if you do this remember to take the hat bands off or there could be some color transfer). I also used the steam to re-shape the crease a little bit to give it less of a Fedora feel and more of a Western style.

Be aware the hat band is stitched on so you'll need to cut a couple of threads if you want to replace it. The dark color on the brim is also painted on, not a stitched on ribbon which would be a little more traditional, but I actually like the look of it.

If it sounds like I'm only hitting negatives I assure you I'm not- GET THIS HAT. The brim is wide and strong, the felt is very responsive to just a little bit of steaming, and overall this is an outstanding base if you're looking for a hat to truly make your own.

The lining is top-notch (I have no idea why they don't do a better job of showing that detail in the pictures) and the brim is fairly wide, so be ready and willing to rock that. I usually shy away from wool felt but I really feel like this hat is worth the money. All around good purchase, and I'll probably get one in another color soon.

I absolutely LOVE this brand and have purchased about 6 of their fedoras. Almost all of my hats were delivered with a dramatically bent brim and initially I was upset and was going to return my first purchase like many others. Then I Googled how to shape a bent hat brim and the solution was steam…the seller even references using steam to shape the hat.Look at my before and after pics, the results literally took 5 minutes using my steamer, you can also use the steam from a pot of boiling water. I see so many reviews where the buyer is deeply disappointed and returned their item, when really a minute or 2 two of steam would’ve given you an almost one-of-a-kind fedora (unless it was smashed).I honestly have no idea how a box that is not damaged in transit has a hat inside with a bent brim (maybe it’s a storage/ temperature thing) I don’t know, but the seller should definitely look into it, as I’m sure getting to the bottom of it will reduce the amount of returns over something so simple. I love this brand and will continue to purchase from them, plus their hats fit my big head and hair perfectly lol, unlike many other brands. :)

I'd previously purchased a Ruediger fedora hat and loved it so much I decided to buy one more with a little different style.  Some reviewers have complained that the hat is not soft, but stiff.  This is true, but I actually love this feature, since I am a bit rough on my hats and the stiffness of the shape can really keep it from becoming misshapen.  For me, it's clear that Ruediger strives for quality.  Having said that, my 2nd purchase of a hat arrived a bit out of shape.  The brim on one side was angled upward, making the hat look out of balance.  Disappointed, I was going to send it back, but then I recalled that a little steam to the wool can allow the hat to be manipulated back into shape.  So, steam kettle piping, I gently heated the brim with the steam and instantly felt the wool soften.  This process only took a few minutes. Long story short, I was able to mold the hat back into a uniform shape.  I'm not sure why one side of the brim was pushed upward, since it was boxed quite well with no damage to the box.  My best guess is that some temperature change during shipment, or perhaps the hat had not resting enough after final shaping, prior to packaging.  I'm just glad I did not have to return it for a refund, because it look great. Very pleased with my new hat!

Received as expected and quality construction!

Love the Hat and wish they had another one in my size.