This classic summer headwear is constructed from heavily sized sennit straw, wound and sewn into a rigid shape. It features a flat top, a flat brim, and typically a solid or striped grosgrain ribbon band. Milliners and costumers value it for its precise, architectural silhouette, though its stiffness requires careful sizing to sit comfortably on an oval head.
Heard on the job
We need to block the crown on that boater again because the client says it sits too high on his forehead.
Insider tip
Because the brim and crown have zero give, fitters often have to steam and reshape the inner sweatband to match the specific oval of the wearer's head.
Also heard as
- skimmer
- sennit hat
- straw boater