I did not give the hate 5 stars only b/c I do not know how it will hold up over time. It is comfortable for long-term wear--such as a soccer tournament. I notice the smell, but not particularly when I have it on--it is a natural smell, anyway. Doesn't bother me. I like the stretchy terry band on the inside.
I really like these hats. I now have four, bought over maybe 5 or 6 years. They are comfortable and have that critical drawstring under the chin, which means you won't be chasing them down the street if a breeze picks up. The bright colors do tend to fade with sun exposure. However, they wrap up into a nice neat roll to stuff in your suitcase, and come out looking great.
I was very disappointed with my hat. It smelled so badly that spraying it with Fabreze and putiing out in the sun did not get rid of the oder. Also, the metal pieces where the tie went through came out of the whole before I could even wear the hat.
I would have loved to return the hat, but was leaving on a trip and needed the hat the day after it arrived. This was the first thing I purchased from Bean that I was disappointed with.
I read all the reviews for this hat and saw someone else mention the awful smell. I chose to ignore that comment, figuring I could easily spray it with Febreze and/or simply air it out. Unfortunately, NOTHING helped. I sprayed and sprayed, left it outside in the sun and fresh air... even waited a full week. This hat still smells absoutely awful. If I packed it, everything else in the suitcase would smell. I must return it - which is unfortunate because the styling is great and I like the way it looks - but I just can't wear it.
