Material Definitions

Chenille: A velvety soft rayon yarn used to create warm, plush hats. There many degrees of quality depending on the weight and texture of the yarn, dying techniques, and production process (some being machine made, other being hand-made).

Felt: A very strong material made of tiny interlocking fibers, compressed and flattened, then smoothed in different finishes including:

• Velour - A soft, lush finish with a long nap of fur fibers.
• Sueded - A rich velvety finish.
• Flat - The most common, smooth finish.
• Silk - A long, shiny fur nap.

Felt (Fur): The traditional material of fine hats, fur felt is made from tiny fur fibers that are the by-product of other fur cuttings. The fibers are compressed, making a very strong water-resistant, resilient material.

Felt (Wool): Made of 100% wool fibers, wool felt is very strong and warm. It is not naturally water-resistant but can made so, to a degree, by treating with a repellant spray. It is usually has a flat finish and is much stiffer that fur felt. As with Fur Felt, depending on the processing, there is a variety of quality and price. But in general wool felt is less expensive than fur felt.

Lite Felt™: This is a trademarked process which is sold under many different names including: "Leisure Felt," "Sof-Felt" and "Mello-Felt." This is a hybrid material combining 100% wool felt with with some of the qualities of fur felt: a soft, flexible texture and water-repellency.  This innovation produces a lower-priced wool felt with a longer life and an all-purpose character.

Organza: A sheer rayon, nylon, or silk fabric constructed in plain weave and with a crisp finish, used in the manufacture of evening dresses, trimmings, etc.

Raffia: A fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, and the like.