I bought this hat from Spanish hatmaker Pardo Hats last year and, frankly, I never had the stones to wear it. The idea was to have a hat that wasn't a visor that could fit over a topknot with thick hair. The hat can do that and more. The crown is 8.5" tall from the base of the hat, and there is a drawstring to adjust the fit inside. The raffia is substantial and expertly woven. That said, the hat is not lightweight. Part of the price will go toward packaging to ship such a large hat so that it remains in perfect condition.