HAT

name given to head-covering, with brim, the principal materials used being silk, fur, wool, merino, straw. The frame of a silk h. is composed of calico and other materials, stiffened in shellac, and is shaped on a block. The crown and brim are then sewn on, the silk covering and trimmings added, and the finished article is then polished for wear. Opera hats are covered with silk or merino, and a collapsible steel frame provides means of adjustment. Felt hats are made from fur, fur and wool, or wool alone, according to quality. See CosTuME.