From the online picture, the Biltmore Metro Teardrop Toyo Straw Fedora looks stunning. Its sharp lines and well-defined shape give it the appearance of a classic, high-quality fedora. Shipping was also very efficient—my order placed on September 18th arrived by September 20th, which was impressive. Based on first impressions alone, I was ready to give it 5 stars.

However, once I received the hat and assessed its feel, comfort, and durability, it fell short in every category. The material, advertised as 8u Toyo Straw, is certainly lightweight, but that comes at a cost. At the pinch point, or teardrop crown, the hat is far too pliable, which led to it tearing easily at the fold after minimal handling.

As for the fit, despite ordering an XL, the hat sits awkwardly on my head. Unlike other fedoras I own, it doesn't wear comfortably; instead, it has pressure points at the front and back while gapping on the sides, making it feel uneven. The material itself is disappointingly flimsy—it feels almost like paper, which doesn’t hold up to handling and creates constant concern that more of the Toyo Straw will unravel.

While this hat looks great in photos, the actual product is not to my liking. I prefer sturdy, well-made hats, and this one simply doesn’t deliver. Despite its striking appearance, it’s not built to last, and the quality just doesn’t meet my expectations.