They're tough rain or shine:  Sewn-braid palm leaf hats are about the toughest hats you'll find.  The overlapping layers of palm braid form an almost impenetrable sun block.  And when they get wet, they stiffen and keep their shape - making them great in the rain of the river.

You can wet 'em & shape 'em:  They are easily reshaped, too, with plain water - no steam is required.  You can use a spray bottle, hold it under the faucet, or dip it in a bucket.  They be can easily shaped by hand.

You can crush 'em & pop 'em back out to shape:  A horse can step on one and if the hoof doesn't cut completely through, you can pop it back out and keep wearing it.

Mexican Fine Palms:  Approx. 12-14 strands of braid per inch, giving the hats a very fine appearance, nice dress hats.  Stiffened and whitened with a chalky liquid.  Pressed in heated molds.  Hard to reshape crown.  Water will wash out the stiffener and leave the hat with a rougher and darker appearance, but still very functional.

Guatemalan Standard Palms:  Approx. 7 strands of braid per inch.  No stiffeners added, shaped by hand.  Easily re-shaped using water.  No steam necessary.  May shrink a little if dried in the heat.  Conforms to wearer's head.  Repeated washings will result in a softer hat.