A wide-brimmed straw hat is a must for Amish men. Many families weave their own.
Material
Wheat straw is most common. Collected after harvest, sorted by thickness, soaked in water for flexibility. Rye straw — stronger but coarser. Raffia (palm fiber) — for summer hats, light and breathable.
Weaving
Start at the crown — spiral weaving from center. 7–11 straws braided together, braid laid in spiral and stitched. Each turn is the next row. Brim formed by widening the spiral.
Shaping
Finished hat is dampened and stretched over a wooden hat block. Dried 2–3 days. The hat takes shape and holds it for years.
Lifespan
Quality straw hat — 5–10 years of daily wear. Repair: damaged section cut out and new straw woven in. Amish hat costs $20–40 in materials, store-bought $100+.