The "X's" in describing a felt hat refer to the amount of beaver fur used in its construction. The more beaver fur, the more X's. A higher quality hat will contain more beaver fur and have a higher "X count". 4X is higher quality that 2X, etc.
In straw hats, the same is true except the X's refer to the tightness of the weave and narrowness the straw reed used to make the hat. A higher X means a tighter weave and narrower reed is used.
9 months ago

by
JoeM
- Nevada, USA