MidWest Hatters makes two categories of felt hats; fedoras and country/western. Within each category there may be a price difference which can confuse customers or even worse put them off! For example, featured here, are two country /western hats of a similar style, called the Bootscooter; each made of felt but with different prices. The reason for the price difference is the quality of the foundation material used. One hat is made of caramel dyed wool felt and has a leather-look tan headband while the other is made of winter white rabbit felt and has a headband made of genuine leather. Wool felt hats are cheaper to produce than those made of fur felt. Fur felt can come from a variety of animals other than sheep but nowadays rabbit fur felt is most often used. The finish of the fur felt can vary. Plain fur felt is cheaper than velour fur felt that has a soft fuzzy feel like velvet. Velour felt can be single sided or double sided with the double sided being more expensive. A video “Working with Felt Hoods” by Torb and Reiner (now Millinery Hub) You tube channel provides an excellent explanation of the various types of felts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2nsheNIrU