The paper raffia comes on 100 yard spools and is a folded flat ribbon. It is stiff and takes a bit of getting used to. It is stiff enough to make the brim stand out without the use of wire. However, if the hat gets wet, as mine did in a summer downpour, the brim will get a bit wavy. I also found that the hat benefited from a sewn-in inner band to keep its size. The hat may be dressed up with a variety of hatbands for your own style.