Abstract: In the manufacture of hats, the shellac stiffening agent typically used for imparting extra stiffness to the final hat product is replaced with an aqueous acrylic or acrylic/styrene emulsion or dispersion having a pH of 4 to 7, the acrylic or methacrylic polymer or copolymer in the emulsion having an acid value of 80 to 120 mg KOH/gm and a glass transition temperature of 17.degree. to 35.degree. C.