Actually I have no idea of the quality of hats sold at Target as I have not set foot in a Target store since the 1990s. I just picked a name of a big box store, as most of them sell the same merchandise. What features make it newer? Partly it is just an experience thing, after decades of selling and collecting, and handling thousands of vintage hats, most dealers just know a new hat from an old. Just on sight, many cases even without handling it. But 2 things stand out the most. 1. The hat has no inner band and that is something you would never ever see on a ladies older hat (except pre 1930s hats which had linings). For example, all the inexpensive straw hats coming from China have no inside band. Retailers buy them up by the 1000s and glue on their store label and maybe add some bit of trim. The look, thickness, weight and quality of the straw on your hat is China made straw, no doubt there. 3, The hat is made and blocked in all 1 piece. While this is not an absolute rule, hats from pre 1960s would be made in 2 pieces; a crown and a brim, sewn together. After the 1970s, very few mass produced hats were made in 2 pieces. It was too just costly.
Its a cute hat and a classic style. Wear it and enjoy it!
