The term 'MAN's soft felt hat' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: HOMBURG (7 letters), TRILBY (6 letters), and FEDORA (6 letters). A HOMBURG is a type of hat with a stiff brim and a grosgrain ribbon around the crown. It was popularized by Edward VII in the late 19th century. A TRILBY is a soft felt hat with a narrow brim and an indented crown. It was popularized by George du Maurier's novel TRILBY in 1894. A FEDORA is a soft felt hat with a wide brim and a creased crown. It was popularized by the play FEDORA in 1882.