FAQs

Can you tell me about your made to order service?

If you know the style you want from looking through the gallery pages of the website then I can usually make that style for you in a range of colours and (if it’s relevant) sizes. So the design stays the same but the colourway and size can change.

Many classic styles such as summer Panamas and winter hats, caps and berets can be made up for you this way. Ideally you would still come to visit me at the studio for a one-off consultation, but I am happy to work with you via email or Skype too. Then you can either come and pick up the finished hat in person or I can post it to you.

Can you tell me about your bespoke service?

If you want me to design you something unique, then I am delighted to do so.

Come and visit me at the studio for your first consultation, where we will discuss ideas and I will show you sample styles, shapes, colours and materials. You will probably have a particular outfit in mind for this hat, so it is a good idea to bring that along with you (including shoes and other accessories!). Often there is a little detail or a “feel” to your outfit that can be subtly reflected in the hat design - a truly bespoke touch.

After that first consultation I will send you some sketches and a guide price; if you have any further thoughts or questions at that stage just let me know. Once you are happy with what we have come up with, I will make a start on your hat.

You will then come to see me again for a first fitting - this helps us make sure that the hat fits well and we can also decide on final placement of any trimmings.

Finally you will come to pick up your finished hat. And yes, it will be in a beautiful hat box!

When will my hat be ready?

Made to order hats will be ready in 2 to 3 weeks, possibly slightly longer in busy periods, so do contact me well in advance if you need a hat for a particular date. Bespoke hats take a longer - you will need at least two visits to the studio and I need to include design time. We will both be more relaxed if you get in touch at least 2 months before the date you need the hat!

Can you give me an idea of the price of a hat?

For made to order styles I can usually give you an idea straight away. Just get in touch to tell me the style you want. For example, starting prices for a wool felt cap are £165; a furfelt fedora will start at around £295; a Panama starts at £195.

Made to order special occasion hats start at around £295 but can be up to £750 depending on size and materials used.

Bespoke hats are more expensive because of the time needed for fittings, design discussions and the sourcing of specific materials and trims.

If you are in any doubt, please do ask. And if you have a budget in mind, just say and I will do my best to advise you on how we can stick to it. I aim to give you the same level of service and honest advice that I would expect to receive myself if I were investing in a unique accessory for a special occasion.

Do you do gift vouchers?

I do not live near Sussex - do we need a face to face consultation?

For most bespoke work I would recommend a visit to the studio, but if that is difficult for you, I can offer “remote bespoke” over Skype or Zoom (you will see some results of this on my clients page). Made to order hats can usually be made without a face to face consultation.

How do I find out my hat size?

All bespoke hats are made to your exact head measurement, and I will take care of that when you come for your first consultation. If we are using “remote bespoke” I will send you a measuring kit that you can use to send me details of your head size and shape.

If you wish to buy a made to order hat and you cannot get to the studio to see me, you can find out your head size as follows:

• Take a tape measure and encircle your head just above the top of your ears and about midway on your forehead - where you would expect the crown of your hat to be touching your head when you are wearing it.

• The tape should fit snugly but not too tightly.

• Read off the measurement - inches or centimetres, I don’t mind - and just let me know.

There really is no such thing as a head that is “too small” or “too large”! If you have been struggling to find a hat that fits, it is because most ready made hats in shops are made in one standard size.