Top Felt Hat Brands for Stylish and Timeless Elegance

Felt hats have long been a fashion staple, offering a timeless blend of style and functionality. With a myriad of brands on the market, finding the perfect felt hat can be overwhelming. Some brands prioritize tradition and craftsmanship, while others push the boundaries with innovative designs and materials. To help you navigate through this stylish accessory, discover our curated list of the best brands for felt hats below.

Illustration of felt hats

Best brands of felt hats in 2025

Stetson

Stetson is renowned as one of the best producers of felt hats, with a legacy spanning over 155 years since its founding by John B. Stetson in 1865. The brand achieved immense success with its iconic "Boss of the Plains" hat, which became a staple for American cowboys due to its durability and functionality. By 1906, Stetson's factory in Philadelphia was producing close to 2 million hats annually, and by 1915, the company had grown to employ 5,400 people and produce 3,336,000 hats each year. Today, Stetson hats are still made in the USA, with production now based in Garland, Texas, and Longview, Texas, using high-quality materials like beaver and rabbit fur felt. The brand continues to be a symbol of American craftsmanship and style.

Borsalino

Borsalino is renowned as one of the best producers of felt hats, with a rich history dating back to 1857 when Giuseppe Borsalino founded the company in Alessandria, Italy. By 1888, Borsalino was producing 2,500 hats a day, and by the eve of the First World War, the company was manufacturing over 2 million hats annually, employing more than 2,500 people. The brand gained global fame after winning the Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900. Borsalino hats are crafted through a meticulous process involving over 50 manual steps, taking up to seven weeks to produce a single felt hat. Despite facing challenges, including bankruptcy in 2017, Borsalino continues to uphold its traditional craftsmanship and quality. Discover more about the brand's storied past in this detailed video on Borsalino's history.

Bailey of Hollywood

Bailey of Hollywood, founded in 1922 by George Bailey, is renowned for its high-quality, professionally crafted hats, particularly its felt hats made from luxury fibers such as wool felt, fur felt, and LiteFelt®, a water-repellent and shape-retentive finish. The brand has a rich history, including the production of iconic hats like the Santa Barbara Sombrero and the Hopalong Cassidy Hat. A significant portion of Bailey's collection is still manufactured in the U.S., specifically at the Bollman Hat Factory in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. Bailey's hats have been favored by Hollywood legends like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart, and the brand continues to lead in the western, fashion, and casual hat market. Known for their durability and timeless style, Bailey's hats are a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

Akubra

Akubra is a renowned Australian hat manufacturer, celebrated for its high-quality felt hats made from rabbit fur, with a rich history dating back to 1874 when it was founded by Benjamin Dunkerley. The company gained prominence in 1912 with the registration of the Akubra trademark and has since become synonymous with durable and stylish bush hats, particularly the slouch hats supplied to the Australian armed forces during both World Wars. By 2015, Akubra had produced over two million hats for the military, and it continues to export its products to several countries, earning around 15% of its income from overseas sales. The company has maintained its family-owned legacy, with the Keir family managing it for generations, and it currently produces around 200,000 hats annually. Akubra's commitment to quality and employee welfare has allowed it to thrive, even during economic downturns like the Great Depression. Learn more about The Akubra Story.

Goorin Bros.

Goorin Bros., a renowned American family retailer founded in 1895 by artisan hat maker Cassel Goorin, specializes in high-quality hats with a 125-year legacy. The brand is particularly famous for its trucker hats, especially the "Farm Series" featuring animal patches, and has expanded to include fedoras, beanies, and custom hats. With 30 flagship stores in North America, Goorin Bros. has adapted to societal changes while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship. The company achieved significant recognition as the official hat brand of the 1960 Winter Olympics and generates $54 million in revenue. Goorin Bros. also offers a try-before-you-buy service and ensures authenticity with a holographic sticker on each custom hat.

Christys' London

Christys' London, established in 1773, is a renowned brand in the hat-making industry, particularly celebrated for its exquisite felt hats. With a legacy spanning over 250 years, Christys' has maintained an unwavering commitment to traditional craftsmanship and elegance, crafting hats from the world's finest felts. Their collection includes iconic styles such as the Fedora, Trilby, Homburg, and Bowler, each meticulously made in their Oxford factory. Christys' hats have been favored by historical figures like Prince Albert and modern icons such as Kate Moss and Brad Pitt. The brand's enduring quality and style have solidified its position as a leader in British millinery.

Lock & Co. Hatters

Lock & Co. Hatters, established in 1676, is the world's oldest hat shop and a renowned producer of high-quality felt hats, with over 300 years of expertise in craftsmanship. They use only the finest materials, including wool, cashmere, and fur felt, to ensure durability and comfort. Approximately 80% of their hats are made in the UK, with the remainder produced in mainland Europe to maintain the highest quality standards. The company employs skilled artisans who handcraft each hat, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Lock & Co. Hatters has a long history of supplying hats to famous individuals, including royalty and celebrities.

Barbisio

Barbisio, a renowned brand since 1862, is celebrated for its exquisite felt hats that blend form and function. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, Barbisio hats are often associated with high-quality materials and precise attention to detail. While some of their hats are manufactured in Italy, others are produced in South America, such as Colombia and Ecuador. The brand's commitment to observing and incorporating the symbols of headwear has made it a staple in the hat industry. With a legacy spanning over 160 years, Barbisio continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking premium headwear.

Dobbs

Dobbs Hats, established in 1908, is a renowned brand in the hat industry, celebrated for its high-quality felt hats that have been a staple for over a century. Known for their attention to detail, Dobbs hats have been worn by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. The brand offers a diverse range of hats, including fedoras made from wool and fur felt, as well as straw hats crafted from Italian and Ecuadorian weaves. Dobbs hats are blocked in the USA, ensuring a superior finish. With a legacy that includes innovative designs and a strong retail presence, Dobbs remains a leading hat maker. Explore their exquisite collection of hats on their official website.

Filson

Filson is renowned as one of the best producers of felt hats, boasting a heritage that dates back to 1897 when the brand began producing durable, problem-solving clothing and gear. Known for their high-quality materials, Filson sources wool from regions including Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. Their Tin Cloth fabric, used in many hats, is sourced from British Millerain, a company with over 140 years of experience. Filson hats, such as those made from wool or waxed cotton, are highly waterproof and durable, ensuring long-term wear. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in their lifetime warranty for products used as intended. For FAQs about Filson, visit their informative blog.