FAQs - Hats

Karen has put together this list of answers to questions she often gets asked. If your query isn’t here, please do get in touch!

What are your opening hours?

I am always happy to see customers at the studio, but it must be by appointment only. Appointments are generally preferred between 11 and 4, but I can often be more flexible if required, including, sometimes, evenings and weekends.

Where are your hats made?

I make all the hats in my studio at Cockpit Bloomsbury, London UK.

Do you make classic flat caps?

Although many of my flat cap designs have a classic aesthetic, they are not strictly speaking ‘classic flat caps’. Rather than using the generic one-piece flat cap pattern, I cut the pattern myself for each of my designs, and so the caps I sell are completely exclusive, and cannot be found anywhere else.

What is the difference between a Newsboy and a Bakerboy Cap?

I believe it is generally accepted that Newsboy caps are a little slimmer in shape to Bakerboys, however as all my designs are exclusive shapes, rather than classics, I tend to use both terms interchangeably, in a descriptive sense only. 

Can you make a hat to my own design?

Generally, no. I don’t really have enough time to devote to this. However, I am happy to discuss customising one of my own designs.

Why are most hats dry-clean only?

With the wool hats and caps, it’s helpful to think of these in a similar way to a woollen overcoat, which of course would always be dry-clean only. I would love to offer more summer caps that are washable, however due to the interlining that is a required part of most hats, this can be problematic.

Are your hats true to size?

Yes, the size in cm is the actual measurement of the head-ribbon inside the hat. 

How do I measure my head?

Wrap a tape measure around your head, approx mid-forehead.
The tape should feel comfortable, and exactly how you would like the hat to feel - not too tight or too loose. It's probably easiest to ask someone else to measure you. See more details here.

Can I return my hat?

Yes, if you have ordered online and it is not a bespoke/customised hat, you are welcome to send it back. Unfortunately, your return costs cannot be reimbursed. See full details here.

My hat is a bit loose, what can I do?

You are welcome to return it to exchange for another size. Alternatively, if it’s just a little loose and it’s not convenient or possible for you to send it back, a simple adjustment can be made: a tiny pleat can be stitched by hand into the head-ribbon, at either or both sides of the label. Small safety-pin(s) also work as a temporary solution, or if needle and thread are not available. 

My hat is a bit tight, will it give a bit, over time?

Probably not, it’s generally not a good idea to rely on this assumption! You are welcome to return it for another size. Alternatively, if you have had it for a while and worn it, it might be possible to stretch it, or replace the head-ribbon. Get in touch if this is of interest.

Can you repair or alter other brands’ hats?

Unfortunately no. I can only alter or repair my own brand hats and caps.