CUSTOM HAT ORDER INFORMATION
First off, thank you so much for your interest in a custom hat from my small Nicholson Hat Co. HQ. I am currently a one-woman-show so I greatly appreciate your support in choosing small and bespoke.
Current Wait Time
Due to universal supply chain back orders and our order queue- custom hats can expect a 8-12 month average turn around. Sometimes it can be longer, it all depends on my suppliers. Once your felt arrives at the shop it will be added to the queue!
Once your hat is almost complete, I will reach out with final design questions and you will have the opportunity to make adjustments. I can make alterations until your hat is exactly as you want it! Remember, your hat is built by hand and sometimes final fittings are necessary. We will then schedule a time for pickup or will have it shipped to you.
I require a non-refundable 50% deposit on all orders before I order all your hat materials and before I mail out a fit kit (for those that are not able to make an in-person fitting). You will be invoiced for the remaining balance + shipping and tax once the hat is completed and before it is shipped.
Add-on options are listed below. I am available to answer any of your questions and to help guide you through the ordering process.
Anatomy Of A Hat
Choosing Your Shape
These shapes are just a starting point for your custom order - you are not limited to only these six shapes.
Choosing Your Color
There are over 30 standard color dyes to choose from. The last slide is our natural botanical dye collection: Shades of the San Joaquin. We use plant dyes from the San Joaquin Valley that produce truly unique custom colors. Not one is the same. Shades of the San Joaquin custom dye is an additional $150 and are ONLY built with 100X felts. All plant material is harvested by myself and Brooke of Smith and Len.
Choosing Your Felt & Pricing
How to choose the best hat for you: First, consider what you plan on using your hat for. Function, fashion or both? This will help you decide on the felt quality and weight.
Felt Qualities and Weights: I use only the finest beaver fur felts or beaver blended with hare. These types of felts have been used since (or even before) the 16th century to build the finest heritage hats due to the naturally occurring oils in beaver felts. They are highly water-resistant and built for the hard-wearing individual. The higher the percentage of beaver fur in your hat, the smoother and more durable your hat will be.
The 100X hats are 100% beaver felt and can be built in a traditional 8oz. Western, an all new Light weight 6oz. felt or a 4oz. Dress weight.
The dress weights are malleable and feel extremely light on the head for a classic fedora build and hold a maximum of a 3 1⁄4’ wide brim. The 6oz. Light weight felts fall right between an 8oz. and a 4oz. with a maximum brim width of 4”. The Western weights are designed for a wide and sturdy brim and are made to withstand all the elements.
100X Pure Beaver Dress weight 4oz.
$700
100X Pure Beaver Light weight 60z. (only available in Natural & Black ask for seasonal special order colors) maximum 4” brim.
$900
100X Pure Beaver Western weight 8oz. extra wide brims available
$1,000
50X Western weight (only) is an equal blend of beaver fur and hare. It is still very sturdy but not as water-repellent as the 100X and are only available in the Western weight.
$800
I require a non-refundable 50% deposit to start your order. The balance is due when the hat is completed. You will be invoiced for the balance which is due before shipping. Shipping total and tax will be calculated before your hat is shipped.
*Current wait-time is an average 8-12 months from order date depending on felt availability.
Choosing Accessories & Additions
Ribbon: Ribbon hat bands are all vintage and come in a wide variety of colors and designs.
Leather: A variety of leather hat bands can be made to order. Some of the custom leather bands will be an additional charge.
Beadwork: I send all of my clients that want custom beadwork to Rhea of Ikoose Designs. Please contact her directly to inquire about custom beaded hatbands. *Be advised she also has a waitlist.
Bound Edges: Hand-sewn vintage trim is an additional $50.
Hat Boxes: Black premium fabric-lined, non-toxic, made in America boxes are $75. Otherwise all hat orders include a standard white cardboard hat box.
Hat Care
Store your hat either in a hat box, on a hook or set it upside down on its crown. Always avoid setting your hat on its brim to avoid misshaping your brim.
A little steam goes a LONG way. There is a natural ebb and flow with animal fibers. If your hat ever shrinks in the heat (which is fairly common) it can be quickly adjusted by applying steam to the outside brim break. I can guide you through how to use a tea kettle at home to stretch your hat. Even just wearing your hat for a few hours can help relax the fit, however we never want it to be uncomfortable.
Always avoid leaving your hat in a very hot car for an extended period of time.
A good hat-cleaning sponge or brush will clean your hat really well. If there are any larger stains that need to be cleaned a fine grit (400 or higher) sandpaper can be gently applied to buff it out.