Talk to me about hats and where I can buy this type -

[Blackbutler86]

Recently I’ve become really interested in hats, I mean a more formal style of hat for women not beanies and caps. I never thought I suited hats as I have a fringe and long hair so I can’t wear any type of hat that sits on my fringe. I saw a black formal type hat on eBay a while back and bought it and loved it. Not sure what style of hat you would call it but it suits me so well. I’ve since bought more hats, think 80s, 90s hat with bows or other details. They aren’t giant like wedding hats and I’ve had nothing but compliments wearing them.

I’ve always had an alternative style for want of a better word and as I’m ageing I’ve been branching out into a less young look and finding what works for me now. I’m always confident in what I wear and probably look overdressed a lot but I dress to feel good so I’m happy.

I would really like to buy a decent quality Jackie O pillbox type hat but I don’t know a good place to buy from. I found this one (hope pic attaches) but there’s only one picture of it and no photo of it on a model. Has anyone bought from there or can recommend a company? Also happy to have any recommendations for black hats for everyday wear to pair with nice dresses, pencil skirts/shirts? Thank you.

Etsy is probably your friend for this, the seller RanaHats has them for around £170.

Amazon.

Have a look at Randall Ribbons. Some of them are more designed to have trim etc added, but lots would work plain. I’ve bought from them before and been impressed with the quality.

Thank you! I don’t know why I didn’t think of Etsy, have now found several hats I like the look of. I definitely want a quality piece that will last.

I used to work in millinery and tbh a wool felt simple hat can be altered easily , the bases are very much similar quality. There's loads of was to make it "yours" with feathers; stripped back /shaped/ curled etc you can buy feathers cheaply and spray them to match or tone with the hat, or left as is.
So much fun to be had, good luck 👒

This has given me great ideas for styles thank you!

Be aware Etsy is full of drop shippers , so you still could be buying the £13 hat I added but at three times the price on Etsy

I’ve looked on Amazon but they all seem like Chinese mass produced stuff unfortunately. Thank you though

Oh good point, maybe I’ll be better off going to a hat shop if there’s many left.

As is Etsy. I know several "hat sellers" who get their stock from Amazon and make good money being "small businesses" selling them on.
Your money, your choice
I'm not saying everyone one Etsy is doing this , but it's not the niche small businesses it once was.

I definitely don’t want to buy any junk, I just had a google for hat shops in London and found a good amount with what I’m looking for. I just feel a bit intimidated going into a shop when I don’t know much about hats (also not looking to spend £1000s). I had to YouTube how to use a hat elastic when I bought my first hat that had one.

Why though? It's a shop selling the product you want, staffed by ppl trying to sell you the product you want.

If you are near Edinburgh call into Fabhatrix. The website only has a tiny selection.
Fabhatrix

There will be London equivalents. As for being nervous, I'm sure hat shops welcome all the custom they can get.

This shop in Bath looks amazing. I have to stop and admire the hats whenever I go past.

https://theheadonista.com/

If you're in London, I saw a few hat stalls in Spitalfields Market last time I visited (earlier in the year) which might feel less formal / intimidating than a shop?

From memory, one of the stalls stocks hats like trilbies and Peaky Blinder caps which might not be your thing, but I'm sure there was at least one other selling pillbox hats and similar. They were all nicely presented and looked quite high end. I can't remember which days they were there but probably Saturday. Admittedly they too could be selling on stuff from Amazon for all I know.

I've seen similar at Greenwich Market although that was a few years ago. I'm sure there will be others - I'm not in London so I don't know all the markets well.

Hope you find something. They're aren't enough hats in the world. (That includes you, gentlemen.)