FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Beaver Fur: Beaver fur is the gold standard for measuring a hat’s quality, the higher the percentage of beaver in a hat the better the hat quality. Beaver fur, felts tighter, which results in a dense, light weight, thin hat which holds its shape in the rain or snow longer than a lesser quality hat. The more densely felted the hat is the better it resist rain penetrating into the felt. Beaver Fur also has a sheen and softness with the most durability.  A hat made out of Beaver will last you a lifetime.  Beaver fur is not a huge abundance, thus reflecting in quality and price.

European Hare (Rabbit): Rabbit fur can also be felted fairly tight and is more commonly available than beaver fur. Using rabbit fur for a hat body makes the hat more affordable and is soft to the touch. Rabbit fur does not felt as tightly (dense) as beaver fur, which makes thicker to obtain the needed stiffness for it to maintain its shape, it is also more susceptible to losing it's shape through the elements and wear, but is much more durable than wool.

Wool: Wool is also used to make hat felt. However wool felt is a very porous and does not shed water. Wool is a very affordable material which results in inexpensive hat making material which work well when not exposed to rain. Wool felt looses it shape easier than beaver or rabbit and is heavier and rougher in feel.

Felt is made of short, single animal fibers which are interlocked by their natural tendency to “crawl” and twist when kneaded and manipulated in hot water and steam. Felt is the original fabric and the strongest fabric known because every fiber is interlocked in every direction with a number of other fibers. Other fabrics are made of fibers which are first twisted into threads and then woven by hand or machine, woven together.

Wool felt is fur from sheep obtained through shearing. Wool is not nearly as durable as Fur Felt and Beaver. Hats made with wool have much shorter lifespan.

Fur felt is not sheared. The animal pelts are handled so the fur may be removed, using the underfur with the most barbs to interlace and connect, making a lighter weight and more durable hat, able to withstand re-shaping and the weather.

The Cowboy Hats are made of either European Hare or a Beaver/European Hare Blend. These hats have more ounces of fur and are very stiff, holding and taking shape very easily. These hats are stronger and are ideal for a lot of use (think riding horses for a living!). They are optimal for someone who wants ultimate sun protection and a warm hat for winter.  They are heavy and some believe a little hot for summer.

Lightweight Hats - We've been told, our Pure Beaver lightweight hat is so lightweight, you can't even feel it on your head!  Ultimate for a travel companion and the best if you are considering a sweaty head for the summer with ultimate sun protection.  Or if you are looking to wear it in the city.