From the Workbench
B.H-Jones Hatmaker began, as many good things do, with a simple curiosity.
In 2024, working from Lincolnshire, I found myself drawn to the process of hatmaking—not just the finished piece, but the making itself. The shaping of felt, the balance of proportions, the quiet precision in every step. It’s a craft that doesn’t rush, and doesn’t lend itself to shortcuts. That was part of the appeal.
What started as an interest quickly became something more deliberate.
The Craft
Hatmaking is, at its core, a conversation between material and maker. Each piece of felt or straw behaves slightly differently, and the role of the hatmaker is to guide rather than force—to shape, refine, and finish something that feels considered and complete.
Every hat I make is formed by hand, using traditional techniques alongside my own developing approach. There’s a satisfaction in that process that’s hard to replicate elsewhere—taking something raw and turning it into something with presence.
Materials & Approach
Materials are thoughtfully sourced, primarily within the UK, alongside a small network of trusted international suppliers. The aim is always the same: to work with materials that feel right in the hand and hold their character over time.
I’m particularly drawn to materials with a sense of history. In some pieces, especially within one-of-a-kind designs, I incorporate vintage fabrics, reclaimed trims, and upcycled elements. These details bring subtle variations that can’t be reproduced, giving each hat its own identity.
Why Hats?
There’s something distinct about a hat compared to other pieces of clothing. It sits differently—not just physically, but in how it’s worn and understood.
A hat can be functional, but it can also be expressive. It can become familiar over time, shaped not just by the maker but by the person who wears it.
That relationship is what makes the craft so interesting.
Looking Ahead
B.H-Jones Hatmaker is still at the beginning of its journey. Each piece made is part of a growing body of work—refining techniques, exploring new ideas, and continuing to learn through the process itself.
The aim isn’t to rush that progression, but to build it steadily, one hat at a time.
Unique for unique individuals.