5 Signs of a Well-Made Hat (And How to Spot a Cheap One)

Not all hats are created equal.

You can spot a solid one from a mile away—and unfortunately, the cheap ones too. Whether you’re buying your first statement piece or adding to your collection, it pays to know what makes a hat actually worth wearing.

Here’s what to look for (and what to avoid) so you walk out the door in something that looks and feels like it was made for you.

1. The Material Doesn’t Lie

High-quality hats start with high-quality materials. If it’s wool, it should feel dense but soft, not thin or scratchy. If it’s felt, it should be smooth and structured, not flimsy or rough.

Cheap hats often use low-grade blends that feel stiff or papery—and those won’t hold up with time, sweat, or sun.

Want an example? The King and Queen collections are crafted from premium felt that holds its shape and still breathes. When you wear one, you feel the difference instantly.

2. The Shape Holds Up

A good hat holds its shape, even after a weekend festival or a long flight. Try gently pressing on the crown or brim—if it folds or flattens too easily, it’s not built to last.

Well-made hats are designed to bounce back without warping. That’s why our Derby and Hollywood styles are popular for travel—they keep their silhouette through wear and tear.

3. The Details Are Tight

Look at the stitching. The sweatband. The lining. Are the seams clean? Does the hatband feel securely attached, not glued or barely stitched?

Cheap hats cut corners on finishing touches. A premium hat? You’ll see the difference in every little detail.

Our Prince style, for instance, comes with a signature satin lining and a soft inner band that feels as good as it looks.

4. It Fits Like It Was Made for You

Quality hats are sized—not “one size fits most.” They should sit comfortably on your head without squeezing or sliding.

And it’s not just about size. It’s about balance. A well-constructed hat feels even, centered, and secure, like it belongs on your head.

Our Apple Jack and Newsboy caps are made with that in mind—structured yet easy, snug but never tight.

5. The Hat Ages With You (Not Against You)

A good hat gets better with time. It softens just enough. It starts to shape to you. And the patina? That’s character.

Cheap hats, on the other hand, fall apart—fading, cracking, peeling. Nothing stylish about that.

Our Best Sellers collection was built for the long haul. The longer you wear them, the more they feel like yours.

Bottom Line:

If your hat flattens, flakes, or feels like it’s made of cardboard—it’s not the one.

But if it’s made with intention, finished with care, and fits like a dream—you’ve found yourself a keeper.

Looking for the real deal?

Our Best Sellers collection has the hats our customers come back for again and again. Tried. Tested. Trusted.