FAQs
What is the best felt for a custom hat?
Beaver fur felt is hands down the highest-quality felt for a cowboy hat or fedora in my opinion.
Known for its natural fiber properties, it creates a luxuriously soft texture while offering amazing resistance to heavy moisture such as rain and snow, as well as hot and humid climates. This makes it an extremely versatile material for hat making. With proper care, beaver fur felt hats can last for generations, making them a worthwhile long-term investment. This will become an heirloom piece that can be passed down and support slow fashion.
Sourced as a byproduct of pest control and conservation habitat management, beaver fur felt is also a responsible choice for those concerned about ethical sourcing.
How is the pricing of your hats determined?
I handcraft each and every one of my custom hats with honesty, grit, and a deep respect for the craft. I work with the finest materials I can get my hands on from around the world including beaver fur felt, using hat-making techniques that have been in play for over 100 years. Every hat that I craft, whether it's a straw hat, fedora or cowboy hat, is done with purpose, patience and pride. There are no shortcuts and I do not mass produce. I am a big advocate of slow fashion, solid craftsmanship and paying attention to the details that matter.
I strive to tell a story with each custom hat I create, making it an extension of one's personality. My goal is a simple one: make the best hats that I possibly can. Hats that are meant to be worn. My prices reflect the level of work, quality of materials, and dedication that goes into every piece I create. These aren’t seasonal or throwaway hats, they are the kind you keep for life and pass down one day to be worn by others
Do you make hats for both men and women?
The answer is simple, I make hats for everyone
Do you have a shopfront?
Currently I have a By Appointment Only showroom at 23 E Pender Street in Chinatown Vancouver. Appointments can be made by emailing hello@jaxonhowell.com. I am typically there 11:00-17:00 Monday to Friday but can be available for weekends.
I do not live in Canada, can i get a custom hat from you?
You sure can! I ship worldwide and do virtual consultations with people all over the planet via video chat on your preferred platform. I have a website developed and run by an associate to get your exact measurements and head shape so that I can create a hat that is perfectly fitted for you. To get your custom hat started, please email me at hello@jaxonhowell.com
What is the difference between dress weight and western weight?
Dress weight is a lighter beaver felt with a softer, more flexible brim. Traditionally used for, but not exclusive to, shorter brim lengths. Western Weight is a stiffer, more structured beaver felt with a firm brim. Ideal for wider and flat brims. All felt colors offered are available in both weights
How do I know my hat size?
See the size chart HERE
Or an instructional video HERE