Best Hat Stores in New York
Some looks just aren't complete without a snazzy hat, and New York City is filled with stores for all kinds of looks and needs. This city has everything you could possibly need, so it's no surprise that it houses a ton of great options for fancy hats! Here's the best the "city that doesn't sleep" has to offer when it comes to headgear that will make you stand out.
J.J. Hat Store
This store, at 310 Fifth Avenue in Herald Square, is New York City's oldest hat store, opening in 1911. But sorry ladies, you’re out of luck, this is strictly a men’s-only store. J.J., which also takes orders online at Jjhatcenter.com, has everything from berets, fedoras, caps and accessories. It's good to note that items bought online or by mail have a six-month guarantee. Plus, J.J. Hat Store has celebrity clientele, so you know it's high class!
The Hat Shop
One word can describe this gem on the Lower East Side of Manhattan: Classy. Located at 120 Thompson Street, this store boasts on its website that “it has combined the best features of a department store (wide selection) with those of a milliner's atelier (custom selection).” Whether you are off to a wedding, an evening party or even a day at the races, The Hat Shop has what you are looking for. Expect to pay at least $100, but some items can be found at more modest prices. The store has items by big-name designers, as well as creations by its owner, designer Linda Pagan.
Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located on 27 E. 61st Street, Suzanne Couture Millinery has been open for 25 years and makes custom hats. As her website says, hats can be made from scratch “in your color, size and trimmings.” However, it’s going to cost you, with prices ranging from the hundreds to the thousands. Suzanne takes orders on both her website, Suzannemillinery.com, or by phone at (212) 593-3232.
The Village Scandal
Opened 15 years ago by Wendy Barrett-Fleming, The Village Scandal is located on E. 7th Street in the East Village. It has both designer and custom hats at affordable prices. Plus, if you shop there you will be helping a good cause, as 20 percent of sales go to animal rescue relief organizations.
Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute
Are you feeling a little saucy? Then this is certainly the place for you. Open for 10 years, the store features New Orleans-inspired items, with in-store decor to match. According to its website, Chachashouse.com, designer Dina Pisani creates hats with the finest quality straws and felts. The bestsellers at the store, which moved to 68 Jay Street in Brooklyn four years ago, include the 30s-inspired “stingy fedora, cloches, traditional fedoras and mini cowboy hats.”
Barbara Feinman Millinery
This East Village shop, open since 1998, features old-fashioned looks for both men and women. And you know you're getting something original because the hats are handmade in the store, which is a rarity in NYC as it's website proclaims. You can also purchase from a rather wide selection on its website, Feinmanhats.com. Prices range from $100 to $400. The store’s celebrity customers include Blake Lively, Chloe Sevigny, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and Marisa Tomei, according to its website.
