Materials
Hat making materials affect nearly every aspect of the finished hat, including its appearance, durability, feel, weight, and ability to be shaped and reshaped.
This section documents the materials and components used in constructing, finishing, and restoring felt hats, with attention to their characteristics, quality, traditional uses, and modern alternatives.
Felt Bodies
Felt bodies are the formed foundations of traditional felt hats. Their fiber composition, weight, dimensions, density, and surface finish help determine the character and possibilities of the finished hat.
Information on current producers, distributors, purchasing terms, and import considerations is provided in Felt Body Manufacturers and Suppliers and Felt Hat X Ratings.
Fur Felt
Fur felt is a dense nonwoven material made from prepared animal underfur. Its fiber composition, fineness, density, and finish influence a hat’s durability, resilience, weather resistance, and surface character.
Wool Felt
Wool felt is a nonwoven material made by compacting sheep’s-wool fibers. Its fiber grade, micron diameter, density, weight, and finish determine its appearance, structure, durability, and response to moisture.