How to Find the Right Hat: A Hat Maker’s Guide | St. Joseph, MO

Can’t Find a Hat You Actually Like? Here’s What I’d Look For

I’ve learned something after making and selling a lot of hats:

People can be pretty picky about their hats.

And honestly, I get it.

You can try on ten different hats that look almost identical sitting on a shelf, but somehow only one of them actually looks right when you put it on.

I’ve had customers tell me they don’t look good in hats. Most of the time, I don’t think that’s actually the problem.

I think they just haven’t found the right hat yet.

So if you’re shopping for a new hat and aren’t sure what to look for, here’s what I’ve learned from spending a lot of time around them.

“Why Does This Hat Look Weird on Me?”

This is probably one of the biggest problems people have with hats.

You find a design you like, put it on and immediately think:

Nope.

A lot of times, it’s not the design. It’s the shape of the hat.

Different hats have different crown heights, structures, bill shapes, and fits. Even two hats that look similar can sit completely differently on your head.

Some people like a taller crown. Others want something that sits lower. Some like a really structured front, while others want something a little more relaxed.

There’s not necessarily a right answer.

The goal is finding the one that feels right on you.

“I Don’t Know What Style I Want”

This is another one I see all the time.

You know you want a new hat, but that’s about as far as you’ve gotten.

My advice is pretty simple:

Think about the hats you already wear the most.

Do you normally grab a trucker hat? Do you like a curved bill? Do you prefer neutral colors? Do you want something that stands out a little more?

Don’t buy a hat just because you like the design sitting on the shelf.

Buy one you can actually picture yourself wearing.

That’s something I keep in mind when I’m choosing hats and creating designs for Laser Tailored too. I want different options because not everybody walking into my shop is looking for the same thing.

“I Like It, But Is It Comfortable?”

This one matters more than people realize.

You might love the way a hat looks, but if you’re adjusting it every five minutes, you’re probably not going to wear it very often.

Pay attention to how it sits around your head, how deep the crown feels, where the bill sits, and how the back adjusts.

A good everyday hat should be something you can put on and forget about.

That’s usually a pretty good sign you’ve found the right one.

“Will I Actually Wear This?”

I’ve made some pretty unique hats over the years.

And there’s definitely a place for those.

But if you’re looking for a hat you’re going to wear all the time, I’d think about versatility.

Can you wear it to work?

Can you throw it on for a Saturday morning?

Would you wear it to a ballgame?

Would you grab it before heading out to dinner?

If the answer is yes to most of those, you’ve probably found a pretty good everyday hat.

“I Don’t Know Anything About Hats. I Just Want a Good One.”

That’s completely fine too.

You shouldn’t have to know everything about crown profiles, materials, patches, stitching, or hat brands just to buy a hat you like.

That’s part of what I want Laser Tailored to be here for.

I’ve spent years working with different hats, trying different styles, making mistakes, finding what works, and learning what people actually like wearing.

If you come see me and don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, tell me what you normally wear and what you like.

I’ll help point you in the right direction.

I’m not interested in talking you into the most expensive hat in the shop.

I’d rather help you find the one you’re actually going to wear.

Looking for Hats in St. Joseph, Missouri?

If you’ve been searching for a hat store near St. Joseph or just want somewhere local where you can find something different, that’s what I’m trying to build with Laser Tailored.

I’ve got leather patch hats, embroidered hats, different colors, different fits, and designs for a lot of different interests.

Some are simple.

Some definitely aren’t.

But they’re all hats I’ve personally chosen or made and would be proud to put my name behind.

You can shop what’s currently available online, or catch me at one of the local events I’m set up at throughout the year.

And if you aren’t sure which hat is right for you, ask me.

I’ve probably tried on enough hats at this point to at least get you headed in the right direction.

Thanks for continuing to support Laser Tailored and allowing me to keep growing this little business.

– Luke Powers
Owner, Laser Tailored LLC