Handmade felt hats of the highest quality

Felt hats are a symbol of elegance and tradition, worn by generations of enthusiasts around the world. Their history is rooted in an artisanal production process that still fascinates today for its complexity and refinement. Guerra 1855, an Italian hat maker with a very long tradition in the industry, is the benchmark for those looking for the highest quality felt hats, made with methods that respect tradition and embraceinnovation. Find out now what makes felt hats so special, the production process and the different types of felt used!

The history of Guerra 1855 hat factory: tradition and innovation for 170 years

Founded in Borgosesia (an Italian municipality in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont), Guerra 1855 is one of Italy’s historic companies in the glorious felt hat manufacturing industry. Initially, the company handled the entire production cycle in-house, from the production of the felt to the creation of the finished hat: this was standard practice for almost all hat makers, the child of an era in which the hat boasted enormous importance and widespread diffusion within society. Today, thanks to a strong international network of reliable raw material suppliers, Guerra 1855 continues to guarantee hats of superior quality, while maintaining the craftsmanship that characterizes each stage of manufacture. The constant pursuit of perfection and the use of the best materials are the basis of the company’s reputation and enduring success in the global market.

What is felt, the heart of the hat

Felt is one of the most valuable materials used in hat making. Unlike traditional textiles, felt is not woven but made by the aggregation of natural fibers. The fibers are pressed together and then treated with heat and moisture to create a compact, strong and durable substance.

There are two main types of felt used in hat making:

• Wool felt: this is the most traditional felt, produced mainly from sheep’s wool. Its production process is complex and requires a great deal of expertise. The wool is carded, washed, and then subjected to a felting process that makes it strong and durable.
• Fur felt: this type of felt is made from animal hair such as rabbit, hare, beaver, alpaca and, in some cases, goat (from which cashmere is derived). Fur felt is rarer and more expensive, but it offers superior quality, with a finer, softer texture. Cashmere felt has similar properties to wool but, being a much finer and lighter fiber, gives hats an unparalleled feeling of luxury and comfort. Alpaca felt and beaver felt are highly valued for their fineness and softness.

The production process of felt hats

The production of a felt hat follows an intricate process that requires great skill. Here are the steps in detail:

1. Bell creation: the felt is first shaped into a bell, a concave shape that serves as the base for the hat. This bell has a three-dimensional shape, which allows the final structure of the hat to be defined.
2. Shaping the brim: once the bell is obtained, the brim, the part that surrounds the head, is created. The brim is one of the most difficult components to shape, as it requires a special pressing technique to get the right hardness and shape.
3. Creation of the bonnet: the bonnet is the upper part of the hat and can be formed in various ways depending on the design chosen. The various shapes can range from wide-brimmed hats, such as cowboy hats, to more sophisticated designs such as the fedora.
4. Finish and details: the hat is finished with a number of details, including the sewing of the beading, the application of the strap or ribbon, and the insertion of the inner lining, which provides comfort to the wearer.

Types of felt

As we have mentioned, felt can be made from different types of fibers, each of which gives the hat a particular look and characteristics. Here is an overview of the main varieties:

1. Sheep wool felt
   Wool felt is the most common and, although not the most valuable, offers excellent value for money. The wool fibers are treated with a carding and felting process that makes them strong and durable. Wool felt hats are weather resistant, ideal for cold weather, and have good shape retention.
2. Rabbit felt
   Rabbit felt is finer than wool felt and has shades ranging from gray to gray-red to white. It is particularly valued for its softness and lightness, making it ideal for elegant and exclusive hats.
3. Beaver Felt
   Beaver felt is one of the most valuable and expensive. Its manufacturing process is particularly complex, but the result is a high-quality material that is durable and soft to the touch. It is an ideal choice for high-class men’s hats and sturdy designs such as cowboy hats.
4. Hare felt
   Hare felt is considered among the most valuable. Its lightness and fineness make it a perfect material for hats that require great care in design and fine workmanship.
5. Cashmere felt
   Cashmere, a textile fiber made from the wool of goats living in the mountainous regions of Asia, deservedly enjoys a high reputation worldwide. A cashmere felt hat is soft, comfortable and highly insulating.
6. Alpaca felt
   Alpaca felt is among the most luxurious and prized because these fibers are delicate and soft yet incredibly durable. Alpaca felt hats are ideal for those looking for an exclusive garment that can maintain warmth without compromising comfort.

Guerra 1855’s felt hats: unmistakable quality and style

Each felt hat produced by Guerra 1855 represents excellence in craftsmanship. With over a century and a half of experience in the industry, Guerra 1855 is able to offer a wide range of hats made from the finest materials from selected manufacturers in Europe (Czech Republic, Poland) and South America (Ecuador, Colombia). The combination of tradition, quality and innovation allows Guerra 1855 to produce hats that not only stand out for their elegance and uniqueness, but are also durable and functional, destined to last a long time and become true collector’s items.

Why choose felt hats from Guerra 1855?

• Tradition and history: 170 years of experience and an invaluable archive of hundreds of lasts make Guerra 1855 a historic hat maker that is unparalleled.
• High-quality materials: felt hats are the company’s flagship, but Guerra 1855 produces all kinds of hats in-house to meet the needs of customers of all kinds.
• Craftsmanship and innovation: each hat is handmade with artisan care, without sacrificing modern techniques that ensure uniformity, durability and comfort.
• Stylish and versatile design-whether it’s a classic, elegant or sporty hat, Guerra 1855 offers a wide choice for every occasion and every season.

Visit the official online store to discover the entire collection and purchase your ideal felt hat!