chapolala

HAT SIZE AND FIT:

The size reading of the hat I currently wear says M. Should I choose size 56 cm or 57 cm based on the size chart?

One should never rely on the reading of any other hat to determine the hat size you need.

The only feasible way to get your head circumference is to measure it right on the line where you’d wear the hat (usually – mid front, 1 cm above the ears, around the largest part of the back of the head) with a tape measure. Then choose the respective size in cm or inches.

How do I measure my head circumference?

Use a tape measure. Measure your head circumference right on the line where you would wear your hat - usually mid front, 1 cm above the ears, around the largest part of the back of the head. Measure several times to get the right measurement. Size up if you are in between sizes.

I fall in between the sizes. What will be my size?

Always size up if you fall in between the sizes. A hat better be a tad too big than way too small. All our hats come with a special moss insert to adjust the size if necessary.

Also, we can build our hats to the half size if you indicate your exact head measurement in “Message to Seller” at checkout.

I have a non-standard head oval. Can you make the hat fit right?

Yes, all our hats are custom shaped to your exact head oval following our extremely simple procedure of getting your head oval pattern. We will reach out to you in person within about 24 hrs for that when we get your order.

HAT CHOICE:

What’s the difference between the differently priced felt and straw options?

Wool felt – basic hat option. Perfect for getting several hats in different colours and designs. Lifespan of wool hats is not remarkable. They lose their stiffness over time due to breaking the brim and get destroyed if worn under the rain. A careful wearer should be able to enjoy the hat for a few years. We do build our wool felt hats with loads of care and love, we give them a padded cotton sweatband for a very comfortable wearing. We do leave out leather sweatband and inner liner to keep the price reasonable and offer you a bespoke hat for an affordable price.

Rabbit fur felt – premium and mainly western weight base for a hat that will last for decades. Sturdy, weather resistant and easy to maintain – this hat will serve you a lifetime. Fur felt hats come with an in-house made and branded leather hat band, a liner, and a branded hat storage box.

Beaver fur felt – ultimate choice for a hat, there’s no doubt. If you dispose of the budget, always go for a fur felt hat, and you won’t regret. Always check for the available shades – beaver fur felt hat bodies are a unicorn on the market and it takes time to get certain shades. Fur felt hats come with an in-house made and branded leather hat band, a liner, and a branded hat storage box.

Premium raffia straw – we use premium whole straw raffia hat bases custom woven for Chapolala based on the likeness of the Panama straw hats. They are as sturdy and durable as the famous Panama straws, but for a fraction of the price. Our straw hats come with a padded cotton sweatbands ensuring a very comfortable wear, and a leather sweat patch as a liner.

CUSTOM ORDERS

How long it takes to build a hat?

Building a hat from scratch may take anything between a few days up to 3 weeks. Certain special finishes need time to cure, or we might need time to source certain elements for custom orders. Generally, a hat is ready to go within a week.

I like a hat design, but it has a brim too wide. I only wear hats with short brims. Can you change it?

Yes! Each hat is made from scratch to order and to measure. We can make any change about the hat – starting from its proportions and up to the different elements that go on the hat. Thus, we make a hat that is truly yours.

The best is to mention the changes you would like to have in “Message to Seller” at checkout, or to send us an email with the list of changes about the hat after you place the order.

I like the design, but I prefer a different colour scheme. Can you make those changes for me?

Yes! We already have many designs available in different colours, and those are not the limit. Just consult our colour charts, and mention that colour in “Message to Seller” at checkout, or to send us an email with the that information after you place the order.

I like the shape of one hat but the trimmings and adornments of another hat. Can you make a mix of the two?

Yes! mention that in “Message to Seller” at checkout, or to send us an email with the that information after you place the order.

I would like to create a fully custom hat. Do you do custom?

Yes! We can make any type of hat and implement literally any design. Custom hats take longer to build – we might need time to source or to create the different elements of the hat.

Please, reach out to us before ordering a fully custom hat for us to be able to confirm if your project is doable for us.

SHIPPING:

I need a hat in 3 days, can you ship it out quickly?

Not really. All our hats are made from scratch to order and to measure, and this process my take several days. We do propose Expedited Shipping option which makes us prioritize your hat and make it in 2-3 business days depending on the finish, + 3-5 business days at the most to get the hat delivered to the furthest points of the globe, from France. We do suggest planning your bespoke hat purchase ahead.

Regular shipping takes:

- 2 business days within France,

- 3-5 business days to European (EU and non-EU) countries,

- 5-10 business days elsewhere worldwide.

How do you pack the hats?

All our hats are packed in sturdy double thickness cardboard boxes with proper padding. These boxes have travelled across the globe for all these years without problems. Shipping accidents are extremely rare and have always been outside our competence. You will always make sure you are covered in case of such incident.

Do your hats come in a special hat box?

All our rabbit and beaver fur felt hats come with our branded hat storage box.

Hat box remains an option though for wool felt and straw hats. This allows us offering you a bespoke hat experience for a fraction of the price.

AFTER-SALE SERVICE

My hat feels a little too loose, what should I do?

We always build our hats just half the size bigger. A hat better be a tad too big than way too small.

Your hat came with a special adhesive moss insert. Stick it to the felt underneath the sweatband at the back of the hat and this will reduce the hat size by half the size.

My hat is too tight, what should I do?

We always build our hats just half the size bigger. A hat better be a tad too big than way too small.

Apparently, you communicated the wrong measurement.

If the hat is just a little too tight, you can warm the crown opening with the steam (direct the steam of the steam iron on the hat opening or keep the hat over a boiling water for about 30 seconds) and then pull the hat over your head to the maximum and let it cool down.

If the hat appears to be way too small, you can send the hat back for adjustments. Without tools and knowledge, you won’t be able to remedy this. Use the listing “Return for Adjustments”.

How do I take care for my hat?

You will receive a leaflet containing hat care and maintenance instructions. You are kindly asked to get acquainted with it.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Can I buy a ready-made hat if I show up at your workshop?

Not really. We do have many hats around – undergoing orders, loads of prototypes, or hatmaker's private collection. You can have a look at them to have a clear idea of the product and the quality you’d be getting. We will be able to discuss your hat project and take precise measurements for your future hat, as well as go through the myriads of colours in stock. Your hat will need to be custom built and then sent to you or get picked up at the workshop when it’s ready.

Please, consider appointing the workshop visit with us.