Hats simultaneously perform two functions: protecting the head from sun, rain, wind and cold, and also decorating it. Whether blocking the blazing sun from one's face or just making a personal fashion statement, hats have popped up all around Nashville over the last couple of years. Yes, there are cowboy hats aplenty bobbing along on party buses downtown and along Lower Broadway, but these three local hatmakers all offer something special: fully customizable, high-quality headwear.
1. Daisy May Hat Co.
New Mexico native and longtime Nashville resident Gage Speas launched his company, Daisy May Hats, in 2018 after a successful GoFundMe fundraiser. Gage's wide-brim hates are designed to last for generations, 100% handmade, blocked, and sanded in their East Nashville storefront. Daisy May’s flagship hats are crafted from beaver fur felt, which is made from the undercoat of beaver skins, making it a naturally water-resistant headwear option. Additionally, it’s more durable than other felts (especially ones that may be made from blends). They further customization by hand-shaping their hats. After sanding, dying, and distressing, they cut and shape the crown and brim by hand from start to finish, allowing them to make a completely-custom hat and remain connected to their craft and tradition of hat-making that has spanned generations before.
"I really love to dye hats; I feel like that's my bread and butter. I love a really awesome, dyed distressed hat with vintage ribbon." Gage Speas, Daisy May Hat Co.
1100 Douglas Ave., East Nashville
DaisyMayHats.com
2. Rustler Hat Co.
Hat enthusiasts can saddle up to the bar at Rustler Hat Company to create a hat that's uniquely their own. Nashville's premiere custom hat experience offers three lines: 100% Australian wool and straw varieties are pre-creased, with prices starting at $175. The brand's fully customizable, premium blend of rabbit and beaver fur felt hats begin at $425. Rustler's custom hats are only available for purchase at the showroom.
407 11th Ave. South, Nashville
RustlerHatCo.com
3. American Paint Hat Co.
American Paint Hats was co-founded by Big Plan Holdings' Tara Joseph, celebrity stylist and designer Tyler Minor, and country trio Runaway June's Jennifer Wayne (who also happens to be the granddaughter of iconic actor John Wayne). American Paint brings a hands-on, Western-inspired hat design experience to West Nashville's L&L Market, where expert staff members guide guests through the entire design process. After selecting a starting style from the array of luxurious, classic Americana styles for men and women, guests can then make them truly their own with everything from feathers and pins to vintage scarves, leather bands, or custom branding via lettering and logos. Hat visionaries also can enjoy a complimentary Duke Spirits bourbon tasting or a mimosa while creating their dream hat.
3820 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 129, Nashville
AmericanPaintHat.com
"American paint was inspired by my western roots. My grandfather was John Wayne and he had a style that was unmatched. That’s where my love of hats came from! He was famous for wearing hats, and not just cowboy hats -- all kinds of hats. And my idea for American Paint was to create a hat completely unique to the individual. And to give them an experience they will never forget while designing their one of a kind hat. Nashville is the perfect place, and also happens to be my home. We get so many tourists coming to listen to music and they want to buy a pair of boots and a hat! Locals also love wearing hats. It’s the perfect addition to an outfit to make it truly unique and your own style!” ~Jennifer Wayne, co-founder, American Paint Hat