Walk into Unfringed Midwestern's St. Charles storefront, and guests immediately feel it: that perfect blend of Western heritage and modern artistry, where every hat tells a story and every guest leaves feeling a little more like themselves. Since opening during October 2025 by best friends turned business partners Sarah Dennis and Peery Spoeneman, this Main Street gem and traveling hat bar business has become more than just a shop. Unfringed is a creative sanctuary where hats transform into keepsakes, personalized down to the last detail with burning, branding, hand-dyed bands and leather layers that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Unfringed's traveling hat bar transforms any celebration into an unforgettable experience. "Instead of a simple favor or activity, guests get to design something personal, meaningful and completely their own," these business partners explain. "It becomes an experience that's creative, interactive and full of personality. It encourages conversation, sparks joy and gives guests a keepsake they'll wear long after the celebration ends."
Before the storefront opened, the hat bar experience was their sole endeavor, working directly at celebrations from bachelorette parties, corporate events and girls' nights to gatherings of all kinds. But at every event, the same question kept coming up: "Where's your store? How can we come back and make another hat?"
"That's when we realized Unfringed needed a permanent home," the bestie duo shares. "Our storefront lets guests slow down, get creative and feel the full heart of our brand: authentic, warm, Western-inspired and a touch rebellious. Now anyone can walk in, design something that feels like them, and leave with a piece of the Unfringed story."
"People want hats that feel like keepsakes, that are pieces carrying meaning, memory and craftsmanship," the two explain. "That's exactly what we create."
New to wearing hats? Unfringed has clients covered with expert styling advice:
- Start with a neutral base like bone, chocolate or black, which slips seamlessly into any wardrobe.
- Coordinate with overall tone rather than matching exact colors; a hat should elevate one's look, not compete with it.
- Think of hats like jewelry. They complement outfits the same way favorite accessories do.
- Begin with a medium brim for the most comfortable, wearable silhouette.
- And most importantly? Once you put it on, own it. Confidence is the real accessory.
Not a "Hat Person"? Think Again.
"We truly believe there's no such thing as 'not a hat person.' You just haven't met the right hat yet." In the studio, Sarah and Peery help you discover what works with your face shape, personal style, height and even your energy. From crown height to brim width, every detail matters. Once customized with burning, branding or bands that reflect your personality, something magical happens, you see yourself in a whole new way.
"We've made hat believers out of hundreds of hesitant guests. Trust us, your hat is waiting for you!"
Caring for Your Investment
A custom hat deserves proper care. When traveling, wear it when possible or pack it carefully, filling the crown with soft clothing and surround the brim with rolled garments. Store it crown-up or on a proper hat hook in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. A light brush occasionally keeps it looking gorgeous for years.
Upcoming Events
Mark calendars for Unfringed's collaboration with Christina White Salon on Feb. 12-13, featuring hair styling and hats from 12-6 p.m. at the Unfringed studio. A portion of proceeds benefits Women's Safe House in St. Louis.
Planning a romantic Valentine's Day? Unfringed will be open Feb. 14 from 12-6 p.m., making it the perfect opportunity to create something special together or surprise someone with a truly personal gift.
2026 Hat Trend Report
The Western world is evolving, and Unfringed has been championing this shift toward personality and artistry from day one. Looking ahead to 2026, Sarah and Peery say the trends lean toward:
- Bold silhouettes: Structured crowns and confident shapes that feel modern while honoring classic Western roots.
- Heavy personalization: Burning, branding, hand-dyed bands, charms and layered leather details.
- Texture mixing: Stacked bands, velvet paired with leather, charms with patina.
- Refined western: Classic rancher shapes elevated with minimal, intentional design.
- Colors: Earth-rooted tones and soft, dusty pastels with Western flair. Deep chocolate and midnight black remain timeless favorites.
- Style: wide brim ranchers, teardrop crowns and transitional felt.