BLAKESBY HATS & ACCESSORIES
Hand crafted in Australia
At Blakesby, we strive to create not just hats, but statements of individuality. Each is handcrafted personally by Blakesby using high quality specialised tools and materials. We offer quality beaver, and rabbit fur felt options. We also use high quality and natural fibre trims such as ribbons, cords, threads, and other textiles as much as possible.
Blakesby Custom Hat Prices
Each piece is made with meticulous attention to detail, combining heirloom-quality materials to produce headwear that is both functional and fashionable.
An initial deposit of 50% is required to begin any custom order. The remaining 50% balance plus shipping required before delivery. Payment in instalments is both welcome and typical. Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD$).
Beaver felt hat - from $1,400
Beaver is the 14k gold standard in hatmaking because it’s the most rugged yet fine soft fibre which offers great resistance to rain and snow, and can last up to 200 years making it a true heirloom piece.
Rabbit felt hat - from $950
Rabbit is the sterling silver standard, offering a lifetime of wear. It makes for a fine and rugged, long-lasting hat.
Contact Blakesby for your custom hat
Our studio is by appointment only and is located at Suite 116, Level 1, Epworth Building, 33 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000
Custom Blakesby Hats in the World
Blakesby made hats have been all around the globe, shipping worldwide.
Currently available Ready to Wear HATS
We usually have ready to wear stock available. If you see something you like, get in touch to purchase.
Our Process
Consultation
We always start with a consultation, to get the right fit for you. We will discuss size, shape, crown height, brim width and any personalised details.
Material
We offer beaver felt, which is considered the 14k gold standard in hatmaking because it’s the most rugged yet fine soft fibre which offers great resistance to rain and snow, and can last up to 200 years making it a true heirloom piece, and rabbit felt. If beaver is the gold standard, rabbit is like sterling silver, offering a lifetime of wear. We have a range of felt weights and colours to choose from. If we don’t have a colour you want, we can order it in.
Blocking & Shaping
We block and shape all of our hats by hand, using traditional tools and steam.
Finishing and Trims
Every detail is hand stitched with care. We use primarily vintage grosgrain ribbon and source most of our trims from vintage deadstock or offcut materials. We can also incorporate your own personal fabric or charms if you want to add that extra sentimental touch. Our sweatbands are made from sheepskin leather and are hand finished with decorative elements.
Ventilation
Our crown ventilation details allow the head to ‘breath’, a detail lacking from most modern factory-made pieces, and are designed and hand punched in-house.
About Blakesby
Blakesby was started in 2015 by Australian hat maker Blake ‘Blakesby’ Canham-Bennett.
Blake has always been drawn to hats for their nostalgic yet timeless quality, with his first being an old hat inherited from a late neighbour, remodelled into a classic ‘Buster Keaton’ style porkpie. This was his first taste of a fading artform which would become his fulltime passion. Blake continued to pursue traditional hat making upon realising that the colours and the styles of hats which inspired him were not readily available anywhere else.
Drawing inspiration from throughout history, whether it’s the wide-brimmed cowboys shading their faces across the wild western plains, to the sophistication of European dress hats of the early 20th century, through to the embellished bohemian styles of ‘70s and ‘80s music culture, everything is made with an inherent value in high quality craftsmanship and design with longevity front of mind.
From humble beginnings reshaping a dusty hat in the back laundry room, Blake now spends his days creating bespoke headwear from high quality materials in his lofty second-floor city studio.
One of the few in Australia reviving the traditional artform of hat making (not millinery), Blakesby’s hats have crossed the world, worn in America, New Zealand, Switzerland, Siberia, Egypt, and many more countries.
Articles featuring Blakesby
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do you offer?
We offer beaver felt, which is considered the 14k gold standard in hatmaking because it’s the most rugged yet fine soft fibre which offers great resistance to rain and snow, and can last up to 200 years making it a true heirloom piece. If beaver is the gold standard, rabbit is like sterling silver, offering a lifetime of wear.
Is it all custom or do you have ready-to-wear stock?
Yes, most of our hats are custom. We do have some ready made (RTW) hats in stock in a range of styles and sizes. Please enquire to find out about our current stock!
How do I order / do you have an online store?
Please contact us at blakesby@blakesbyhats.com to enquire about your new Blakesby Hat order. We do not have an online store at this moment.
Where can I see your work / where is your studio?
This website or the @BlakesbyHats Instagram page are the best online outlets to see examples of our work and what we’re up to. Our studio is located upstairs in The Mill ~ 154 Angas St, Adelaide, South Australia. You’re welcome to visit, we recommend getting in touch to book an appointment.
How do I know what size hat I need?
We will measure your head size as part of the consultation process for a custom hat. If you are purchasing a ready made hat, or just want to know what size you are, measure the circumference around your head from the centre of your forehead (just above your ears).
Hats don’t suit me, what would you suggest?
We would recommend coming in and trying on a few different styles to see what you feel comfortable in. The beauty of a custom hat is that it is tailored to you.
What else do you offer?
We offer English horn accessories including combs and premium pearwood hat brushes. We also offer a range of soft cotton bandanas handmade using traditional printing techniques.
Shipping & Delivery
We ship to most countries and offer free worldwide shipping.