FAQ's

Hat Etiquette Answered

How to measure your head for a proper fit

Choosing a hat that will become you

Ordering and Payment Information

Ordering a hat for a gift?

Shipping information

Return Policy

Hat Etiquette Answered

Many of you have asked when and how to properly wear your hat. Happily, the etiquette of hat wearing hasn't changed much over the years. Women do not remove their hats when going inside a building, even in a place of worship. A woman should not be seen wearing a hat in her own place of work or in her own home however. A woman is only expected to remove her hat when dining indoors at the home of a friend or acquaintance. However, she may keep her hat on while dining in a restaurant. If wearing a hat for an evening out to the theater, a lady must be conscious that she is not blocking the view of those around her. We suggest a cocktail hat for such occasions and are happy to match your favorite outfit. Hats remain ideal also for Easter, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, luncheons, cocktail parties, religious services, portraits, sun protection, travel, hair loss and more.

How to measure your head for a proper fit

If at all possible, have someone assist you with this task. We suggest using a tape measure, going around the head just above the eyebrows, and over the large portion of the back of the head. Don't let the tape measure slip down as you go around the back of your head. If you don't own a tape measure, then a piece of string or ribbon will do. Wrap it around the head in the same manner as you would the tape measure. Then, holding carefully with two fingers remove it from your head. Use a ruler on a flat surface to determine the length of the ribbon or string. Increments of half inch are most useful. For women, a measurement between 21.5 and 23 inches is expected. Children may fall between 18" and 20.5".

Choosing a hat that will become you

I hear the same concerns from new hat clients. "I don't look good in hats". Nonsense! Every one of us looks great in a hat, but not the same one. Before embarking on a hat purchase, first consider the shape of your face and body. How you wear the hat has as much impact on how it looks on you as the hat itself. Most importantly, wear your hat with aplomb, knowing you are absolutely right. One of the greatest enemies of hat-wearing is self consciousness. Stand tall and proud. You look beautiful!

First consider your face shape since it is the least likely part of you to change regardless of weight gain or loss.

Round - Look for hats with assymetrical or more squared off crowns and brims. The idea is to wear something that contrasts with the shape of your face, not matches it. Avoid hats with rounded crowns and rolled up brims like bowlers and similar styles. Try wearing your hat tilted slightly to one side for added appeal.

Oval - Similar advice applies to you as it does to the woman with a round face. Consider a hat with a wide brim to elongate the sides of your face more and balance the look. If you are petite (5'4" and under) you may want to look or a hat with a taller crown to help give the illusion of added height. Of course, you can do the same thing with heels, but they hurt more.

Square - To soften your features, try wearing a hat with soft, billowy dŽcor. Something with organza or chiffon ruched around the crown. Another suggestion would be to look for hats with round crowns (as opposed to flat or squared off) and with brims with rounded edges either up or down. A cloche is always a good choice for you.

Heart - You lucky girl you! There isn't much you can't wear. Best to consider your body more than face. If you are heavy, don't accentuate it by wearing large brimmed hats. Keep the brim to a 4-5" maximum width. If you are thin or of average build, consider looking for a hat with a short, flat brim that turns neither up or down. Always wear the hat straight across the brow and hairline.

Ordering and Payment Information

Payment

Payment in full is required before work can begin on your hat. You may pay with a personal check, money order, or credit card through Paypal. Please make your check or money order payable to Jennifer BARTELT. For those that are unfamiliar with Paypal (www.paypal.com) they are a free credit card processing service. Texas state sales tax will be added to all in-state orders. Your straw, cocktail, fur felt or velour hat will come with a complimentary hat box for storage. If you would like a box for your fabric or child's hat we will be happy to include one at an additional charge.

Ordering a hat for a gift?

Gift Recipient's Name

Mailing address

Gift card enclosure $1.25 extra

What would you like to say? Up to 200 characters.

Policy for customers who wish to order a hat under the following circumstances:

- You estimate the head size of your recipient based only on your own size or other inexact methods

- You have a hat that fits the recipient, which you have measured, but you have no measurement of the person's head

- You order a hat based on measurements taken several years ago or by trying to convert from an existing hat size such as 7 1/4 to inches.

Due to the nature of the millinery business, and because every hat is a custom order, returns will not be accepted. If the hat you ordered as a gift (without knowing the exact head size in inches) does not fit your recipient, you must accept this unfortunate responsibility. We will be happy to make whatever adjustments we can at an additional charge for labor and materials, but cannot offer a refund.

Shipping

We are happy to ship your hat worldwide using one of the two following carriers:

The United States Postal Service

United Parcel Service

Following are the domestic shipping rates based on orders of one or two hats via the U.S. Postal Service ONLY.

First price is Priority mail, second price is parcel post.

Zip codes beginning with the following numbers:
0: $14.35 or $13.50
1: $14.00 or $13.00
2: $12.20 or $11.50
3: $ 11.25 or $ 10.00
4: $ 11.85 or $10.75
5: $ 12.50 or $ 11.50
6: $ 12.00 or $10.35
7: $10.75 or $ 9.75
8: $11.85 or $10.30
9: California $13.80 or $12.20
    Alaska $14.50 priority mail only
    Hawaii $16.00 priority mail only

If you prefer shipping via United Parcel Service, please contact us and we will be happy to calculate your final cost based on your zip code and how many hats you are ordering.

For those with P.O. Boxes and APO, addresses we ship via the U.S. Postal Service only.

For international orders, please contact us for shipping rates. Actual shipping charges will apply.

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