New York City, a melting pot of cultures and styles, boasts an incredible array of hat stores catering to every taste and budget. Whether you're searching for a classic fedora, a trendy beanie, or a bespoke piece of headwear, the city that never sleeps has you covered. This guide unveils 18 of the best hat stores in NYC, ensuring you find the perfect topper to complete your look. From vintage finds to high-end designer pieces, this list is your ultimate headwear shopping guide.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Navigating NYC's Hat Scene
New York City's hat scene is diverse. You'll find everything from small, independent boutiques offering unique handcrafted hats to large department stores with extensive selections. Understanding your style and budget will help you narrow your search. Consider these factors:
- Style: Do you prefer classic styles like fedoras and newsboy caps, or are you looking for something more modern and trendy?
- Budget: Prices vary greatly, from affordable options to high-end designer pieces.
- Location: NYC is a sprawling city, so choose a location that's convenient for you.
This guide is designed to help you navigate this diverse landscape, offering a mix of styles, prices, and locations.
18 Unmissable Hat Stores in the Big Apple
This curated list highlights diverse options, ensuring there's something for everyone:
Classic & Timeless Styles
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Goorin Bros HatShop (Multiple Locations): A New York institution, Goorin Bros. offers a wide selection of hats, from classic fedoras and baseball caps to more unique and quirky designs. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect fit and style. They frequently have sales and promotions, making it a great place to find a deal.
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J. Press (Multiple Locations): This classic menswear store carries a curated selection of high-quality hats, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and timeless look. Think classic fedoras, newsboy caps, and driving caps, all made with superior materials.
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Borsalino (Midtown): For the ultimate in luxury, Borsalino is the place to go. This iconic Italian brand produces some of the finest hats in the world, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Expect to pay a premium, but the quality is unmatched.
Modern & Trendy Hats
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Urban Outfitters (Multiple Locations): While not exclusively a hat store, Urban Outfitters carries a great selection of trendy beanies, baseball caps, and other headwear, perfect for those who like to stay on the cutting edge of fashion. Their prices are generally affordable.
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& Other Stories (Multiple Locations): Similar to Urban Outfitters, & Other Stories offers a stylish and trendy selection of hats at reasonable prices. They often have unique and interesting designs you won't find anywhere else.
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Opening Ceremony (Soho): Known for its eclectic mix of designers and styles, Opening Ceremony offers a unique selection of hats from both established and up-and-coming designers. Expect to find one-of-a-kind pieces.
Vintage & Unique Finds
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What Goes Around Comes Around (Multiple Locations): This high-end consignment store carries an impressive selection of vintage hats, including rare and collectible pieces. It's a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind items, but be prepared to pay a premium.
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L Train Vintage (Williamsburg): This popular vintage store often has a good selection of vintage and retro hats, offering a more affordable option than What Goes Around Comes Around.
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Buffalo Exchange (Multiple Locations): Another great option for finding affordable vintage hats, Buffalo Exchange has locations across the city and receives new inventory frequently.
Specialty & Bespoke Hatters
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The Hatter (Greenwich Village): Specializing in custom-made hats, The Hatter offers a personalized experience, allowing you to design your perfect hat from scratch. This is a great option for those seeking a truly unique and one-of-a-kind piece.
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Lack of Color (Online & Pop-ups): While not a brick-and-mortar store, Lack of Color often has pop-up shops in NYC. Known for their wide-brimmed hats and stylish designs, they're perfect for a sun-drenched day or a chic event. Check their website for pop-up locations and dates.
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Maison Michel (Soho): This luxury millinery brand offers a collection of exquisitely crafted hats perfect for special occasions. Expect to find sophisticated designs and luxurious materials.
Department Stores with Wide Selections
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Bergdorf Goodman (Midtown): This luxury department store carries a wide selection of designer hats, ranging from classic to contemporary styles. It's a great place to find high-end pieces.
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Saks Fifth Avenue (Multiple Locations): Similar to Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue offers a wide range of hats from various designers, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
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Bloomingdale's (Multiple Locations): A more accessible option than Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's still offers a decent selection of hats, perfect for finding something stylish without breaking the bank.
Unique & Niche Options
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Stetson Hat Company (Various Online Retailers): Although not a physical store in NYC, Stetson hats are readily available through various retailers. A classic American brand known for its durable and stylish hats.
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Kangol (Online & Select Retailers): Another brand readily available online and through select retailers in NYC, Kangol offers trendy and classic hats, known for their bucket hats and berets.
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New Era Cap Company (Online & Select Retailers): Famous for their MLB and NFL caps, New Era offers a wide selection of baseball caps, and other branded headwear through various retailers across the city.
Beyond the Purchase: Caring for Your New Hat
Once you've found the perfect hat, proper care is essential to extend its lifespan. Remember to:
- Store it properly: Avoid crushing or stacking your hat. Use a hat box or shaper to maintain its shape.
- Clean it regularly: Follow the care instructions on the hat's tag.
- Protect it from the elements: Keep your hat dry and out of direct sunlight.
This comprehensive guide offers a starting point for your NYC hat-hunting adventure. Happy shopping!
