Looking for a material that's kind to both you and the planet? You've come to the right place! At Hat Attack, we're committed to using the best materials out there, and one of our absolute favorites is felted wool. We can't sing its praises enough for its incredible warmth, practicality, lightweight feel, durability, and timeless look.

In this blog, we'll dive into what felted wool is, explore why felt hats deserve a prime spot in your wardrobe, and share some tips on how to keep them looking their best.

What Exactly Is Felted Wool (Felted Wool Material)?

You probably know that wool is a natural material, most commonly sourced from sheep. In its raw form, it's light and breathable. But when it’s felted, something remarkable happens: the wool fibers are compressed and tightly matted together, forming a dense, strong fabric.

Because of this unique process, felted wool doesn't have threads or loops like knitted materials. This special quality allows it to hold its shape beautifully, making it perfect for creating those wonderful structured hats with brims.

For those of you who are curious about the "how", the secret lies in the raw wool itself! When its fibers are exposed to specific conditions (think heat, moisture, and friction), they naturally interlock and bind together, forming a continuous piece of fabric.

There are two main methods to achieve this:

• Wet Felting: This is the more classic and traditional method of felting. Wool fibers are soaked in water, then worked by rubbing, pressing, and rolling. The combination of moisture, heat, and friction causes the fibers to shrink and bond. This is the process we use for our felted wool hats.

• Needle Felting: With this method, a special barbed needle is used to repeatedly push and intertwine wool fibers into each other. It's a more controlled process, often used for detailed shapes or sculptural designs.

How We Make Felt Wool Hats

These beautiful, thick felt wool hats don't just look elegant, they'll also keep you wonderfully warm in the winter. Their unique properties allow us to create shapes that truly last, no matter how many seasons pass.

We take great pride in hand-blocking these hats right here in our Stamford, CT factory. Our hand blocked hats are made to order and require a processing time of up to 4 days.

Here's a peek at how our felt hats come to life:

1. Prepping the Wool: First, the raw wool is cleaned and washed to remove any impurities and align its fibers.

2. Felting the Wool: The prepared wool is then laid out in the desired shape for the hat's "body" using the wet felting method. This creates the foundational piece for the finished hat.

3. Hand Blocking and Shaping: The hat body is then moistened and carefully stretched over a wooden mold called a "block". While wet, the material is patiently shaped and smoothed until it achieves the perfect form and size. We aim for a universal size that comfortably fits most head shapes.

4. Drying and Hardening: The hat is then left to dry completely and harden right on the block, ensuring it holds its new shape.

5. Finishing Touches: Once dry, we trim the hat to its desired shape, and sometimes, we add those lovely decorative ribbons or other special details.

Our Beloved Felt Wool Hats

We aim to offer our customers timeless felt hats that flatter every face shape and never go out of style. Discover our favorites:

• Reese Packable Fedora: Perfect for sophisticated office looks.

• Adorable Anna Packable Bucket: For a cute yet classy vibe, ideal for a downtown stroll.

• Harper with gold chain: For elegant and sleek outfits.

Beyond their timeless design, we also love felt hats for their incredible functionality:

• Excellent Insulation: Keeps your head warm even in chilly weather.

• Breathable: Wool is a naturally breathable fiber that helps regulate temperature and prevents uncomfortable overheating — unlike polyester.

• Shape Retention: These packable hats bounce back into shape with ease.

• Water Repellent: Thanks to lanolin, wool naturally resists water, making these hats suitable for light rain or snow.

• Lightweight: Despite being warm and durable, felt hats are surprisingly light, making them ideal for all-day wear.

• Durability: With proper care, a quality felt hat can last for generations.

• UV Protection: The brims offer great protection from harmful UV rays.

Already own one? Don’t miss our guide: How to Clean and Reshape a Wool Felt Hat!

To Sum Up … 

Felted wool is an exceptional material, offering warmth, durability, and elegance. Investing in a felt hat is a long-term investment in both style and comfort. Whether you're dressing up for a formal occasion or heading out for a casual day, your wool felt hat will be a reliable companion. Browse our collection of Wool Felt Hats and find your perfect match!

FAQ - Wool Felt Hats

Do wool felt hats stretch?

Wool felt is a strong and durable material that doesn't stretch much. We offer universal sizes that fit most head shapes comfortably — so no need to worry about sizing.

Are wool felt hats waterproof?

Wool felt hats are naturally water-repellent and handle light rain or snow well. However, they can absorb water if exposed for too long, so it's best to avoid heavy downpours.