HANDCRAFTED HISTORY

Historical Hats

Handmade hats in wool & straw

I offer handmade hats made of sheep’s wool and natural straw, based on historical models.

My hats are based on contemporary art as well as finds, and my main focus is to make hats that are durable, eco-friendly, comfortable and historical. You can learn more about my historical research if you follow the links at the bottom of the page.

Order by sending me an email (for the best price and return policy) or buy directly on Etsy. I sell ready-made hats and accept customs orders.

About my handcraft:

  • Traditional techniques
  • Sizes between 54-64 cm circumference
  • Wool in many colours
  • All historical models to fit your reenactment
  • Durable and long-lasting, all natural materials
  • Made in my studio in Sweden

Bycocket (pointy hunter’s hat) 14-15th century, worn by all genders.

Price: 1200 sek (~110 USD)

Bycockets are seen in artwork between the 14th and 16th centuries. During the 14th and 15th centuries, they were fashionable sport hats, worn outdoors by both men and women. During the 16th century, they are seen worn by rural workers wearing men’s clothing.

To measure your size, measure the circumference of your head around the forehead, above the ears, and to the back of your head. If you want to wear braids/veils under, remember to add room/measure for this.

  • Xsmall: 54-55 cm
  • Small: 56-57 cm
  • Medium: 58-59 cm
  • Large: 60-61 cm
  • Xlarge: 62-64 cm

This carousel show hats made from previous years. The list below is matched with the photo alongside it, the colours in the photo start with white (left) and ends with emerald green (left bottom).

The second photo shows white, creme white, beige, caramel brown, light pink, dusty pink, dark pink, purple. The third photo shows purple, wine red, red, madder orange, chocolade brown, dark brown. (Colours may appear different on different computer screens)

Available colours 2025:

  • white
  • creme white
  • beige
  • caramel brown
  • light pink
  • dusty pink
  • dark pink
  • purple
  • purple red
  • wine red
  • red
  • madder orange
  • chocolade brown
  • dark brown
  • undyed grey
  • black
  • blue black
  • blue
  • light blue
  • light green
  • hunter’s green
  • emerald green

The bycocket can also be decorated, for example with historical silk brocade:

Round wool hats, Pilgrim hats, 14-17th century, worn primarily with men’s outfits.

Photos on the way!

1000 sek (~92 USD)

These hats are common in artwork from several centuries, and a blue wool hat has been found and dated to the mid-1300s (14th century). Rounded hats can be seen in all social classes; the colour, fit, style and decoration make it fashionable. Small brimmed hats are available in all the colours from above, large brimmed hats are available in: black, brown, hunter’s green.

Pilgrim hats are black, brown, grey or white and worn by all genders during a pilgrimage. I like to make them soft and with a broad brim, a comfortable shade and rain protection!

To measure your size, measure the circumference of your head around the forehead, above the ears, and to the back of your head at the place where you want the hat to sit.

High round wool hats, 15th century hats for men’s fashionable outfits.

Photos on the way!

1400 sek (~128 USD)

These hats were the height of fashion during the 15th century and are often seen in darker colours on high-status men. Small-brimmed hats are available in all the colours from above, I recommend a black, red, wine red, blue or blueblack one. These hats are treated on the inside with a hat stiffener to keep the shape, let me know if you’d prefer a soft hat.

To measure your size, measure the circumference of your head around the forehead, above the ears, and to the back of your head at the place where you want the hat to sit.

Lappvattenhat, wool hat, Swedish 15th century find.

Photos on the way!

1400 sek (~128 USD)

This hat is based on a Swedish find, dated to the 15th century, but can also be seen in artwork from the 15th century to the 17th century in Europe. The hat has a flat top and is broad-brimmed. Colours available: black, brown, hunter’s green.

To measure your size, measure the circumference of your head around the forehead, above the ears, and to the back of your head at the place where you want the hat to sit.

Straw hat with a rounded crown,14-16th century, worn by all genders.

850 sek (~78 USD)

Historical straw hat based on a find from 15th century Germany, and contemporary artwork. Hand-braided and handsewn with straw. The hat is shaped for your size, quite soft and will adjust to your head with time. The tone/colour might change a bit between products depending on the original colour of the straw. Linen ribbon included.

Measurements: The diameter of the hat brim is 45-46 cm, height is 10-12 cm (depending on your size).

Size: measure around your head, pick a size the same as your measure or 1 size larger if you want to use a linen headpiece under the hat.
Small: 56 cm circumference
Medium: 57-59 cm cf
Large: 60-61 cm cf
XL: 62-64 cm cf

Flat straw hat, 16th century, working women.

900 sek (~82 USD)

Straw hat for Landsknecht women, trossfraus, country women, 16th-century rural workers etc. The flat shape makes it perfect to wear with a stuffed linen headwear/cap/wulsthaube, tie or pin it in place with the linen ribbon.

Durable and soft enough to shape over your head for sun protection. Inspired by a find (15th c, Germany), hand braided and handsewn, the shape and size are from artwork from the early 16th century. 100 % natural straw, sewn with straw and linen thread, the colour might change between products depending on the straw. Linen ribbon included.

Measurements: The diameter of the hat brim is 42-44 cm, and the rounded top is 16-18 cm in diameter.

Care instructions:

Straw hats:

The hats are durable (as shown in the video) but will last longer if you don´t stomp on yours… Store flat or hanging, brush off dirt or rinse with cold water. If the hat is a bit bent at the brim upon arrival, spray it with lukewarm water and put it to dry in the shape you want.

Wool hats:

Store standing flat, brush off dirt or wipe with luke-warm water/weak soap solution if needed. If the hat gets a bit dented, hold it over steam from a boiling kettle until it soften and readjust to the shape you like, let it dry.

Get nerdy with more research:

Straw hat research: https://handcraftedhistory.blog/2021/03/17/research-post-medieval-straw-hats-in-art/

Wool hat research: coming 2025

Here is my Pinterest with some of my hat sources

Ethical statement:

My goal is to create high-quality, affordable hats with materials that are ethically sourced and as environmentally friendly as possible:

  • No unsafe chemicals.
  • I use natural materials.
  • I use mulesing-free wool.
  • No wool, fur etc from questionable sources (Asian fur farms, underpaid factories etc).
  • All materials and hat bases are bought with fair pricing.
  • I choose straws based on sustainable harvest practices and pay for fair wages.
  • When I harvest straw myself from local places I am mindful of not damaging nature.
  • Feathers come from Swedish farms and are picked from the ground, not from live animals.

The choices we make have an impact on the environment and the future, and I feel it is important to contribute in the ways we can to make the world better!