How It Works
Ordering a custom hat, sending in a hat for reshaping, or buying hat-making tools can bring up a few questions. This page covers the main things to know before ordering from WhipperWill Hats.
How does a custom order work?
You can start with one of the listed hat styles or choose a full custom order. After your order is placed, I’ll contact you to go over sizing, head shape, felt choice, colour, crown shape, brim style, band, and finishing details before the build starts.
What can I customize?
Most parts of the hat can be discussed, including material, colour, crown shape, brim shape, brim width, band style, and finishing details. Some choices work better together than others, so I’ll help make sure the finished hat makes sense as a whole.
What materials are available?
The standard build is 100% rabbit fur felt. Upgrades are available in 50/50 rabbit-beaver blend or 100X beaver felt. Colour availability can vary by material and supplier stock.
How do I know my size?
A tape measurement is a good starting point, but head shape matters too. Two people can measure the same size and still need different fits. We’ll go over sizing before the build starts. But we have tools for getting the right size and shape for your head.
How long does a custom hat take?
Turnaround time depends on current workload, material availability, and the complexity of the build. If timing matters, send a message before ordering.
What makes you different?
Each custom hat is shaped by hand, one at a time, with attention to fit, head shape, felt choice, crown shape, brim style, and the details that make the hat work as a whole. A good hat is not just about picking a size and a colour. The proportions have to make sense, the fit has to feel right, and the finished hat has to suit the person who is actually going to wear it.
Cleaning, Reshaping and Restoration
What does cleaning include?
Basic cleaning includes dust and lint removal, brushing, sponging, and general cleanup of the felt. Deep cleaning includes extra time on stains and problem areas. Some stains cannot be fully removed, but I’ll do what I can.
What does reshaping include?
Reshaping uses steam and hand work to bring a hat closer to its original shape, or to adjust it into a new shape if the hat allows it. Felt quality, age, stiffness, and damage all affect what is possible.
Can every hat be fixed?
No. Some hats are too damaged, stained, weak, or worn to safely repair or reshape. If a hat looks risky, I’ll tell you before pushing it too far.
Do you replace sweatbands and liners?
Sweatband and liner replacement may be available and is quoted separately after looking at the hat. Replacing a sweatband can affect fit, and on vintage hats it may affect originality or value.
Should I contact you before bringing a hat?
Yes. Please send a message before bringing or sending in a hat for cleaning, reshaping, or repair. Photos are helpful if available. Unless we are at a local market, in that case feel free to just drop by and I’ll take a look at the hat right there. Some markets I may even be able to clean or reshape right then and there!
What if my hat has gotten floppy?
Some hats we’ll lose their stiffness over time or after exposure to the elements. This can often be fixed by adding some stiffener and reshaping. Feel free to send us a message and discuss.
Shipping, Pickup and Returns
Where are you located?
WhipperWill Hats is based in Orléans, Ontario, serving the Ottawa area. Fittings, drop-offs, and pickups are arranged by appointment only. Except when we are at markets. In those cases feel free to stop by for fittings, cleaning and reshaping.
Do you ship?
Yes, WhipperWill Hats ships internationally/worldwide! Select hats, tools, and physical products can be shipped. Digital files are delivered electronically and no physical product is shipped for those listings.
Can I pick up locally?
Local pickup may be available by appointment. Please contact me before ordering if pickup timing matters.
What if something arrived damaged?
Contact me as soon as possible and keep the packaging. Photos of the packaging and damaged item will help with the next steps.
Do you accept returns?
Return options depend on the product. Custom hats are made to order and are generally not returnable like ready-made products. Digital files are not refundable once downloaded. Physical tools may be handled case by case depending on the condition of the item and the reason for the return. If there is a problem with an order, send a message as soon as possible so we can work through it.
Who do you ship with?
We use a variety of carriers depending on who will be the most reliable for where we are shipping to. For the most part we use Canada Post for domestic orders, UPS for US orders and other carriers depending on destination.
Digital Files
Are digital files physical products?
No. Digital file listings are downloads only. No physical block, tool, hardware, blade, or printed part will be shipped unless the listing clearly says it is a physical product.
What do I need to use digital files?
You need access to a 3D printer and basic knowledge of slicing, printing, finishing, and assembling printed parts. Final results depend on your printer, material, settings, calibration, and assembly.
What material should I use?
PETG is the recommended starting material for most working hat-making tools. For heavier use, ASA, ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate may be suitable if your printer is set up for them.
Is hardware included with digital files?
No. Hardware is not included with digital downloads. Some listings include a hardware list. Screw lengths may need small adjustments depending on print tolerances and assembly fit.
Can I resell or share digital files or prints of the digital files?
No. Digital files are for the buyer’s own personal or shop use. They may not be resold, shared, uploaded, redistributed, or included in other file packs. Physical prints of the files may also not be resold.
Are digital files refundable?
Digital files are generally not refundable once downloaded. Please read the full product description before purchasing, and send a message first if you are unsure.
Still have questions?
Feel free to send a message from the contact us page for any other inquiries.