One of Pat Brown's designer hats made of sinamay over a rainforest background

Sustainability: A Style That Doesn't Cost the Earth

Here at The Extraordinary Hat Company, we believe that looking good shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. We're passionate about creating beautiful, stylish hats and equally committed to doing so in a sustainable and responsible way. From the fibres we choose to the packaging that protects your precious purchase, we're constantly striving to minimise our environmental impact.

So, how are we keeping things stylish and sustainable? Let's delve into the details!

Natural Fibres: The Foundation of Eco-Friendly Headwear

We're committed to using natural and renewable materials whenever possible. You'll find a variety of eco-conscious choices in our collections, including:

* Wool: We love the warmth, durability and natural breathability of wool. That's why you'll find 100% wool used in many of our classic flat caps, sporty baseball caps, and stylish Baker Boy caps. Wool is a renewable resource, and sheep farming can be beneficial for grassland management when done responsibly.

* Sinamay: A Sustainable Star. One of our favourite materials, and one you'll find gracing many of our stunning hats, is sinamay. Have you heard of it? Sinamay is a natural fibre derived from the Abaca plant, a type of banana native to the Philippines. The beauty of Abaca is that it grows quickly, doesn't require pesticides and is incredibly strong and versatile. This makes sinamay a biodegradable and truly sustainable choice for hat making.

Breathing New Life into Old Favourites

We understand that trends come and go, and sometimes a beloved hat just needs a little refresh. That's why we're excited to offer our upcycling service, spearheaded by our expert milliner, Pat!

Pat takes hats that have been worn and loved, removes the original embellishments and designs and skilfully transforms them into something completely new and extraordinary. This not only reduces waste but also gives you a unique, one-of-a-kind piece with a story to tell. It's a fantastic way to give a second life to your cherished headwear and embrace a more circular approach to fashion.

Conscious Packaging: Protecting Your Hat and the Planet

We believe that even the smallest details matter. That's why we're committed to using eco-friendly packaging wherever possible. We are always researching and trying new and improved packaging to ensure that as little damage as possible occurs in transit to the customer.

Our Commitment to the Future

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we're constantly looking for ways to improve our practices. We're committed to:

* Sourcing materials from responsible suppliers.
* Reducing waste throughout our production process.
* Exploring innovative and sustainable alternatives.

We believe that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. By choosing The Extraordinary Hat Company, you're not just investing in a stylish hat, you're supporting a brand that cares about the planet.

So, join us in raising our hats to a more sustainable future! Browse our collections and discover the perfect eco-friendly piece to top off your look

Back to blog

About the Author

From headteacher to acclaimed milliner, Pat Brown brings a lifelong passion for art and design to The Extraordinary Hat Company in Fakenham, Norfolk. With a focus on sustainability, Pat incorporates vintage and rescued materials into unique, affordable British designs. Join Pat on her blog as she shares her inspirations, techniques, and love for hats.