Stylish gent Marc West finds his perfect titfer at a heritage company that’s staying ahead in the international fashion stakes

A quiet corner of a nondescript industrial estate on the outskirts of Witney isn’t where you’d necessarily expect to find one of the world’s most prestigious brands.

From the outside, the only clue to what’s inside is a union flag fluttering in the autumnal wind and a royal insignia above the door as I enter.

Christys’ Hats have been proudly producing headwear of the highest quality for the upper echelons of society for nearly 250 years. Royalty, prime ministers and rock aristocracy have all sported their handmade designs – you simply couldn’t ask for a better pedigree.

But, far from resting on it’s laurels this heritage company believes its future story is yet to come. They’ve recently launched the brand new Crown collection of bright contemporary designs under the creative direction of internationally renowned milliner Noel Stewart. And, they’re training up a handful of keen young apprentices to continue the story for the next quarter millennia…and beyond.

Theirs is a unique manufacturing journey – a wholly bespoke process that involves a dozen or so steps overseen by skilled craftsmen (and women) with centuries of experience between them. These hatters are mad about what they do – although thankfully not in the 19th century meaning of the phrase.

The use of a mercury-based compound in the process has long since gone, but other traditional techniques are still employed to optimal effect. The factory is practically living history – with Victorian machines still going strong.

There once was a time when a certain calibre of young gentleman would know exactly what hat suited his social mores – it really did maketh the man. So, dare I don a deerstalker, brave a bowler or pull off a panama? I plump for the classic black fedora.

At first, the basic felt hood could become any number of styles. But, with steam billowing all around, the metal claws of the machine grips the material and stretches the brim to the width required – giving the cone it’s first hint of what’s to come.

A few hours of rounding, pouncing, curling and flanging later and my creation is taking its iconic shape - quite literally locked into the memory of the felt. The trained eye of these seasoned artisans is essential to achieving the quality required to make them leaders in their field – and the pride in their work is evident in every piece produced.

After a final once over in the finishing department to give it a “peach bloom” lustre each hat is carefully packed into one of the company’s distinctive red boxes – ensuring it’s perfect when it arrives to the customer anywhere around the world. So much more than just a cover-up for those bad hair days – hats are fast becoming the definitive accessory (once again).

They complete the sartorial jigsaw of any gent or elegant lady’s wardrobe – and I, for one, feel like the Cat in the Hat.

It has just been confirmed that Christy’s Hats will be holding a sample sale at its Oxfordshire factory in the new year – offering up to 60 per cent discounts off selected styles. This could be our chance to join this exclusive club.
Visit christys-hats.com for all details