Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the Cover & Brim FAQ page.
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our custom hats, Ready-to-Wear rentals, sizing, consultations, and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’re always happy to help, feel free to reach out.
Custom Hats
Q: What types of custom hats do you offer?
A: We create handcrafted custom hats in a range of styles, including cowboy hats, fedoras, wide brims, and statement silhouettes. Each piece is crafted using premium materials such as 100% beaver, rabbit, Australian wool, high-grade polyester felt, select blends, and finely crafted straw. Every hat is thoughtfully designed to reflect your personal style and story.
Q: How does the custom hat process work?
A: The process begins with a virtual consultation. During your session, we discuss inspiration, style preferences, fit, and design details. From there, our artisans handcraft your hat using time-honored techniques and premium materials. Once complete, your hat is carefully packaged and shipped to you.
Q: How long does it take to make a custom hat?
A: Turnaround times vary depending on the design, materials, and level of customization. Most custom hats are completed within several weeks. Estimated timelines are discussed during your consultation.
Q: Can I make changes after my hat is complete?
A: Minor adjustments may be possible depending on the stage of production. If you have questions or concerns, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.
Hat Rentals
Q: Do you offer hat rentals?
A: Yes. Hats from our Ready-to-Wear collection are available for rental. Rentals are ideal for special events or trying a style before purchasing. All rental hats are fulfilled and shipped directly from our Arizona studio. Availability may vary based on demand and membership tier.
Q: How do rentals work?
A:
- Browse the Ready-to-Wear collection and select an eligible rental hat.
- Choose your rental dates and complete checkout, including the refundable security deposit.
- Receive your hat, wear it with confidence, and enjoy your event.
- Return the hat in its original condition by shipping it back within 24 hours of your rental end date.
- Once the hat is received and inspected, your refundable deposit is released.
All rentals are managed online and shipped directly to you for convenience.
Q: What is the minimum rental period?
A: The minimum rental period is one day. One-day rentals are offered at a higher daily rate due to preparation, shipping, and handling costs. Two-day and longer rentals offer better overall value and flexibility.
Q: How long can I rent a hat?
A: Rental periods are selected before checkout using the availability calendar on each Ready-to-Wear product page. Simply choose your start and end dates to view available rental durations and pricing. Extended rental options may be available, depending on availability.
Q: What happens if a rental hat is damaged?
A: Normal wear is expected. However, significant damage, loss, or alterations may result in partial or full forfeiture of the deposit. We review each situation individually and fairly.
Q: Are all Ready-to-Wear hats available for rental?
A: Yes. All Ready-to-Wear hats are eligible for rental, subject to availability as shown on the product calendar.
Sizing & Fit
Q: How do I measure my hat size?
A: Use a soft measuring tape around your head where the hat will sit, just above your ears and across the mid-forehead. Keep the tape snug but comfortable. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
Refer to our Size Guide for detailed instructions.
Q: What if my hat doesn’t fit properly?
A: If your hat doesn’t fit comfortably, contact us as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, we may recommend sizing adjustments, fit solutions, or next steps to ensure the best experience.
Q: What if I don’t see my hat size listed?
A: If you don’t see your size listed, it may be temporarily unavailable or outside the current size range for that specific design. Because each hat is carefully crafted and shaped, availability can vary by style and material.
We encourage you to contact us before ordering so we can help determine the best fit, explore custom sizing options, or recommend a comparable style. In many cases, we’re able to accommodate special sizing through a custom order or upcoming release.
Extended or custom sizes may be available for select styles upon request.
Orders & Shipping
Q: Where do you ship to?
A: We ship across the United States and internationally where available. Shipping rates and delivery times vary by location. International orders may be subject to duties or taxes.
Q: Can I change my order once it’s placed?
A: If you need to make changes, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate updates before your order enters production.
Q: How does shipping work for rentals?
A: Includes insured delivery to your door and prepaid return shipping back to our Arizona studio.
Q: How does shipping work for Buy Now and Custom hats?
A: Includes insured one-way shipping from our Arizona studio to your door.
Return shipping is not included.
Care & Longevity
Q: How do I take care of my hat?
A: Proper care helps your hat look its best for years:
- Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust.
- Avoid exposure to heavy moisture, if it gets wet, let it air dry naturally.
- Avoid plastic storage for long periods, especially for felt and straw hats.
We’re happy to share more specific care tips based on your hat’s materials.
Q: Should hats be kept out of direct sunlight?
A: Yes. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat can cause fading, drying, and loss of shape over time. We recommend storing hats in a cool, shaded area when not in use. Avoid leaving hats in hot environments such as cars, where high temperatures can lead to warping, shrinkage, and discoloration, especially for felt and straw hats.
Q: Can I wear my hat in the rain?
A: Light moisture is generally fine for felt hats, but prolonged exposure to rain should be avoided. Straw hats should not be worn in wet conditions. Always allow hats to air dry naturally.
Q: How do I clean my hat?
A: We recommend gentle brushing for felt hats and spot cleaning when necessary. For deeper cleaning or reshaping, professional hat care is recommended.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Q: What materials do you use to make your hats?
A: Cover & Brim hats are crafted using premium materials selected for durability, structure, and character. Depending on the design, materials may include 100% beaver, rabbit, Australian wool, refined blends, premium polyester felt, and finely crafted straw. Each material is chosen for its performance, longevity, and ability to complement the intended style.
Q: What’s the difference between beaver, rabbit, Australian wool, premium polyester and straw hats?
A: The difference comes down to texture, durability, structure, and how each material ages over time. At Cover & Brim, we select materials based on performance, feel, and the story each hat is meant to tell.
- Beaver Felt (100%) – Exceptionally durable, water-resistant, and refined. Beaver felt develops a rich patina over time and offers the highest level of longevity and luxury.
- Rabbit Felt (100%) – Lightweight with a smooth, elegant finish. Rabbit felt holds shape well while offering a softer hand feel and refined appearance.
- Blended Felt (Beaver & Rabbit) – A balanced option that combines structure and durability with comfort and versatility.
- Australian Wool Felt – Structured and reliable with a clean, classic feel. Australian wool offers excellent shape retention and durability, making it ideal for bold silhouettes and everyday wear with an elevated finish.
- Premium Polyester Felt – Durable and consistent with strong shape retention. Premium polyester felt provides a dependable foundation for structured designs while maintaining an approachable price point.
- Straw – Lightweight and breathable, ideal for warm-weather wear. Straw hats offer natural airflow and relaxed structure, perfect for spring and summer styling.
Each material brings its own character, and our team helps guide you toward the felt that best matches your lifestyle, environment, and intended wear.
Q: How are Cover & Brim hats made?
A: Our hats are crafted through a hands-on process that emphasizes time, skill, and intention.
Custom hats are individually shaped, blocked, and finished by hand, built one-on-one to reflect each wearer’s personal style and story.
Our Ready-to-Wear hats undergo an extensive hand-finishing process in our Arizona studio, where each piece is shaped, detailed, and refined before becoming part of the Cover & Brim collection.
While materials may be globally sourced, the character, balance, and final form of every hat are created through skilled hands and deliberate craftsmanship.
Q: Do your hats change over time with wear?
A: Yes. Natural materials such as felt and straw develop character over time. With proper care, your hat will age beautifully, gaining subtle depth and personality unique to how it’s worn.
Membership Club
Q: What is the Cover & Brim Membership Club?
A: The Cover & Brim Membership Club offers members exclusive access, preferred pricing, and elevated benefits across custom hats, Ready-to-Wear purchases, and rentals. Each tier is designed to reward those who value craftsmanship, style, and community.
Q: Do members receive rental benefits?
A: Yes. All membership tiers receive exclusive rental discounts on eligible Ready-to-Wear hats. Select tiers include complimentary rentals, while others receive preferred pricing.
Q: Are member discounts applied automatically?
A: Yes. Member savings are automatically applied at checkout when you are logged into your active membership account. If you experience any issues, we’re happy to assist and can provide a digital discount code to ensure your benefits are honored. Discounts apply only to customers with an active membership profile.
Q: Can I use my membership on Ready-to-Wear, rentals, and custom hats?
A: Yes. Membership benefits apply to eligible Ready-to-Wear hats and rentals, based on your membership tier. Members may also receive preferred pricing or discounts on custom hats, depending on their tier. All applicable benefits are clearly outlined within your membership profile.
Q: Does a membership include a custom hat?
A: Select membership tiers include a custom hat as part of the initial membership value. Details, inclusions, and values are clearly outlined on the Membership page.
Rentals & Deposits
Q: Is the rental deposit refundable?
A: Yes. Rental deposits are 100% refundable upon return of the hat on time and in good condition, subject to inspection.
Q: Do you offer installment or pay-over-time options?
A: Yes. We offer flexible installment and pay-over-time options through select payment providers. Available options are displayed at checkout and vary by purchase type and eligibility.
Consultations
Q: Do I need a consultation for a custom hat?
A: Yes. A consultation ensures your custom hat reflects your style, fit, and vision. It’s an essential part of the custom process.
Q: Are consultations virtual or in person?
A: Consultations are conducted virtually, allowing you to connect with us from anywhere. Virtual consultations can be scheduled directly through the calendar located on the Custom Hats page or the Rentals page.
Q: What should I prepare for my consultation?
A: Inspiration photos, outfit ideas, preferred colors, and how you plan to wear your hat are always helpful. Once you select your consultation date and time, you’ll be prompted with a few optional, thoughtfully designed questions to help us better understand your style, interests, and story. During the session, we’ll walk you through sizing, materials, and design details to bring everything together.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Visit our Contact Us page and a member of the Cover & Brim team will be happy to assist you.
Cover & Brim — Crown Your Style.
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