Purchasing Your Hat
Do I need an appointment?
No – our ready-to-wear hats are available online and in-store to try on and purchase.
If you’d like expert advice from our in-house milliner, it’s best to book an appointment so we know to expect you. During opening hours, other customers may be browsing the shop, but if you’d like a private consultation, just let us know when booking.
How do I commission a bespoke hat?
A bespoke hat is individually designed and handcrafted to suit you, your outfit, and your occasion.
The process:
- Book a consultation in person or online via our website or by emailing hello@isabellajosie.com.
- Initial consultation: We discuss style, fit, materials, and trims. Please bring your full outfit, including shoes and bag, for accurate colour matching (digital photos are not suitable).
- Guide price & timescale are provided following the consultation.
- Place your order - you may be asked to sign a design agreement and pay a non-refundable deposit.
- Final fitting & collection: Once complete, a follow-up appointment is arranged. The balance is due, and your hat is ready to take home.
How long does it take to have a hat made?
Bespoke hats have a six-week lead time during peak periods, allowing time to source materials, dye fabrics, block and wire shapes, and create bespoke trimmings. If you require a hat sooner, please let us know and we’ll advise if this is possible.
Ready-to-wear hats are available for immediate purchase.
Can you alter or retrim hats purchased elsewhere?
Absolutely! We offer retrim and alteration services to give your hat a fresh new look.
Hat Advice & Fit
Which hat would suits me best?
Hat styling is about balance, not rigid rules. The aim is to complement your features through the shape of the crown, brim width and the angle at which the hat is worn. We are always happy to advise.
So how do you find one the right hat for you?
When choosing a hat, be open minded - try on lots of different shapes until you get one that wants to make you ‘stand a little taller.
- View yourself in a full length mirror - you need to make sure the hat balances your body proportions.
- Try on the hat with the outfit and accessories you will be wearing it with. The hat will need to complement your outfit as well as the colour of your hair, eyes and skin.
- Think about your face shape, do you want your hat to highlight your best features, after all, the hat is the most photographed part of your body. If you are wearing glasses, how will they work with the brim?
- Try positioning the hat at different angles - worn horizontally a straight brim can be rather harsh, but at an angle, it can bring height.
- Think about the occasion, is it formal or casual? Check out the dress code - some race meetings have a minimum hat base size. Will people need to see ‘over your head/hat’?
- How will you have your hair? If you are having an elaborate hair style, you might prefer a smaller cocktail or saucer shape hat that perches to one side of your face to avoid a full crown squashing your hat.
- What sort of head-fitting do you prefer? There are some many possibilities - millinery elastic, comb, aliceband, slip or a deep crown?
I’m not a “hat person” — how do I become confident wearing one?
Wearing a hat can feel unfamiliar at first because it changes how you see yourself. This is completely normal. Give yourself time to adjust, practise wearing it, and focus on how it makes you feel rather than what others might think.
Confidence grows quickly, and before long your hat will feel like a natural extension of your style and will transform your outfit.
How should a hat fit?
A well-fitting hat or cap should feel comfortable and secure without feeling tight or leaving a mark across your brow. It should sit naturally around 1 cm above the tops of your ears, resting evenly all the way round your head.
A simple check: if you can comfortably slide your little finger between your head and the hat, the fit is usually correct.
How do I wear my hat?
Special occasion hats: Women’s special occasion hats often sweep down on the right, Secure with pins, elastic, combs, or wire prongs if needed. If fitted with elastic this runs under the hair at the nape of your neck.
Casual hats (Fedoras, Trilbies, etc.) Experiment with straight, side tilt, back tilt, or front tilt — each angle changes the vibe!
How do I find my correct hat size?
Measure around the fullest part of your head, 1 cm above eyebrows and ears. Check our size guide and measure twice; if between sizes, choose the larger.
Hat Care
Storage
- Store hats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying out
- Avoid crushing or folding your hat; use a hat stand, shelf or a properly sized hat box
- If storing in a box, place acid-free tissue inside the crown to help maintain its shape
Felt hats
- Gently brush with a soft hat brush or lint-free cloth to remove dust and surface marks
- Always brush in an anti-clockwise direction, following the natural nap of the felt
- Light rain is usually fine, but if the hat becomes wet, shake off excess water and allow it to air dry naturally. Never use radiators, hairdryers or direct heat, as this can shrink or distort felt
Fabric hats
- Remove dust with a soft brush or clean cloth
- Spot clean only where necessary, using a barely damp cloth and mild detergent if appropriate. Allow to air dry fully.
Straw & natural fibre hats
- Keep dry whenever possible, as moisture can weaken fibres and cause distortion
- Remove dust with a soft, dry brush
- Handle by the brim rather than the crown to avoid cracking or misshaping
Professional Care
For cleaning, reshaping, or repairs, contact us or a professional milliner. We’re always happy to give tailored advice.
Delivery & Shipping
UK Delivery
Ready-to-wear hats dispatch in 3–5 working days. Bespoke items take longer; we’ll confirm estimated dates with you. Delivery costs are shown at checkout.
International Delivery
Available by arrangement. Contact us for a quote. Customs duties are the customer’s responsibility. International delivery costs are quoted individually.
Returns & Exchanges
In-Store Purchases
Exchanges within 30 days if unused and in original condition. No refunds for change of mind. Faulty items are covered by law.
Bespoke & Customised Items
Cannot be returned or exchanged, so please check details carefully at consultation.
Online Purchases
You can cancel non-bespoke items within 14 days of receipt. Items must be unworn, unused, in original condition, and postage is your responsibility.
Damaged Items
In this unlikely event please contact us within 7 days with photos. Your statutory rights are unaffected.
How to Return
Email hello@isabellajosie.com for instructions. We recommend a tracked service.
About Our Brands
Isabella Josie
Handmade, bespoke hats crafted by our award-winning milliner in Arundel. Perfect for special occasions or personalised heirlooms.
Sussex Hats
Curated ready-to-wear collection for everyday or versatile styles.
How They Connect
Both brands share the same commitment to quality, style, and service. Isabella Josie = artistry & personalisation; Sussex Hats = accessible variety.