Horisaki Hat Terminology
All hats are handmade by Karin, Makoto, and Johanna in our atelier in Sweden. As dedicated craftsmen, we prioritize quality and material above all else. Each hat is made to be worn and to evolve with time, becoming a personal and lasting companion. Below, you’ll find key information to help you make the best choice when selecting your new hat.
Craftsmanship
Handmade & Hand-Stitched – Each hat is individually crafted, meaning variations in shape, form, and measurements (brim and crown) may occur. Over time, the hat naturally molds to the wearer’s unique shape.
No Stiffening Used – All of our hats are made without stiffeners, resulting in a soft, comfortable fit with excellent travel-friendly qualities. However, some treatments—such as Hard Burnt patination—create a more rigid surface, making these hats less suitable for folding.
Materials:
Beaver Fur Felt – 100% (100X) beaver fur felt, durable and naturally water-resistant.
Rabbit Fur Felt – 100% rabbit fur felt, lightweight with a fine texture.
Straw – Woven from natural straw or paper.
At Horisaki Design & Handel, we are committed to using materials that reflect our values of quality, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition and ethical sourcing practices.
Fit & Sizing
One Size – Fits head sizes between 54 cm - 60.5 cm.
Elastic/Stretch Band – Developed by us for comfort and flexibility. Can be worn down in colder weather or as a design detail. One-size hats always feature an elastic lining.
Leather Band – Made from vegetable-tanned leather. A more classic option, slightly cooler in warm weather, but less flexible in sizing.
Adjusting the Fit
Slightly Small Hat?
Use steam to gently warm the hat.
Place it on your head (ensure it's not too hot) and stretch it slightly.
Let it cool while wearing it for a customized fit.
Slightly Large Hat?
If the hat has a leather band, insert paper or cork inside the lining to reduce the size.
For major adjustments, consult a professional hat maker or milliner. We are also available for questions and offer renovation services for hats.
Shape & Form
Moldable – Easily reshaped by hand, adapting to different forms as the wearer interacts with the hat.
Foldable – Can be temporarily folded for travel or indoor storage but should not remain folded for extended periods or when wet.
Distressed Finishes – Some hats are intentionally aged or frayed as part of the design. This is not a flaw but a choice by the maker.
Brim & Crown
Brim – The horizontal part of the hat.
Crown – The vertical portion of the hat.
Ribbon Trimming – A hand-stitched ribbon along the brim’s edge.
Crown Ribbon – A decorative ribbon wrapping around the base of the crown.
Dyeing & Finishes
Patination – A natural aging process that leads to variations in fading, darkening, and texture over time. At Horisaki, we employ our own unique patination techniques, utilizing fire, dyes, and natural elements like sunlight and water. While we carefully initiate this process, the transformation continues as the hat evolves naturally, gaining depth and character. This dynamic change makes the hat more distinctive with wear, developing a personal and lasting patina over time.
Color Variations – Many of our hats are hand-dyed, resulting in unique tones and patterns. These colors continue to develop and change as the hat is worn, evolving with time and use.
Burn Treatments
PL (Plain Felt) – Untreated, natural felt.
EB (Easy Burnt) – Lightly treated with fire for a refined surface.
The easy burnt patination process removes woolly fibers from the surface, resulting in a smoother, softer texture.
This treatment enhances the material’s natural qualities while maintaining flexibility, making the hat easier to handle and wear.
Each hat is carefully finished by hand, allowing for subtle variations in tone and texture.
HB (Hard Burnt) – Heavily fire-treated for a more structured finish.
This process gives the hat a leather-like texture with rich, organic variations.
The material develops depth and character, creating a finish that evolves with time.
Due to the hard burnt patination, the material may dry and/or wet bleed. This treatment also makes the hats less suitable for folding, as the surface becomes more rigid.
Each piece is carefully hand-finished, resulting in unique differences from hat to hat.
