Shaping Hats, Crafting Tradition at South Texas Tack
At South Texas Tack, every hat tells a story, and behind each one is a skilled hand shaping it to fit just right. From first-time customers to regulars, the hat bar is where personal style meets craftsmanship and creativity.
As part of our Behind the Brand series, we’re taking a closer look at the process behind the hat bar and the people who bring it to life. Meet Haley, one of our skilled hat shapers, and step behind the steam to see what goes into every crease.
In Her Words
How long have you been shaping hats?
I’ve been shaping hats for so long it feels like second nature to me.
How did you get into hat shaping?
I started working here as a cashier, and over time Olin let me fix up some of the hats. Then he and Mr. Steve mentored me into shaping hats and walked me through the whole process. Here I am today.
What drew you to hat shaping?
I’ve always been interested in the process behind hat shaping. When I was younger, I would look at different people’s hats and see how cool it was to see all the different shapes. Being able to work here and see firsthand what goes on really made my interest grow.
How was the learning process for you?
The learning process almost came naturally. When I first started, I was cleaning and brushing hats. As I moved into boots, I had more time to watch how hats were shaped: the angles, how much steam different straws took, and the difference between shaping a straw and shaping felt. Eventually, I was able to start touching up hats, and Mr. Steve gave me one and talked me through the process from beginning to end. After that, it’s been a lot of trial and error with different straws and felts, really getting the feel for it.
What’s your favorite hat shape and why?
I personally love a good Cattleman’s with a JB brim. It’s a classic look that never goes wrong. A lot of people come in not knowing what they’re looking for, and we often suggest the Cattleman’s because there are so many ways to shape it. I like mine a little wider on top: it just looks good on almost everybody.
What do you love most about shaping hats?
What I love most about shaping hats is the opportunities it’s brought me and getting to meet new people every single day.
Stay Connected
Want more stories like this? Follow along for more Behind the Brand stories and the latest from South Texas Tack on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. And next time you stop by the hat bar, don’t forget to tip your hat shaper!
