From the outside, this place is completely unassuming. You wouldn't know that behind those doors, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of hats. Pros: - Wide selection of hats from trendier newsboy type caps to fancy hats that I *think* would be fit for a queen (or duchess). I went to look for a hat for a Kentucky Derby party and was surprised by the number of options I had just a week before the Derby. - There is a wide variety of prices for said hats, but I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of more affordable options around ~$40. Cons: - The space is small, so if you are at all claustrophobic, this would be a tough shopping experience for you. You need to weave in and out of very narrow aisles to see the full selection of hats. read more

This is a smaller place than you might expect but the selection is exactly as described on their website. We went during the pandemic and they control the flow of people and head protections for both employees and guests. I think even in normal times they would give you a plastic headliner to try on different hats. I would love to see newspaper boy and flat cabs come back into style. They have a great selection of high-quality and entry-level cabs for everyone. I don't buy women's hats, so I can't comment on those at the supply permit is great read more

They have fantastic customer service and will tell you the truth and give advice. You can take your time trying on every type of hat imaginable. They even have the Harry Potter sorting hat as well as hats for men. read more

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The best place to buy hats in the Bay Area. I drive from the South Bay to Berkeley Hats because no store in our area comes close the selection and variety of the hats that you'll find here. Other than the selection, what I like most is being able to take my time to try on a variety of hats with no pressure or salesperson shadowing you. The staff are always extremely helpful. If you're looking for a hat to wear, you'll find it at Berkeley Hat. I bought one hat today, but I'll be back to buy another very soon. read more

I live in NYC. I've already purchased 5 hats from this company and - all I can say is: "I take off my hat to you". I had a slight problem, which was MY fault - by the way, I misspelled my email and therefore didn't get a confirmation - but Jessica was VERY helpful and incredibly detailed in the way she helped me to track down my package. Super well packed and very rapid shipping. Last but not least - GREAT PANAMA HATS !!! Chapeau !! (as the French say) read more

Best hat shop on the west coast. Great selection of Stetsons and other high-end fedoras. Highly Recommended! read more

I have been going to the Berkeley Hat Company for many years and have bought probably a dozen hats from them. I absolutely love their selection and they are always super knowledgeable and helpful. On several occasions they have gone rooting through the back room to find me the perfect hat. Today I had to replace my trusty Australian leather bush hat that I stupidly lost and they found me a wonderful replacement. Definitely highly recommended! read more

I love this store. I contacted Jade during the week about a Stetson Open Road hat. I went on Sunday as soon as they opened at noon and bought my hat from Jade and the store owner. So many cool hats in this place and fantastic customer service. Buy your hat here in Berkeley. read more

Bought a gorgeous fedora today, the staff was attentive and very helpful. Highly recommend!

Great service. The store salesperson was very patient and had knowledge of the products. In terms of hat material and prices. There are a lot of hat selections to choose from. I recommend this store to people. read more

Fabulous hat store! We walked in and were immediately assisted by David and Carol, who were both helpful and knowledgeable; and we walked out with two amazing hats that were just what we were looking for to protect us from the Maui sun! Mahalo and Aloha! read more

I needed a hat for an outdoor event on Sunday afternoon. I went in at 12:20 and came out with a classic straw Panama that fitted perfectly, along with some good advice on how to improve the longevity of the hat. Great place, knowledgeable and friendly staff. read more

I have what can only be described as an "aggressively large head", so I've always been loathe to buy or even find hats. I've now returned to the Berkeley Hat Company multiple times on my trips to Berkeley (I live in Los Angeles), and it's always nice to be able to find something from their large selection. The employees are super nice and eager to help you find your hat match, and the prices are very reasonable. They also have all the trimmings and extras to jazz up your hat if you wish, (I've added black bands to dress up hats), and they also have this fun hat stretcher to help you fit...more...into...the....hat. (Seriously, I normally cannot find hats that fit.) read more

Tiny hole in the wall store chock full of hats of various kinds from vintage to novelty to practical. The prices are reasonable though not cheap. We were very happy with the selection and the service. read more

Nutshell: the woman behind the counter is extremely hateful and rude, and every time I purchase something she treats me as if I am an inconvenience to her. I would overlook this if she were a random disgruntled employee, but she is ALWAYS there and I believe she either is or is related/married to the owner. I will not return to Berkeley Hat, simply because I know that I will have to deal with her again. Last Saturday I purchased a pair of gloves at the Hat Company. I tried to make small talk with the counter woman, but nothing doing. After a wordless transaction I asked if I could have a bag for my purchase; you'd think I asked her for a kidney. She made a big stink about giving me a bag and acted as if it was a huge ordeal to pull one off of the dispenser. Although I regarded this as the pinnacle of bitchiness, it was not enough to keep me from returning. Yesterday I walked into Berkeley Hat absolutely beaming as I prepared to buy my Burning Man tickets. Ms. Thang behind the counter gave me a glance and said "Burning Man tickets, right?" and I said, in a playful manner, "how did you guess?" She asked me how many I wanted and I told her two. Her reply: "you got that much cash on you?" I said yes, filled out my ticket form and handed it to her, along with $560. She silently counted my $$ three or four times, stuffed my Burning Man tix and info packet into an envelope, tossed them on the counter without saying a word, crossed her arms and glared at me. I took my envelope and slunk away to check out a hat I had considered buying over the weekend. While I was looking at the hat I wanted, a lady walked in and asked if she could speak to someone about posting a flyer on the bulletin board. Hateful Pants asked her what charity she was from, and the girl told her that she was working for a charity against police raids of homeless people in Berkeley. Bitchy LaRue said that she lived in Berkeley for 26 years and that she never saw this happen. I have to give it to the charity worker -- she held her ground and told counter hag about watching the police do this just last week. Evil McGee reiterated her claim that such things don't happen in Berkeley, told her she wouldn't post a flyer and asked her to leave. The thought of further lining this woman's crotchety-ass pockets with the purchase of what I must admit was a raucous hat was appalling to me, so I left as well and made a vow to never return. read more

Don't bother to shop here! First, the store is old, dingy, dirty and poorly lit. Second, the service is mostly comprised of UC students who have never worn a hat and despite their best efforts cannot assist you. This is the owner's fault - an obvious and complete lack of training. The owner chastised the young lady who helped me because she didn't bring the hat box up to the counter for the sale. The berating went on for good, full minute. Absurd and truly shows the character of this witch. Try some training instead! Go to The Hat Guys on Broadway in Oakland instead. read more

Berkeley Hat Co is a small store with a large inventory, bursting with almost any hat you could want for any occasion: every day wear, church, Halloween, holidays, theme parties, weddings and formal events, etc. It's a narrow store and gets cramped if there's multiple customers, but all the cool pieces are worth waiting to make your way to. B was thrilled to find newboys and Irish caps that fit his rather large head, and I was oogling all the pretty expensive formal hats on the high wall behind the counter. The one sour note was the customer service. There were 3 older women behind the counter, and one college-age girl on the floor. That friendly girl was super busy helping out customers, answering questions, checking prices, grabbing items they cou from the high racks, running to the back to check inventory. The counter ladies checked out customers and didn't appear to do much else (except randomly mad mug people). I was checking out the hats behind the counter; granted I wasn't going to purchase because I could tell they were WAY out of my price range, but one of the three women could've at least offered to answer questions or offer to show me something... nope. Didn't speak to me, didn't acknowledge my presence. Well alright, then. read more

Whether your looking for a specific kind of hat or just want to parade your pretty face in front of mirrors modeling several looks, Berkeley Hat Company is happy to entertain purchasers and even browsers. In fact, if you're aimlessly traipsing along Telegraph, BHC is a great store to kill time. Goorin Bros will satisfy with stylish (albeit pricey) fedoras, but Berkeley Hat won't sell you short on the fedora purchase either. Plus, they've got anything you might need for that costume party whether it's 1808 themed or 1990. read more

Berkeley Hat Co has always been one of my go to places. Today I went in there wanting to get this hat I have been seeing in the window. It would be a great topper for How Weird this Sunday. Well, on my way home I walked in and asked how much the hat was. I didn't expect the girl to get it out of the window, but I was curious to try it, and actually would have bought it, until the following happened. They had to call the owner (Carol) to ask the price, apparently over the phone, she had mentioned she didn't want the hat moved from the display(but they had already done it), and she said it was $80 (around the price range I was expecting). So the staff and I are bantering about the hat, and I look over to a scowling woman at the door, and guess who? I tried it on, and it was pretty spectacular except that the feathers didn't lay how I would have blocked them. I still was thinking I might get it, because I am really busy this week(school, moving, etc.), but her vibe was not comfortable and I would have liked to walk around more. The hat was hard to browse with. When I finally decided against it, partially because the hovering sourpuss owner. She said "Of course not" like she was justified in being fussy about it coming out. It's too bad, cuz I really liked the hat, but didn't like being treated like that. And even though I own 4 hats from Berkeley Hat Co and my bf owns 3, I am still finding time this weekend to make it to the Hat Guys. read more

Once upon a time, I think I was their best customer! It all started with a hair cut nightmare that required me to wear a hat, chapeau, beret, boater for a few months. B.hats was heaven - gargantuan selection I every color, style, price point. They knew me by first name. Plan on taking awhile to select the hat of your dreams. If you don't see it, ask. Most of my pix are with chapeaus....yes, Virginia, there are bargains to be had. read more

The Berkeley Hat Shop is not just a hat store, it is a Millinery Emporium. Small though it is, you can find a hat for all seasons, for all sexes. The "church ladiies" hats are so beautiful, you'll want to join a congregation. Well perhaps you could convince a friend to have a garden wedding, Visit the store around Halloween time and find boas, masks, hats, all glittery and gorgeous Try on hats fedoras to frivolous, and you'll become a HatPerson. read more

Ok, I can officially review this little treasure for real since I visited in person (instead of via the interwebs). WOW. This place is a treasure trove of haberdashery. Upon opening the door you are surrounded by panamas, 10-gallons, sombreros, beanies, paperboys, chapeaus, fedoras, lids, caps, bowlers, and the list goes on. Variety and selection? This I knew about. From my online/over-the-phone experience, I could also tell the service was top notch, but visiting in person....yeah, this place is my favorite place to go and hook up my melon. So, I was in the market for another straw fedora (I like them because they're Latin looking, they're cool [figuratively and literally], and because they soak up sweat when I'm groovin on the dancefloor). So, I was pointed toward their corner of the store. I had many varieties to choose from. I did eventually pick one which was pretty pimp, but there was one which was even pimpy-er! It was a straight up silver fedora....unfortunately, it didn't fit! Man, I would been able to coordinate with my whip! Holla! **ok, sorry. I think I was slipping into Oaktown mode** No, but seriously, I did get a great top. The woman who helped me was super nice, informative, and errrr....hot. So yeah, whenever I'm in the Bay Area, it will be my duty to make a stop here. I will be like the romantic old Doctor character in "Field of Dreams", but instead of having a closet full of hats for my wife, they'll be for me. read more

I stopped by last weekend. I've totally gotten into hats. They have a huge selection of hats from basic skull caps to very fancy hats suitable for the Kentucky Derby, an Inauguration or some other fancy events. I love that they have hats for all head sizes. I have a large head (more brain power, right?) and am always able to find hats that fit me. I found two cute crocheted wide headbands (one in blue & purple colors; the other in red, pink shade). Their prices seem fair. Fun place to secretly watch your fellow customers. Kids to adults are filled with glee when they try on the hats. read more

I bought a knit hat at Urban Outfitters for $38. I got home and googled the company that makes the hats and saw that Berkeley Hat Company also sells them. Not only do they sell the same hats, they have a bigger selection and cheaper prices! I returned the hat at Urban and picked up a better one at Berkeley Hat Co. for $28. I ain't mad at that! If I ever need another hat, I'd buy it here. They have every kind of hat imaginable. The store is tiny, but they are literally packed floor to ceiling with hats. Plus, I felt better supporting a local business. read more

My friends and I were visiting San Fran... I mean SF (I was told never to refer to San Fransico as anything other than that or SF) and on our last day we were touring Berkeley and my local friend suggested we visit the hat shop to kill some time... We really must have spent the rest of the day in here. My cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard when we tried on the different selection of hats, they have so many wacky and amazing hats... (Do ppl who shop at this store hate ppl like me who go in for fun and laughs?) I'd love to post all our pictures from this store on Yelp but my friends would kick my butt if they knew I did that. Not only do they have outrageous hats but they also have a few that people (not me cause I look like a prepubescent boy in a hat) may actually purchase not as a joke or for some costume party. They also sold some other trinkets, my friend ended up purchasing a mask that fit her face perfectly (oh I can post that picture!). That was a random purchase... Anyway this store is tons of fun and even if you don't buy anything you'll still be entertained! read more

Berkeley Hat Company - She ended up buying the mask! - Hats Near Me - Berkeley, California

Berkeley Hat Company has saved my top more times than I can imagine. Festive hats for any occasion, and the accessories to prove that you know how to wear them. My favorite experience is coming into the store one day and very meekly asking if they have wigs for dressing in drag for a school project. Boy, the two ladies who were working there couldn't be more eager to help! All of their wigs were very reasonably priced and looked great in that regard. They also suggested a menagerie of items from tiny hats to feather boas to complement coiffures of any type and even gave suggestions on what looked most dramatic and glamorous for a drag queen. They turned what could have been an awkward situation into the most entertaining session of "dressing up" I've ever had. I owe them the most awesome "A" I've ever received on a film project. read more

The Berkeley hat store has a ton of different styles of hats. It is my go to place when I'm trying to find something random...like a fake bridal veil (which they had) My only complaint is that there are no refunds...which I get but I purchased 2 hats from here for halloween and ended up changing my costume and am now stuck with a red and green trucker hat... read more

Good selection of hat, I waited at the door to come in at 10:30 and it soon became pretty crowded. The man who helped me was nice, he checked with me if I needed anything. I finally made a decision and was about to buy 3 hats, just double checked the price that the similar looking hat was much cheaper. The owner lady next to the man immediately said, of course it's a different hat and showed an attitude (shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes). I was in such a good mood and wouldn't let this lady ruin it, so I decided not to comment, said 'oh, I see' . She was sort of watching over the guy, doing the cashier, maybe he was new, but I felt the tension between them. So I left saying thank you both to the guy and the lady with a smile upon exit. read more

I love this store. When I want to treat myself I add a new hat to my collection from this store.If you don't find your size on display they will dig it up from the back room.They have a complete range of styles and prices. I was trying on bowler hats and Carol said"I hate to tell you this but the cheaper one looks better on you." Honest help and good advice. read more

Because yesterday was Veteran's Day, traffic was very light going north. I decided to take a trip to Berkeley and see what I've missed for the past few years. I got there around 11:45am and went directly to Berkeley Hat Company. It was very easy to find. When I strolled in, I was greeted by Christine who helped me find exactly what I was looking for. They have anything and everything hats and wigs. I tried on some hats for size, color and appearance in their large mirror and I bought some items. When I first walked in, I was amazed by the variety and massive amount of hats the shop carried. I was thinking it was going to be chaos in there, but to my dismay, the hats were nicely stacked and arranged by rows and columns so that any of the employees could easily find what anybody is looking for. Customer service is very friendly and personable. Carol, the owner, rung me up at the front desk when I went to settle up the total charges. She runs a quite simple operation with a cash register, receipt book and credit card machine. FUNNY FACT: When I pulled out my driver's license and credit card for her viewing, Carol stared at my license for a long time honing in on my birth date. She mentioned that if I was born one day earlier, I could be in the same status she's in. She told me she was born on a leap year. So I asked her if the DMV ever gave her a driver's license. She laughed and told me she always played pranks on her friends and establishments when she's carded at bars when she was younger. She then pulled out a necklace that states she's 15 years old. And if my calculations are correct, she should be around 60 years old. I've always wondered how it would be to be born on a leap year. I think it's unusual to meet someone with a birthday like that, and I'm glad I got the pleasure in speaking to Carol. Berkeley Hat Company's prices are hard to beat. Considering they are a small husband and wife owned store operation in business for over 30 years, they've come a long way. They even have an online business for the company. Whether it's Halloween, Screenplay, or if you need an accessory accent for your next wardrobe, stop by Berkeley Hat Company. I know you'll definitely find something you'll need or don't really need. I can spend hours in there trying on different hats and I know you'll fall in love with this place too! read more

Do you have a freak of a friend in your life? I have a few. And since they live in la-la land without a firm grounding in reality -- I buy them hats. From this place. They love it! read more

The first time I walked in I was overwhelmed by how many hats they could fit in this tiny place. I was a lost little boy. The second time I went I came in as a man ready to conquer this place and come out with a hat. Their selection is never ending. I recommend going with a friend to help choose between hats. The people working there are very knowledgeable and helpful. They helped me and my cousin with selections and we both came out of there with rocking hats. We were both getting tons of compliments on our selections the rest of the week. read more

I've never been a hat guy. I have bought a few cheap hats at one time or another, never wearing one more than once or twice before letting it gather dust. That said, I was very impressed by this store before I made it through the door. "This is a serious hat shop", I said to myself after looking at their massive window display (the display, not so much the window). The store is tiny and filled with hats. They use the space so well that it's still easy to move around. They seem to have every type of hat imaginable (perhaps not baseball hats, but people who wear that type of hat don't seem to have any trouble finding them). Plenty of choices ranging from serious to frivolous. No matter what fashion category you might be dumped into, Berkeley Hat Company has a hat for you. I tried on this one hat a few times on my first visit. Not being a hat guy, I put it back. I dropped in a few months later to show off the store to visiting friends and ended up buying the same hat. Now I'm a hat guy. Everyone in the store is friendly and helpful. I stopped back in because my hat was loose (skull shrunk? Better check that out...) and they gladly tightened it up for me. They sell Burning Man tickets too. read more

I've lived in Berkeley/East Bay all my life and didn't even know this place existed. They have hats galore and a hat for every occasion! It's wall to wall full of hats covering every inch of space! They even have a nice selection of fascinators here which is almost impossible to find elsewhere. Been to every department store in the area and could not find any fascinators anywhere until I heard about this place. Didn't want to buy one online without being able to try it on or see how it looked with my dress. Going to a wedding in Europe soon where fascinators are very stylish and very much in vogue. They had many lovely fascinators here to choose from. The staff is really nice and helpful too and didn't mind that I spent a lot of time trying many of them on and holding them up to the dress that I had brought with me. read more

What a huge selection! Beautiful and reasonably priced items! I know I'll be back when I'm back in Berkeley.

This store is off-the-hook awesome. I have been looking for hats all over San Francisco for weeks and weeks now so I decided to take a Saturday and bart out to Berkeley to this shop I've been reading so many good things about. I figure, with all the positive reviews, even taking into account exaggerations, I'll probably find at least one good hat. Talk about one-stop shopping! I ended up leaving with 5 hats, all at extremely reasonable prices. This is a small shop but the selection was huge. Different styles, sizes, shapes, etc. I highly recommend this store! This will be the first place I check whenever I feel the urge for another new-to-me hat. read more

I had a plan before I walked in, a simple bowler, a stingy-brim, and maybe a pinched-front. What can I say? I like my hats -and I have a great selection. About 5 minutes into my visit, that changed. So much selection...I confused myself. I started to marvel at the selection of top hats and fedoras For a boutique-sized store, it is impressive, astounding and might I say overwhelming. I might even get a "ladies who lunch" affair. I am VERY impressed with the customer service I received! I like it when people are honest and can say "No. I don't think that looks good on you. this, however, will suit you better." ...and they are absolutely correct, and aren't up-selling you? I met the delightful and charming Carol who helped me feel right at home. A joy to converse with, and comes from a different era -one with politeness, and great social skills. I am also impressed with what they offer in addition to hats. I will not clarify in this review as I hope to maintain a few of their secrets, but I am happy and relieved to have stumbled upon this gem. Definitely a feather in my cap. I will be sending people THIS way and purchasing gifts here. read more

Why can't every hat store be like this?! Anyway, I come here every few months with some friends just for kicks...especially if they aren't from the bay. We'd just walk up and down telegraph looking through most of the businesses and this hat store has been a staple of my little tour. Despite having visited this place multiple times, I haven't bought anything. That is until my previous visit. I've been looking for a decent fedora for the longest time. In most cases, when I find a fedora, it is always either too small, too flimsy or the price is around $40. But on my resent excursion to Berkeley, I finally found a fedora here. It was solid black yet elegant. It fit great. It wasn't a flimsy piece of shit. And best of all, it was only $20! Totally within my price range. I was so surprised that I found a good one that my friends said" Look at your face dude haha just buy it. It's a good look too". So I did. No regrets...In fact, it's one of my favorite hats. They have a myriad of other hats too...a massive inventory indeed. Check it out. Also, I love the service. Everyone is so damn nice and friendly for a hat store. Other places rush me or tell me to refrain from taking pics. BHC lets me do whatever I want pretty much. As long as I'm satisfied, they don't seem to mind much. In short: Awesome store, Awesome selection, price is pretty good, Service is great! I will be back for sure and I recommend you stop by too if you're looking for hats...unless they are the fitted caps... read more

HATS HATS HATS! I love this place and stop here every time Im back in town. I stopped in last time to find a hat to were to the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego for their opening day. Since its horse racing AND opening day you know I have to wear some big ridiculous hat that I would never wear again, with a fancy dress and heels of course. I had a very specific color and style in mind, and the employees helped me dig through many many many floppy hats until I found one that I liked. This place is great cause there are plenty of mirrors and they dont have a panic attack when you want to try them all on. The hat was a little pricey, but the quality is great and it looked FABULOUS at the races. I totally passed for a rich girl that day, even though I have -500 dollars in my bank account...... Thanks everyone! Keep up the good work :) PS, if you are looking for normal hats to the most random and ABSURD... this is your place to check out. read more

If you need something to go to church in, something to wear to a costume ball, something to keep the rain off your head, something to pray in, something to wear on the street...Anything to put on your head, this is the place to go. There is no better choice of hats short of the Hat Guys in Oakland. This place is wall to wall ceiling to floor hats. The sales staff it top notch, and willing to direct you to anything from a 15 dollar halloween fedora to a $250 Barcellona. They really know their hats. This is also one of the local places to buy tickets to Burning Man, so they get extra 'Cool Points' read more