Summer's back, which for us hat enthusiasts means the beanies and winter hats are going away and the beloved sun hats and fedoras are coming out of storage; but when was the last time you had a hat custom-fitted and made just for you?
Meet John and Kate McLaughlin, owners of The Brass Rooster in Bay View and two of the few remaining custom hat-makers (technically referred to as master dress hatters) in the nation,
"Kate and I are the only two master dress hatters left in the state," explains John, "and are only two of fifteen left in the country."
But with hats still a popular fashion item today, why are there so few hat makers left? And what really all goes in to making a custom hat, anyways?
Listen the full piece on custom hat making with John and Kate of The Brass Rooster below:
For more on the historic process of custom hat making, you can visit them online at brassrooster.com or visit them at 2252 S Kinnickinnic Ave in Bay View.
