HAT BLOCKS/MOLDS

Whether you need them for your business or to develop a passion, at Artipistilos you will find all the types of hat blocks and hat molds you might need.

As for the blocks, our catalog includes not only blocks for different types of hats (fedora, panama, pamela, cloche, bowler...) but also in different sizes (S, SM, M, MPlus, L...). You'll always find one for every size!

When it comes to molds, we have crown molds and brim molds for different hat and pamela models. In both cases, we have molds made of wood as well as cork, which are very resistant, durable, and eco-friendly materials.

This section does not end with the aforementioned products. We also have secondary tools that will help you shape and preserve your creations. For example, here you will find hat stretchers, ideal for these two tasks, and polystyrene balls that will come in handy when designing ornaments.

WHAT IS A HAT BLOCK?

Be amazed by our wide range of hat blocks for all kinds of styles!

Artisans have a thousand and one tools with which to create their works. Those who manufacture products that people will wear are special since they have to make these products in a very specific size. How do they achieve this? Well, among other things, through the use of blocks.

A block is a tool used by shoemakers and milliners to support the artisan in shaping the product. Once finished, the blocks also help maintain the shape of the product, preventing it from getting crushed or bent.

In the case at hand here, a hat block imitates the dimensions and style of a certain type of hat. To create that type of hat (say, a panama hat), the milliner must take a block that corresponds to that style and has the right size for the customer's head.

Sometimes, to create a custom hat, craftsmen measure the proportions of the customer's head and, with these measurements, create a block with the perfect size for that person.

Currently, most hats are mass-produced, so only milliners and hobbyists use blocks. In the past, they were made of wood, but in the mid-20th century, polyurethane began to be used, which is much lighter and easier to manufacture.

WHAT ARE HAT MOLDS?

Both hat blocks and hat molds serve the same purpose: to help the artisan give the correct shape to the materials.

However, while blocks are exact reproductions of the hat to be manufactured, molds represent only parts of a hat, such as the crown or the brim. When working on these specific parts of the hat, they can be more practical than blocks. They are usually made of materials such as wood or cork.

WHAT IS A MILLINER?

Milliners are artisans engaged in the manufacture, repair, and/or sale of hats.

To make a hat, the first step is to select the material that will be used to make it and cut or shape it according to the reference block. Then, a special iron must be used to define the shape of the hat and, if necessary, stiffen the brims. Finally, the touch of the external ribbon is added or other ornaments such as bows or flowers.

A typical repair that a milliner might do is to renew the inner lining of the crown. To do this, they must carefully remove it, immerse it in solvent and rub it to remove the dirt. Another very simple operation is to replace worn linings, ribbons, and ornaments with new ones.

The golden age of milliners was the 19th century and much of the 20th century. Nowadays, the use of hats is not as common, so the few who are dedicated to this artisan craft direct their creations to a more affluent clientele or to the world of cinema or theater.

HATS FOR WOMEN AND MEN

In the online store of Artipistilos, you will find the best women's and men's hats on the market. Do not wait any longer, explore our website!

Hats are one of the most complete accessories for your outfit. They are not just for blocking the sun and keeping your head cool or warm! There is a wide variety of hats to choose from, not only to match what you are wearing but also to meet your needs in every season. For example, straw hats are great for sunny days.

Most hats have these two elements: the crown, under which is the cavity for the head, and the brim, which is around the crown. The size and shape of these two elements determine the style of the hat.

The Panama hats, for instance, are excellent for warm climates because their wide brim protects the face from the sun. Cloche hats, on the other hand, have a bell shape, i.e., they have a high and rounded crown and a very short brim, and are more aesthetically pleasing than functional as they offer little protection to the eyes from the sun.

It is true that certain styles of hats are often associated with specific materials (for example, Panama hats to plant fibers), but this is not usually a decisive factor in identifying them.

At Artipistilos you will find many other types of hats, natural hats and colored hats such as black hats, blue hats or white hats.

WHAT IS A PAMELA?

Pamelas are a type of hat characterized by their large brim that can be straight or wavy. The crown is usually low and rounded. It is ideal for very sunny days, which is why the pamela is also known as a beach hat.

There are types of pamelas to wear on a beach day or for a wedding. In the online store of Artipistilos you will find pamelas for all tastes. Small pamelas, large pamelas, lilac pamelas, black pamelas, blue pamelas ...

Do not forget that we make custom pamelas! Contact us and tell us in detail what would be the pamela of your dreams.