Frequently Asked Questions

What size hat do I wear?

Check out our sizing guide here: Sizing Guide

What is your return policy?

Returns are accepted up to 30 days after you receive your items. Just box up your unworn items and send them back to us, including a short note with a copy of your receipt, so we know what we're getting back. Full return policy.

How much is shipping?

Orders shipped in the US (including Alaska & Hawaii) ship free. No minimum order is required. International shipping rates vary depending on location. More on shipping here

Do you make the hats you sell?

Although we are technically called Levine Hat Manufacturing Co, Inc., we do not produce hats on the mass scale that we used to manufacture. Instead, our business is primarily involved in retail sales and distribution.  We design and distribute several hat brands of our own, most notable Levine Hats and 9th Street Hats.  Our headwear, clothing, and accessories are made in all parts of the world.

Do you repair hats?

Levine Hats is not currently performing and repair or customization work.

Does Levine Hats clean hats?

We can steam and brush fur felt hats that were purchased from our store and are in good to excellent condition.  We do not clean hats using chemicals and will NOT work on the following kinds of hats: Ladies hats, wool hats, straw hats, panama hats, firm blocked hats such as top hats, hats with dry-rotted sweatbands or soiled hats.

Do you sell gift cards?

Levine Hat Co. Gift Cards are available in all denominations. Order Gift Certificates here.

Do you ship internationally? 

We currently ship to the United States and Canada.

What is the best way for me to take care of my hat?

Clean your felt hats regularly using a soft bristle brush or a hat sponge. Chemically treated hat sponges are available, and work especially well for fine-grain felts. Brush counter clockwise with the nap, starting at the bow.

The steaming of fur felt hats temporarily loosens the fibers to allow the removal of surface dirt and dust. The steam softens the fibers to allow for blocking, reshaping and even smoothing any wrinkles in the hat band. To steam your hat, simply hold the hat over a steady stream (a steamer or tea kettle will work fine) and gently brush the hat with a clean, soft-bristle brush. Most friendly neighborhood hatters are glad to steam their customer's hats, even if for a nominal fee, with proper storage and care, one good steaming to "knock the dust off" at the end of each season is recommended.

Never apply direct heat to any material hat as this is certain to lead to undesirable results.

Regarding straw hats, they can be lightly brushed in the same manner as felts, but should never be steamed unless by a professional. Too much steam can ruin straw hats.

Use sticky tape to remove lint and dust from fur-felt hats. 2" masking tape wrapped around your palm (with the sticky side out) works well for this.

Leather hats can be cleaned using any commercial leather cleaner. There are several good brands available that work very well. Suede hats need a suede cleaner, not a leather cleaner. Also suede hats will benefit from an application of Scotchguard or a silicone based waterproofing spray to help repel water and dirt.

What accessories do I need to properly maintain my hat?

A proper hatter's brush is good for an occasional dusting. We sell inexpensive chemical sponges that are treated so that dust particles stick to them (these work well on wool caps). Check out our accessories for all your hat care items.

How should I handle my hat?

Always handle your hats by the brim.  Picking your hat up by the crown will hurt its shape, and may even damage the felt. As with straw hats, handling your straw hat by the pinch will eventually cause it to crack.

Never rest your hat on its brim. Always turn it upside down and set it on the crown, so that the brim doesn't flatten out. Even better is to store your hat in its proper box.

If you get caught in the rain, turn the leather sweatband inside out and let the hat stand on it so that it dries evenly.

Try not to get your straw hat wet! This will cause the straw to swell and lose it's shape.

Natural oils from your fingers can soil the crown of straw and felt hats, so you should try to handle your hats by the brim (it's hard, we know)

How should I store my hat when not wearing it?

Always store your hat in a hat box to help keep it clean and looking new. Do not rest the hat on its brim to prevent the brim from flattening out.

How long has Levine Hat Company been in business?

Over 100 years. Our current location is downtown at 1416 Washington Avenue a three-story, 30,000 sq/ft showroom and warehouse facility where a small team of workers are responsible for a variety of tasks. Genuine interest in our customers embodies who we are and what we do here, and it even won us an award in the Riverfront Times for Best Retail Experience. We are technically called Levine Hat Manufacturing Co, Inc., although we do not produce hats on the mass scale that we used to manufacture. Instead, our business is primarily involved in retail sales and distribution of fine quality headwear, clothing, and accessories made in all parts of the world. That is not to say that we are not capable of producing some of the finest quality men's felt hats to be found.