SR
The Materials Behind The Millinery
why Sarah chooses each material and what it allows her to create
Premium Hat Materials
These foundation materials are combined in various ways to achieve different textures, finishes, and styles of hats, depending on my vision and the intended purpose of the hat.
Felt
Often made from wool, is popular for structured winter hats. Wool Felt: Traditionally the most common type of felt used in millinery. Wool felt is a staple in millinery, its versatility, durability, and natural properties. As the demand for sustainable materials grows, wool felt stands out as a renewable, biodegradable option that can be produced with ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Peach bloom felt
Peach bloom felt is a premium, ultra-soft wool felt commonly used in high-end millinery. Known for its smooth, velvety texture that mimics the softness of peach skin, this felt offers a luxurious finish that’s both elegant and versatile.
The fabric is made from fine merino wool, which gives it both durability and a lightweight feel. Peach bloom felt is ideal for creating a variety of hat styles, from classic fedoras to more structured, couture designs. It holds its shape beautifully when steamed or blocked, making it perfect to achieve sharp, clean lines or soft, rounded silhouettes.
Straw
Straws are used for our summer range as it offers lightness and breathability. Here’s some of the straws we use in the studio.
Sinamay
Sinamay is a natural fiber fabric made from the fibers of the abaca plant (a type of banana plant native to the Philippines). It is renowned for its lightweight, stiff texture, and ability to hold shape, making it ideal for creating structured and intricate hats, particularly for formal or special occasions like weddings, races, and other events.
Buntal straw
Buntal straw originated from the buntal palm, where the outer layer of leaves is peeled away to reveal long, fibrous strands. These fibers are then processed by hand, stripped, and woven into fine, durable threads. The process of weaving and shaping buntal into millinery forms requires skill and precision, which is why it is often used by high-end milliners and artisans. The resulting material is soft yet strong, with a natural sheen and a smooth finish.
Buckram
Buckram is a stiffened fabric commonly used to provide structure and support in millinery.
It’s an essential material for many traditional millinery techniques, used to create the underlying framework of a hat before additional materials like felt, straw, or fabric are applied.
Fossshape
Fosshape is a heat-moldable, non-woven, fabric-like material made from a combination of fibers, often a blend of polyester. It behaves similarly to felt in that it is firm and strong, yet it can be shaped when heated and holds its form once cooled. It provide a lightweight structure, which is essential for hats that need to be comfortable while maintaining a sharp, defined shape.
