Headwear Made In England: Why it Matters to Laird Hatters
Laird Hatters is a proudly British-owned and made company. The name "Laird" comes from the Scottish term for "lord", and we’re proud to say that all our production takes place here in England.
British headwear has long been iconic for its creativity, craftsmanship, and tradition. Nowhere else in the world are hats so closely associated with national identity as they are with Great Britain. Yet today, it’s increasingly rare to find hatters who still produce their goods in England, rather than outsourcing.
We believe that to truly call ourselves locally made and sustainable, we must be transparent. That’s why we’re taking you through each step of how every Laird hat and cap is crafted right here in our factories in Tottenham and Hertfordshire.
Pattern Drafting and Cutting by Hand
All patterns are drawn and cut by hand, laying the foundation for exceptional fit and form. This traditional approach allows our makers to account for subtle details in shape, proportion, and style that machine-cut patterns often overlook.
Hand-drafting ensures that each hat or cap follows the natural contours of the head, providing a more tailored and comfortable fit. It also allows for fine adjustments and refinements that are essential when working with different fabrics, designs, or bespoke requests.
At Laird, this careful, manual process is a key part of our commitment to quality — where precision, tradition, and craftsmanship meet in every stitch.
Picking Local and Sustainable Fabrics
At Laird, the heart of our production begins with one of the most vital decisions: fabric selection. We believe that the integrity of any well-made hat or cap starts with exceptional materials — and for us, that means choosing fabrics rooted in quality, tradition, and British heritage.
Our commitment to using British textiles helps us be sustainable and celebrates centuries-old craftsmanship that still holds strong today. From mills in Yorkshire to the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides, our fabric choices span from locally sourced wool to the world-renowned Harris Tweed — a fabric steeped in tradition, handwoven by islanders in their own homes, and protected by law.
Choosing Harris Tweed and other heritage cloths is about respecting the legacy of British textile making and ensuring every Laird hat and cap carries that story forward. With every fabric we select, we honour the traditions that shaped our industry, while creating pieces designed for modern life.
Sewing it All Together
Once the patterns are finalised and the fabric selected, each part of the hat must be carefully cut and sewn — a process that requires both skill and precision. At this stage, the expertise of our production team truly shines.
Since 2009, Laird Hatters has been committed to traditional craftsmanship, and our in-house team brings decades of combined experience to the table. Every stitch, seam, and lining is handled with care, ensuring that each hat or cap not only looks the part but fits and functions beautifully.
Our team follows a rigorous production process, where each headpiece is carefully inspected at multiple stages. From construction to finishing, we carry out intensive quality control to maintain the highest standards. It’s this hands-on approach — rooted in experience and pride in our craft — that ensures every Laird hat is made to last, with the attention to detail that defines true British tailoring.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle: You
When you support local businesses like Laird, you're helping to keep a century old tradition alive. Hatters have always been a staple of British fashion, and we want to do our part to keep this history going. We are grateful for the support of our community, fashion and hat lovers in the UK and around the world.
We promise to uphold our sense of tradition, quality, and craft, one hat at a time.
Find your perfect handmade hat and cap now.
