The English bowler hat has one of the most specific origin stories in fashion. Thomas and William Bowler produced the first example in 1849 for Lock and Co. of London, acting on a commission from Edward Coke who needed a lower-profile protective hat for his gamekeepers than the top hat then in use. The dome crown that results from that commission is the shape that 175 years of subsequent production have kept unchanged.

This version from Novella Hats is crafted from premium wool felt with the dome crown and tightly curled brim of the English original, a grosgrain band at the crown base, and a satin lining inside for the comfort and quality that a hat at this price should provide. The construction follows the heritage specification that has made the bowler hat the most recognisable British hat silhouette in the world.

Available across standard sizes in the classic English design. The bowler hat is the hat that says something specific about the person wearing it, and the English wool felt version is the one worth wearing if you want that statement made correctly.

Novella Hats has sold over 10,000 hats with a Trustpilot Great rating. At $39.99 with free US shipping on qualifying orders, the English wool felt bowler is the heritage specification hat.

Sizing Info:

  • Small: 55cm (6 7/8)
  • Medium: 57cm (7 1/4)
  • Large: 59cm (7 1/2)
  • X-Large: 61cm (7 3/4)