the art of hat making
Handcrafted in Tradition
Designed & developed under the Aussie sun from natural materials and made by the worlds best milliners. Road tested across the globe to
ensure the highest quality.
We are obsessed with finding the best regenerative materials that have the best positive impact possible. This means working within our natural carbon cycles to achieve better outcomes for the land our materials come from. The use of waste; our wool is sourced from the short fibers the fashion industry doesn't want and designing with circularity in mind.
Design and Prototyped Locally
On our Mornington Peninsula facility we design and prototype or hats in house.
Sourced from the farm
We source our material from small lot farms to support Australian farmers.
Made By World Best Milleners
Once its designed and tested we use the world best hat makers from Australia, China & Vietnam.
Road Tested Globally
Our hats are tested by some of the worlds most influential travellers across the globe.
Designed to Last
We provide the tools and support help your product last a lifetime.
Back to the Earth
Because our hats are made from natural fibres they will biodegrade naturally and even add nutrients to the soil.
our materials
Our Wool
Making use of the fashion industry waste
Will & Bear use wool sourced from small lot farms, and focus on short low-quality fibres that the fashion industry doesn't use. Not only does wool look and feel great, but it’s also natural, biodegradable, recyclable, renewable & water-resistant. When wool is disposed of, it will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of months or years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
Hemp
Hemp has a very low impact on the environment. As a crop, hemp requires no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or GMO seeds.
Our hemp is cultivated in the mountains of Northern China and is comfortable, breathable, and cool to the touch. It is one of the strongest natural fibres; its antibacterial properties, as well as its resistance to UV rays, make it ideal for enduring all environments you choose to adventure.
Straw / Palm Straw
Our primary straw materials are Palm & Raffia, both natural & biodegradable.
Palm straw is lightweight, breathable, and suitable for all seasons. Each palm frond is braided by hand to form the core structure of our hats. By weaving the palm straw, it becomes a robust and durable band that can withstand all conditions.
Raffia straw is grown on the island of Madagascar. A heavier straw known for its durability while offering excellent sun protection.
Cotton / Organic Cotton
We are moving towards organic cotton within the range. Grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, our organic cotton keeps our oceans clean, eliminates the allergens found in conventionally grown cotton, and provides our consumers with not only soft and high quality fabric but peace of mind when it comes to their environmental footprint.
Tencel
Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp with a very low environmental impact. A high-end material, it is well regarded for being soft and durable and is a popular alternative to cotton.
Burliegh Heads, Australia
Inner Mongolia, China
