About Xesuhe

Creating distinctive headwear through traditional millinery techniques and contemporary design sensibility since our establishment in London.

Our Beginning

Xesuhe started in a small workshop near Loughborough Road, where the founder combined formal millinery training with a passion for preserving traditional hat-making methods. What began as custom orders for local theatre productions grew into a business serving clients across London and beyond.

The workshop expanded gradually, adding skilled artisans who shared the commitment to quality construction and attention to detail. Each person brought specific expertise—from blocking and shaping to trimming and finishing—creating a team capable of producing diverse styles while maintaining consistent standards.

Today, the studio operates from its permanent location at 87 Loughborough Road, where clients can visit by appointment to discuss custom projects or select from ready-to-wear collections. The space includes a showroom, workbenches for different stages of production, and storage for materials sourced from established suppliers in Britain and Europe.

Our Mission

We produce headwear using established millinery techniques, working with natural materials and maintaining construction methods that ensure durability. Each piece receives individual attention during production, from initial blocking through final finishing. Our work serves clients seeking well-made hats for specific occasions or everyday wear.

Our Vision

We aim to maintain millinery as a viable craft by training new artisans and demonstrating that handmade headwear remains relevant. Through consistent quality and transparent production methods, we show that traditional skills can meet contemporary needs without compromising standards or adopting mass production approaches.

Craftsmanship

Every hat passes through multiple hands during production. Blocking specialists shape the foundation, trimmers add decorative elements, and finishers complete the interior work. This division of labour ensures each stage receives focused attention from someone with specific expertise in that area.

Material Selection

We source felt from mills in the Czech Republic that have operated for over 80 years, straw from Italian suppliers specialising in natural fibres, and trimmings from British manufacturers. Material choices directly affect how a hat wears and ages, so we prioritise suppliers with documented quality control processes.

Client Communication

Custom orders begin with a consultation to discuss intended use, style preferences, and practical requirements like head measurements and comfort considerations. We provide samples of materials and show examples of similar completed work to ensure clear understanding before production begins.

Experience and Expertise

Millinery workshop with traditional tools

Our team includes three milliners with formal training from recognised institutions, two pattern makers who specialise in adapting historical designs for modern wear, and one finishing specialist who handles interior work and sweatband installation. Combined, the team has over 35 years of experience in commercial millinery production.

The workshop maintains equipment for both traditional and contemporary techniques. Wooden hat blocks in various sizes and shapes allow for precise forming, while modern steamers and pressing equipment ensure consistent results. We keep detailed records of each custom order, including measurements and material specifications, enabling accurate reproduction if clients request additional pieces.

Production capacity varies by style complexity, but typically ranges from 15 to 25 pieces per week for standard designs. Custom orders requiring new blocks or unusual materials take longer, usually 4 to 6 weeks from consultation to completion. Rush orders can be accommodated depending on current workload, with additional fees applied for expedited production schedules.

Our Collection

Each piece tells its own story. From classic fedoras to contemporary wide-brimmed designs, our handcrafted hats combine traditional millinery techniques with modern aesthetics. Browse through our recent work and discover the attention to detail that goes into every creation.

Fedora

Classic Burgundy Fedora

A timeless fedora crafted from premium wool felt with a silk grosgrain ribbon. The structured crown and medium brim create an elegant silhouette suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. Hand-blocked using traditional wooden forms.

Wide Brim

Summer Garden Wide Brim

Lightweight straw construction with a generous 12cm brim provides excellent sun protection. Features a hand-woven raffia band adorned with dried flowers. Perfect for garden parties, seaside strolls, or outdoor weddings throughout the warmer months.

Cloche

Vintage-Inspired Cloche

This 1920s-style cloche captures the essence of Art Deco elegance. Made from soft velour felt with a deep crown that sits close to the head. The asymmetrical brim and vintage brooch detail add character while maintaining a refined, sophisticated appearance.

Bespoke

Bespoke Wedding Fascinator

Custom-designed for a spring wedding in the Cotswolds. Features hand-curled sinamay petals in blush pink, accented with vintage lace and pearl beading. The sculptural design sits elegantly on a matching headband, creating a statement piece that complements the bride's aesthetic.

Fedora

Charcoal Wool Trilby

A contemporary take on the classic trilby with a shorter brim and higher crown. Constructed from fine merino wool with a water-resistant finish. The narrow leather band and internal comfort sweatband ensure both style and practicality for daily wear in unpredictable British weather.

Wide Brim

Autumn Felt Wide Brim

Rich caramel-coloured felt with a luxuriously wide brim that frames the face beautifully. The crown features subtle hand-stitched details and a leather cord trim. This versatile piece transitions seamlessly from countryside walks to city cafés during autumn and winter seasons.

Why Choose Our Hats

Each piece is crafted with attention to detail, using traditional techniques combined with contemporary design sensibility. We work with natural materials and create accessories that last.

Handcrafted Process

Every hat is shaped, stitched, and finished by hand in our London workshop. We use millinery techniques passed down through generations, ensuring each piece receives individual attention from start to finish. No mass production, no shortcuts.

Premium Materials

We source wool felt from specialist European suppliers, silk from British textile mills, and straw from sustainable producers. Each material is selected for durability and comfort. Our leather sweatbands come from English tanneries with ISO 9001 certification.

Custom Sizing

Standard sizes from 54cm to 62cm are available immediately. For measurements outside this range, we create hats to your exact head circumference using wooden blocks. Adjustments can be made to crown height and brim width based on your preferences.

Timeless Design

Our designs avoid fleeting trends. We focus on classic silhouettes that remain relevant season after season. A fedora or wide-brim hat from our collection will look appropriate this year and in ten years, making it a practical investment for your wardrobe.

Repair Service

Hats can be refreshed and repaired. We offer cleaning, reshaping, and replacement of worn components like ribbons or sweatbands. If your hat loses its shape or develops damage, bring it to our workshop. Most repairs take 5-7 working days.

Color Selection

Beyond standard black, navy, and brown, we maintain stock in charcoal, burgundy, forest green, and camel. Seasonal colors like dusty rose or sage appear twice yearly. For bespoke orders, we can source specific shades with 3-4 weeks lead time.

Quality Guarantee

All hats come with a 12-month guarantee covering manufacturing defects. This includes issues with stitching, material flaws, or structural problems. Normal wear and accidental damage are not covered, but we can provide repair estimates at no charge.