Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our handcrafted hats, materials, ordering process, and care instructions.

We work with premium natural materials sourced from trusted suppliers. Our collection includes felt made from 100% wool and rabbit fur, straw varieties such as Panama and raffia, and high-quality cotton fabrics. Each material is selected for durability and comfort.

For embellishments, we use silk ribbons, leather bands, and genuine feathers. All materials meet British quality standards and are tested for longevity. We can provide detailed information about the specific materials used in any hat upon request.

Production time varies depending on the complexity of the design. A standard custom piece typically requires 2-3 weeks from order confirmation to completion. More intricate designs with detailed embellishments or special techniques may take 4-5 weeks.

We begin with a consultation to understand your preferences, followed by pattern creation and material selection. Once production starts, we keep you updated on progress. Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated for an additional fee, subject to our current workload.

Yes, proper sizing is essential for comfort and appearance. We offer in-person consultations at our London workshop where we take precise head measurements using professional tools. This includes circumference, front-to-back, and side-to-side measurements.

For clients outside London, we provide detailed measuring instructions with diagrams. You'll need a flexible measuring tape and can send us photos for verification. We also account for hair volume and wearing preferences to ensure the perfect fit.

Absolutely. Custom colour selection is one of our specialties. We maintain an extensive palette of dyes and fabrics, and can match specific colour references you provide, whether from fabric swatches, photographs, or colour codes.

For patterns, we can incorporate checks, stripes, florals, or geometric designs depending on the base material. Some techniques like hand-painting or embroidery allow for truly unique patterns. We'll discuss feasibility during the design consultation and show you samples of similar work.

Care instructions depend on the material. Felt hats should be brushed regularly with a soft-bristle brush, moving counter-clockwise. Store them on a hat stand or upside down to maintain shape. Avoid exposure to rain; if wet, blot gently and air dry away from heat.

Straw hats need protection from moisture and should be stored in a cool, dry place. Cotton pieces can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water. We provide specific care cards with each purchase, and offer professional cleaning services for £15-25 depending on the piece.

Our portfolio includes fedoras, trilbies, wide-brimmed sun hats, cloches, berets, and fascinators. We also create caps, Panama hats, and seasonal pieces like winter felt hats with ear flaps. Each style can be adapted to suit your preferences.

We're experienced in both classic and contemporary designs. Whether you need something for daily wear, special occasions like weddings and races, or theatrical purposes, we can craft it. Browse our gallery or bring reference images to discuss possibilities.

Yes, we ship worldwide using tracked courier services. UK delivery typically takes 2-3 working days via Royal Mail Special Delivery. European orders arrive within 5-7 working days, while international shipping to other regions takes 7-14 working days.

All hats are carefully packaged in protective boxes with tissue paper and padding. Shipping costs vary by destination and are calculated at checkout. Insurance is included for orders over £100. Customs duties for international orders are the buyer's responsibility.

Prices reflect the materials used, design complexity, and time required. Ready-to-wear pieces from our collection start at £85. Custom designs begin at £150 for simple styles and range up to £450 for elaborate pieces with extensive handwork.

Fascinators and smaller accessories start at £65. Bridal and special occasion pieces requiring multiple fittings and intricate detailing typically range from £250-500. We provide detailed quotes after the initial consultation, with no obligation to proceed. A 50% deposit secures your order.

We offer restoration services for vintage and damaged pieces. This includes reshaping, cleaning, replacing worn ribbons or bands, repairing tears, and refreshing colours. We assess each piece individually to determine what's possible.

Restoration costs depend on the work required, starting from £45 for basic cleaning and reshaping. More extensive repairs involving structural work or material replacement cost £80-150. Bring your piece to our workshop for a free assessment, and we'll explain what can be achieved.

Special occasion pieces are a significant part of our work. We create hats and fascinators for weddings, Royal Ascot, garden parties, and other formal events. These pieces can be coordinated with your outfit, incorporating matching fabrics or complementary colours.

We recommend booking 8-12 weeks before your event to allow time for design, creation, and any adjustments. We can arrange fittings to ensure everything is perfect. Many clients bring fabric swatches from their outfits to help us achieve ideal coordination.

Handcrafted pieces are made using traditional millinery techniques that have been refined over centuries. Each hat is shaped, stitched, and finished by hand, allowing for superior fit and attention to detail. The construction methods ensure better durability and the ability to customize every aspect.

We use higher-quality materials than most commercial manufacturers, and each piece is made specifically for the wearer rather than to standard sizes. The finishing touches, from hand-sewn linings to carefully placed embellishments, create pieces that last for years and can become treasured items.

Yes, we welcome visitors to our London workshop by appointment. During your visit, you can see our tools, materials, and works in progress. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your ideas in person and understand the craftsmanship involved.

Workshop visits typically last 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled during our business hours. We're located at 87 Loughborough Road in Brixton, easily accessible by public transport. Contact us to arrange a convenient time for your visit.

For ready-made pieces, we accept returns within 14 days of delivery if the item is unworn and in original condition. Custom-made hats cannot be returned as they are created specifically for you, but we will make adjustments if the fit or finish isn't as agreed.

If there's a defect in materials or workmanship, we'll repair or replace the piece at no charge within 12 months of purchase. We stand behind the quality of our work and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

Gift vouchers are available in any amount from £50 upwards. They're valid for 12 months and can be used toward any of our services, including custom orders, ready-made pieces, or restoration work. Vouchers make thoughtful gifts for hat enthusiasts.

We can email vouchers directly to the recipient or provide a printed certificate for you to present personally. The recipient can book a consultation to discuss their preferences and use the voucher value toward their chosen piece. Contact us to purchase a voucher.

About Xesuhe

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

Handcrafted hat creation process

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.