The Social Hat

03/04/2026

For more than a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Howard at Sid’s Clothing & Hats in Chicago. Every visit reminds me why great independent hat stores are so important to our industry.

During my recent trip to the wonderful city of Chicago, I stopped by the shop to spend time with Howard and Courtney and to present our Doria Fall/Winter collection.

Established in the 1950s, Sid’s Clothing & Hats has become a true Chicago institution. Located at 609 W. Roosevelt Road, the store originally focused on quality clothing, but about 30 years ago hats became a major part of the business and today the hat side has truly taken off.

Walking through the store is a joy for any hat lover: rows of felt hats, classic caps, and timeless styles carefully curated for their customers. Each year they transition their assortment from winter felts and wool to spring and summer straw, continuing a tradition that keeps the shop alive and evolving.

It’s always a pleasure presenting collections in such a historic and authentic hat environment.

Howard and Courtney, thank you once again for always making me feel so welcome. Your passion, professionalism, and dedication to the hat world truly embody what this industry is all about.

The hat journey continues.

02/03/2026

There are hat moments that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

Having a hat made specifically for me by one of the finest hat factories in the world is truly a great honor. Last month, during my visit to Signes Hats in Gata de Gorgos, Spain, I experienced a rare, once-in-a-lifetime immersion into craftsmanship at its highest level.

Together, we explored the future growth of Signes in North America—sharing ideas, passion, and a deep respect for the art of hat making. From those conversations emerged this beautiful pencil-rolled, open-crown luxury felt hat, pictured here from raw felt to finished form.

This style is now available for Fall/Winter 2026 line collections and Private Label development, offered in over 200 colors and crafted in beaver, rabbit, or merino wool.

If you’re interested in developing a Handmade Luxury Open-Crown PL program, feel free to DM me for details.

Looking forward to building something meaningful together.

Hat People Always Shine.
Signes Hats

—
Pablo Alvarez
The Social Hat

07/08/2025

Super stoked to have our customers & visit Alfonso D’Este today in beautiful Naples, Italy! 🇮🇹

There’s nothing like meeting the people behind the brand—seeing, touching, and feeling the love and craftsmanship that inspire one of Italy’s most iconic hat companies.

Big thanks to the incredible Italian team for the warm hospitality and for opening the doors to their hat & cap palace.


Today was the day!! We had the opportunity to visit Alfonso D’Este,Italy. Come along with us as we show you some behind the scnes while we finalize and got a sneak peak at next years line!

05/28/2025

My Handmade Pork Pie ❤️🎩🙌🇺🇸

03/28/2025

Triangle Hat friends!
This weekend—Saturday & Sunday from 9am to 5pm—I’ll be set up at The Raleigh Market with my full hat stand!

Come by for on-the-spot hat services:
• Cleaning
• Reshaping
• Reblocking
• Full restoration

Plus, browse over 700+ hats available at amazing prices—fedoras, panamas, westerns, flat caps, and more!

Find me at Spot #448. Let’s get your favorite hat looking fresh again, or help you find your new go-to piece.

03/19/2025

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Ben in New Haven, Connecticut—a legendary hat store that has been outfitting hat lovers since 1908! Walking through its doors is like stepping into a rich history of fine headwear, where tradition and craftsmanship thrive.

This visit was especially meaningful to me. When I first started wholesaling hats, Mr. Delmonico welcomed me with open arms, giving me one of my first opportunities to showcase and sell my collections. His support helped shape my journey, and now, years later, I have the honor of continuing this tradition with his son, Ben!

A huge thank you to Ben and the entire Delmonico Hatter team for their dedication to quality and style. Be sure to check out our collection both in-store and online at https://www.delmonicohatter.com/category/Alfonso-DEste.htm🎩

03/19/2025

03/09/2025

Great seeing Calvin Haskins today at my hat stand The Raleigh Market Thank you for stopping by—it was a pleasure to clean and re-block the hats you got from our old hat store 16 years ago Eliza ARTwrks. Honored to keep them looking sharp after all these years!

03/07/2025

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See the photos: Design Extravaganza at Maus & Hoffman on Worth Avenue

03/02/2025

In 1961, by way of Petoskey, Michigan, and Fort Lauderdale, Bill Maus and Frank Hoffman opened a store on Worth Avenue.
Jack Kennedy was settling into the White House, the Dow closed the year at 838, gas was 27 cents per gallon, and there were only two stoplights on US 1 between Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach—one in Boca and the other in Delray.

Much has changed, but not their affection and respect for Palm Beach, FL.

Fast forward to last Saturday, and I was honored to be part of Maus & Hoffman’s biggest trunk show of the year! I showcased an exquisite selection of and my own custom bespoke Panama hats—a collection that embodies craftsmanship, tradition, and timeless style.

A heartfelt thank you to Michael & John Maus and the entire staff for their graciousness and continued appreciation of fine headwear. It’s an immense honor to see our hats grace the shelves of this iconic store.

02/13/2025

This Weekend! Visit ThThe Raleigh Market and find me inside at my incredibly talented wife’s booth,Eliza ARTwrks I’ll be offering hat cleaning, blocking, and shaping services. See you there! Hours Saturday and Sunday 9am-4pm