Custom Cowboy Hats Handcrafted in Yukon, Oklahoma's Hat Making Hub

Exploring the Custom Hat Culture of Yukon, Oklahoma

As I drove down Route 66 into the small town of Yukon, Oklahoma, I didn't know what to expect. I had heard rumors of a custom hat culture thriving in this rural community just west of Oklahoma City. With wide open plains stretching to the horizon and livestock grazing calmly, Yukon seemed like the perfect place to find authentic cowboy hats made for ranchers and rodeo stars.

Arriving at the Custom Hat Bar

I pulled up to an old brick storefront downtown with a hand-painted sign reading "Yukon Hat Bar." Stepping inside, I was overwhelmed by shelves stacked high with hat forms, leather hat bands, hundreds of shades of felt, and drawers overflowing with decorative hat accessories. Behind an old oak counter, an elderly man tipped his worn cowboy hat in my direction. His weathered hands showcased years of hat-making experience.

"Welcome to the Yukon Hat Bar little lady. I'm Frank, the owner. Are you here for a custom cowboy hat?"

Consulting with the Custom Hatter

I told Frank I wanted an authentic Oklahoma cowboy hat, and he nodded approvingly. He took my head measurements, then showed me to a corner of the shop filled with felt swatches and leather hat bands so I could choose my materials. I selected a rich chocolate brown felt and a turquoise leather hat band decorated with geometric beading.

"With that tall crown and wide brim, you'll have shade from the harsh Oklahoma sun when you're riding the plains. The leather band will add a nice custom touch too. I'll shape it on one of those hat forms, then it's off to the steamer. Should be ready in a couple days."

Understanding the Custom Hat Making Process

As Frank shaped the crown and brim to exact proportions on the custom wooden hat form, I gained appreciation for the intricate art of hat making. The process looked deceivingly simple, but Frank's skilled hands made magic shaping the malleable felt. He explained how the steamer set the hat's shape by bonding the hat fibers together after hours of intense heat. This was a far cry from the mass-manufacturing factories churning out generic cowboy hats.

Custom Touches for an Heirloom Hat

When I returned to the shop a few days later, I almost didn't recognize my hat. The rich chocolate brown felt looked gorgeous, and Frank had used decorative leather stamping tools to imprint an intricate scroll design along the turquoise hat band. "Every custom hat here is one-of-a-kind," Frank said as he showed me how a delicate mesh veil could be attached inside to protect my face and neck. Trying on that hat marked the first time I truly felt like an Oklahoma cowgirl.

As I proudly wore my custom hat bar hat out the door, Frank handed me a business card. "You'll be needing a custom hat rack for that beauty," he said with a wink. I knew I would be back to visit Frank at the Yukon Hat Bar, hopefully with friends who appreciate the craftsmanship poured into these Oklahoma heirlooms.

The Yukon Hat Bar: Your Custom Hat Destination

The Yukon Hat Bar near Oklahoma City has been the go-to custom hat maker for ranchers and rodeo athletes across Oklahoma for over 60 years. Master hatter Frank learned the art of hat making from his father, and now crafts 200+ unique cowboy hats each year for clients across the country.

Custom Hats for Every Style & Budget

The Yukon Hat Bar has an extensive collection of hat forms, materials, and accessories to craft custom hats ranging from $100 basic ranch hats to $3,000 show-quality hats laden with intricate detailing. Frank works with each client to understand their budget, style and hat needs to design the ideal custom cowboy hat.

The Custom Hat Making Process

Each hat starts with careful measurement of the client's head to ensure perfect fit. Frank helps each client select hat materials including types of fur felt, leather hat bands, and decorative accessories. Then the real art begins as Frank skillfully shapes the hat crown and brim by hand over a custom wooden hat form before sealing the hat's shape in a steamer.

Unique Custom Accents

What really sets the Yukon Hat Bar's custom hats apart are Frank's special finishing touches. He can imprint leather hat bands with detailed custom designs using traditional stamping tools. Delicate face veils and colorful hat bands personalized with beading and feathers add exclusive flair. And of course, Frank shapes and treats each hat with the care and craftsmanship that only 60+ years of hat making can achieve.

For a truly one-of-a-kind cowboy hat backed by generations of hat making mastery, visit the Yukon Hat Bar on historic Route 66 and see why they reign supreme in Oklahoma's custom hat culture.

FAQs

What types of hats does the Yukon Hat Bar make?

The Yukon Hat Bar specializes in making custom cowboy hats in a variety of styles including ranch hats, rodeo hats, women's hats, straw hats, palm leaf hats, and show quality hats for performers and competitors.

How long does it take for my custom hat to be made?

Most custom cowboy hats at the Yukon Hat Bar take around 2-4 days to handcraft. More complex designs with intricate details may take 5-7 days.

What is the price range for Yukon Hat Bar hats?

Their hats start at around $100 for a basic fur felt cowboy hat, ranging up to $3,000 or more for a top end show quality hat with premium materials and detailing.

Do you have to visit the shop in Oklahoma to get a Yukon Hat Bar hat?

While an on site custom fitting is recommended for the best sizing, they can also take remote orders and measurements by phone or email. Shipping for remote orders is available in the US.