ON FUR & SUSTANABILITY
When choosing a hat, the material matters just as much as the design. Understanding what goes into a hat allows us to make more informed and intentional choices about the pieces we wear. Read on to see why, after extensive research and thoughtful consideration of craftsmanship, sustainability, and environmental impact, I chose to work exclusively with fur felts in the creation of my hats.
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Rabbit and beaver fur have microscopic barbs along each fiber that interlock naturally without needing toxic glues or plastic stiffeners like wool and other synthetic fibers. This produces a dense, uniform felt that holds its shape beautifully.
Synthetic or fabric felt hats do not biodegrade and, over their lifespan, shed billions of microplastics that pollute waterways.
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Hats made from authentic rabbit and beaver last decades and actually improve with age. When they do finally degrade, they return to organic matter leaving no plastic.
The rabbit fur felts are by-product furs, left over from the European food industry, bypassing the high carbon and methane footprints of industrial sheep farming.
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These furs are also distinctly receptive to and cooperative with steam and hand-shaping, with a level of precision that synthetic materials can’t match.
Wool is much more porous and, if caught in the rain, will quickly lose its shape, rendering it unwearable much sooner than fur.
Fur felt is prized for its exceptionally smooth, velvety finish, rich depth of color, and ability to hold crisp shapes, giving it a level of refinement and luxury that sets it apart from wool.
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Despite being incredibly dense and durable, rabbit fur felt is lightweight and soft against the skin, making it an excellent choice for year-round wear while remaining comfortable enough to enjoy all day long.
Choosing well-made, long-lasting natural materials supports a more mindful approach to consumption and reduces waste over time.