1. Who makes the hats at Wiley James?

All hats are handcrafted by me, Jennifer Hipkins. I’m a mother of four and a self-taught hat maker who’s been perfecting my craft since 2019. Every hat is made in my barn loft studio on our family farm in Northern Alberta.

2. What types of hats do you make?

I specialize in custom-made-to-order felt and straw hats for both men and women. Each hat is built from the ground up with quality materials and designed to reflect your individual style.

3. Are all your hats custom-made?

Yes. Every single hat is made by hand, one at a time, and tailored to fit you — in both size and personality. No two hats are ever the same.

4. How do I order a custom hat?

Reach out through the Contact Page or message me on Instagram (@wileyjameshats) to start the process. We’ll go over your preferences, measurements, and all the custom details together.

5. What is your pricing?

Each hat is priced based on materials, design complexity, and customization. Because every piece is one-of-a-kind, pricing varies. I’ll provide a quote once we’ve discussed your vision.

6. Do you require a deposit?

Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot in my queue and begin your custom hat. The remaining balance is due before your hat is shipped or picked up.

7. How long does it take to make a hat?

Turnaround time varies depending on the season, your specific design, and my current queue (and sometimes my family schedule). Timing is not guaranteed until your deposit is received. I’ll provide an estimated completion time once we finalize your order.

8. Can I cancel or change my order?

Because each hat is custom-made, cancellations and major changes are not always possible once work has begun. If you need to make an adjustment, reach out as soon as possible, and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

9. Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Due to the custom nature of each piece, all sales are final. That said, your satisfaction matters to me — if there’s an issue with your hat, please contact me, and I’ll work with you to make it right, but please note that, depending on the issue, there may be additional charges added.

10. What if my hat doesn’t fit?

I’ll guide you carefully through the measuring process to ensure a great fit. If adjustments are needed, I offer resizing when possible — just reach out, and we’ll figure out the best solution.

11. Can I choose the color, shape, and details of my hat?

Absolutely. Everything from crown shape and brim size to color, stitching, hat band, and distressing is up to you. I love collaborating to create something truly personal.

12. Can you recreate a hat I’ve seen before?

I can use inspiration from photos or past designs, but I don’t duplicate hats exactly. Each Wiley James hat is made to be unique and tailored specifically to you.

13. Will my hat look exactly like what I envisioned?

I work closely with you to bring your vision to life, but because everything is handcrafted, slight variations are part of the process — and part of what makes each piece special.

14. Do you offer fittings or in-person consultations?

Yes. If you’re in or near Northern Alberta, you can book a visit to my studio in the barn loft. If you’re further away, I offer virtual consultations and will guide you through measuring your head for a perfect fit.

15. Can I visit your studio?

Yes — by appointment only. My studio is located in the loft of our barn on a working farm, and I love welcoming people into the space where the hats are made. Just reach out to schedule a visit.

16. Do you offer rush orders?

Occasionally, depending on my schedule. If you’re working with a specific deadline, let me know upfront and I’ll tell you what’s possible.

17. Do you ship outside of Alberta or Canada?

Yes. I ship across Canada and internationally. Shipping rates and delivery times depend on your location and will be confirmed when you order.

18. What happens if my hat is damaged during shipping?

If your hat arrives damaged, please contact me within a few days of delivery with photos. I’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

19. How do I care for my hat?

I include a care guide with every hat to help you keep it looking beautiful for years to come. If you ever need advice or a touch-up, I’m just a message away.

20. Do you repair or refresh hats?

Yes. I offer touch-ups, reshaping, and refresh services for Wiley James hats. Reach out with details and I’ll let you know what’s possible.

21. Do you offer gift cards?

Yes. A gift card is a beautiful way to give someone the experience of designing their own custom hat. Available in a range of amounts and redeemable toward any custom order.