Goorin Bros Review: Why This Century-Old Hat Brand Is Still the Coolest
Hey there, hat lovers! If you‘re like me, you know that a great hat is the ultimate way to top off any outfit. And when it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, quality, and cool factor, there‘s one brand I keep coming back to: Goorin Bros.
I first stumbled upon Goorin Bros when I was looking for a new fedora to add to my collection. I was intrigued by their vintage-inspired designs and the fact that they‘ve been family-owned since 1895. Yes, you read that right – this brand has been crafting hats for well over a century!
Since then, I‘ve become a full-fledged Goorin fangirl. I own several of their hats in different styles, from a cozy cable knit beanie to a bold leopard print fedora. And I‘m constantly impressed by the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in each one.
So what makes Goorin Bros so special? Let‘s dive in and explore the history, artistry, and enduring appeal of this iconic hat brand. Trust me, by the end of this review, you‘ll be itching to add a Goorin (or three) to your own collection.
The Goorin Bros Story: Four Generations of Hatmaking
To really understand the magic of Goorin Bros, you need to know a bit about their rich history. It all started back in 1895, when a craftsman named Cassel Goorin began selling hand-sewn hats out of his horse cart in Pittsburgh. Cassel‘s unique designs and commitment to quality soon earned him a loyal following.
In 1921, Cassel passed the business down to his sons, Alfred and Ted, who renamed it Goorin Brothers. The brothers expanded the company, opening a wholesale operation and even landing a gig as the official headwear brand for the 1949 US Olympic team!
Over the next few decades, Goorin Bros continued to thrive under the leadership of Alfred‘s son, Alfred Jr. But it was Alfred Jr.‘s son, Ben Goorin, who really ushered the brand into the 21st century when he took over in 2006. Ben honored his great-grandfather‘s legacy while infusing the designs with a fresh, modern sensibility.
Here are a few key milestones in the Goorin Bros story:
- 1895 – Cassel Goorin starts selling hats in Pittsburgh
- 1921 – Cassel‘s sons rename the business Goorin Brothers
- 1949 – Goorin Bros becomes the official headwear brand for the US Olympic team
- 2006 – Ben Goorin takes over as the fourth generation owner
- 2013 – Goorin Bros opens its 30th retail store in North America
Today, Goorin Bros has a cult following among hat enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and celebrities alike. The brand has been spotted on everyone from Brad Pitt to Bella Hadid. And with over 30 retail stores across the US and Canada, it‘s easier than ever to find your perfect Goorin hat.
Inside the Goorin Bros Hat-Making Process
So what exactly goes into crafting a Goorin Bros hat? Turns out, quite a lot. The company is dedicated to preserving the art of traditional hatmaking, using techniques and tools that have been passed down for generations.
Every Goorin hat starts with premium materials, sourced from trusted mills around the world. For their classic fedoras and floppy hats, Goorin favors 100% wool or a sumptuous wool/cashmere blend that molds beautifully and maintains its shape.
The real magic happens in Goorin‘s Pennsylvania factory, where skilled artisans use rare, old-fashioned tools to bring the designs to life. It takes a steady hand and a keen eye to craft a flawless fedora crown or steam a brim into the perfect curve.
Goorin‘s vintage-style hats go through a meticulous 40-step process, much of it done by hand. The wool is carefully pressed, steamed, and shaped over wooden blocks to achieve the ideal silhouette. Soft inner bands and taping are added for a comfortable, secure fit.
The attention to detail is incredible. For example, Goorin‘s flat caps are sewn with a special hidden stitch that creates a smooth, seamless profile. And every hat is meticulously inspected for quality before it leaves the factory floor.
The result is a hat that‘s truly built to last. With proper care (storing it in a cool, dry place and occasionally brushing it to remove lint), a Goorin Bros hat can last for years, even decades. Some Goorin die-hards have hats that are older than they are!
So next time you put on your Goorin fedora or flat cap, take a moment to appreciate all the history, skill, and love that went into it. It‘s not just an accessory – it‘s a work of art.
The Goorin Bros Style: Something for Everyone
One of the things I love most about Goorin Bros is their incredible selection. They really do have a hat for every style, occasion, and mood.
If you‘re a fan of classic, vintage-inspired looks, you‘ll swoon over Goorin‘s signature fedoras and wide-brim floppy hats. These styles have a retro cool factor that instantly elevates any outfit, whether you pair them with jeans and a tee or a flowy sundress.
For something a bit more modern and casual, check out Goorin‘s flatcaps and baseball caps. The brand‘s Animal Farm collection puts a playful twist on these styles, with caps featuring quirky illustrated logos like a sloth, an eagle, or a Bengal tiger.
And don‘t even get me started on Goorin‘s beanie selection – they have so many fun colors and textures to choose from, including cozy waffle knits and chunky cable knits. Essential for staying warm (and stylish) in the colder months!
Here‘s a quick breakdown of Goorin Bros‘ hat categories:
- Fedoras
- Floppy hats
- Flatcaps
- Baseball caps
- Beanies
- Special occasion (think top hats and bowlers)
The best part? All of Goorin‘s designs are unisex. The brand is all about self-expression and believes great style transcends gender. So whether you‘re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift, you can choose any Goorin hat that catches your eye, no matter your gender identity.
The Goorin Bros Shopping Experience
If you‘re lucky enough to live near a Goorin Bros retail store, I highly recommend stopping in to try on some hats in person. The store experience is really something special.
Each shop has a gallery-like feel, with the hats artfully displayed on the walls and vintage furniture and decor setting a nostalgic mood. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, ready to help you find a hat that suits your unique style.
One of the coolest parts of shopping in-store is that you can have your hat custom fitted to your head. Goorin‘s expert hatters will measure your noggin and gently steam your hat of choice until it hugs your head just right. It‘s like getting a bespoke accessory!
But if you don‘t live near a Goorin store, no worries. The brand‘s online shop is super easy to navigate, with detailed product photos and fit guides to help you choose your perfect hat from the comfort of home.
Goorin offers free shipping on all US orders, so you can try on a few different styles without worrying about racking up delivery fees. And if something doesn‘t quite work out, returns and exchanges are free too.
I‘ve always had great experiences with Goorin‘s customer service team. They‘re responsive, friendly, and genuinely want to help you find a hat you‘ll love. Once, I had a question about how a certain fedora was sized, so I reached out via chat. The rep walked me through measuring my head and even sent a few photos of the hat on different head shapes so I could get a better sense of the fit. Talk about going above and beyond!
What Goorin Bros Fans Have to Say
Speaking of stellar customer service, Goorin Bros has built up a passionate fan base thanks to their outstanding products and commitment to a great experience. Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at some numbers and reviews from happy Goorin customers.
On Goorin‘s website, their best-selling Killian fedora has over 150 glowing reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers rave about the luxe wool texture, perfect fit, and vintage vibes. One reviewer even called it their "forever hat"!
Goorin‘s playful Animal Farm caps are another fan favorite. The Sloth style in particular has over 50 5-star reviews from customers who love the quirky design and comfy fit. As one fan put it, "I‘ve gotten so many compliments on this hat, it‘s unreal. Plus, it‘s just so fun to wear!"
And here‘s a stat that really speaks to Goorin‘s stellar reputation: the brand has over 100,000 followers on Instagram, with thousands of fans tagging their #goorinbros looks every week. The Goorin community is super active and passionate, bonding over their shared love of dapper headwear.
How‘s this for a first-hand testimonial? I once complimented a stranger‘s cool flat cap while waiting in line for coffee, and it turned out to be a Goorin Bros design. We ended up chatting for a while about our favorite Goorin hats and the compliments they always get. It‘s like being part of a secret, stylish club!
Why Goorin Bros Hats Are Worth the Splurge
By now, you‘re probably convinced that Goorin Bros hats are something special. But I know what you might be thinking – they‘re a bit of an investment compared to your average department store beanie or baseball cap.
It‘s true, Goorin‘s hats are pricier than fast fashion alternatives. Most of their fedoras and floppy hats range from $60 to $150, while their knit caps start around $30. But in my opinion, they‘re worth every penny. Here‘s why:
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Unbeatable quality – Goorin‘s hats are truly built to last. With proper care, they can stay in great shape for years (even generations!)
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Unique designs – From vintage-inspired silhouettes to one-of-a-kind artist collabs, Goorin‘s hats always stand out from the crowd.
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Ethical production – Goorin is committed to preserving traditional hatmaking techniques and partners with ethical factories to bring their designs to life.
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Excellent customer service – Whether you need sizing help or have a special request, Goorin‘s team goes out of their way to deliver a great experience.
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Supporting a legacy – When you buy a Goorin hat, you‘re not just getting a great accessory – you‘re becoming part of the brand‘s storied history.
Plus, when you break down the cost per wear, a Goorin Bros hat is a smart investment. For example, let‘s say you splurge on a $125 fedora. If you wear that hat just twice a month for a year, that breaks down to about $5 per wear. And trust me, you‘ll get way more than 24 wears out of a Goorin hat!
To Sum It Up…
Whew, that was a lot of hat talk! Let‘s recap the key reasons Goorin Bros should be your go-to brand for stylish headwear:
- Over a century of quality craftsmanship
- Wide range of designs for every style
- Premium, ethically-sourced materials
- Stellar customer service
- A passionate community of fans
Whether you‘re a die-hard hat collector or just looking for that perfect accessory to complete your signature look, I can‘t recommend Goorin Bros enough. Their incredible selection, attention to detail, and customer-first approach set them apart from the rest.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a Goorin fedora or rep your spirit animal on one of their quirky caps. Not only will you look great, but you‘ll be wearing a piece of history that‘s been thoughtfully crafted just for you.
I hope this review has inspired you to check out Goorin Bros for yourself. And hey, if you do end up falling in love with a Goorin hat (or three), be sure to tag me in your stylish selfies! Happy hat hunting, my friend.
