Beaufort Bonnet Company: Hand-Sewn Hats and Accessories for South Carolina Children

What Beaufort Bonnet Company Makes

Beaufort Bonnet Company is a South Carolina–based maker of children's hats, bonnets, and sun accessories, all hand-sewn in the Lowcountry. The company specializes in bonnets with wide brims, reversible sun hats, and coordinating accessories designed to protect children from sun exposure while reflecting the aesthetic of coastal South Carolina. Each piece is made to order or produced in small batches, which means the fabrics and patterns change seasonally.

The company's signature product is the bonnet—a structured hat with a deep brim that shades the face and neck. Most bonnets are reversible, with different prints or colors on each side, and they tie under the chin with adjustable ribbons. Beyond bonnets, Beaufort Bonnet makes bucket hats, wide-brimmed sun hats, and matching accessories like sun protective clothing and beach bags.

All pieces are sewn by hand or in small production runs, not mass-manufactured. The company sources fabrics from mills and designers, including Liberty of London prints and other quality cotton and linen blends. Because production is limited, popular styles and sizes sell out, and new collections arrive seasonally—typically aligned with spring, summer, and fall.

Key Takeaways

• Beaufort Bonnet makes hand-sewn bonnets and sun hats for children, with most styles reversible and tie-on designs that stay secure during play.
• The company is based in Beaufort, South Carolina, and produces pieces in small batches, so inventory changes seasonally and popular sizes often sell out.
• Fabrics include Liberty prints, quality cottons, and linens; each bonnet is made to order or produced in limited runs rather than mass-manufactured.
• You can order online through the Beaufort Bonnet Company website, and pieces ship nationwide, though local customers can sometimes arrange local pickup.
• Prices reflect the hand-sewn construction and quality materials; bonnets typically cost more than mass-produced alternatives but are designed to last through multiple children.

Where to Order and What to Expect

Beaufort Bonnet Company operates primarily through its website, where you can browse current collections, see fabric options, and place orders. The site shows which sizes and styles are in stock and which are made to order. Made-to-order pieces typically ship within two to four weeks, depending on the current production schedule. In-stock items ship faster, usually within a week.

The company ships nationwide, and orders arrive via standard mail carrier. If you live in or near Beaufort, you can contact the company directly to ask about local pickup options, though this is not may provide for every order. The website also lists the company's physical location, and some customers visit in person during business hours to see bonnets and fabrics before ordering.

Shipping costs vary by order size and destination. The company occasionally runs sales or offers bundle discounts, particularly at the end of a season when older collections are being cleared to make room for new designs. Signing up for the email list is the most direct way to learn about these promotions.

Sizing and How Bonnets Fit

Beaufort Bonnet bonnets are sized by age range—typically newborn, 0–6 months, 6–12 months, toddler (1–3 years), and child (3+ years)—though exact sizing varies by style. Each bonnet has an adjustable tie that fastens under the chin, so there is some room to grow within a size range. The company provides head circumference measurements on the product page for each style, which helps you choose the right size if your child is between ranges.

Because bonnets are hand-sewn, there can be slight variations in fit from piece to piece. If a bonnet does not fit as expected, the company has a return and exchange policy; check the website for current terms. Many parents order a size up if their child is on the larger end of a range, since the adjustable tie accommodates growth.

Fabric Choices and Seasonal Collections

Each season, Beaufort Bonnet releases new fabric collections. Spring collections often feature pastels, florals, and lightweight linens. Summer collections include bright prints, nautical themes, and sun-protective fabrics. Fall and winter collections shift to deeper tones, plaids, and heavier cotton blends. Many styles are reversible, so a single bonnet offers two color or pattern options depending on which side faces out.

The company works with fabric designers and mills to source prints that reflect coastal and Southern aesthetics. Liberty of London prints are a recurring feature, as are custom designs created specifically for Beaufort Bonnet. Because collections are seasonal and production is limited, a fabric you love may not be available year-round. The website shows which prints are currently available and which are sold out or retired.

Price Range and Value

Beaufort Bonnet bonnets are priced higher than mass-produced children's hats, typically ranging from the mid-$30s to mid-$50s depending on style and fabric. Reversible bonnets cost more than single-sided styles. Matching accessories like sun protective shirts or beach bags add to the total if you want a coordinated look. Made-to-order pieces may have a slightly longer lead time but do not typically cost more than in-stock styles.

The higher price reflects hand-sewn construction, quality fabric, and limited production runs. Many parents view these bonnets as investment pieces—they are durable enough to pass down to younger siblings or cousins, and the timeless designs do not feel dated after a single season. The reversible feature also extends the life of each bonnet, since you get two looks from one piece.

Sun Protection and Why Bonnets Matter

Wide-brimmed bonnets and sun hats are one of the most effective ways to protect children's faces, ears, and neck from UV exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sun protection for children, and a bonnet with a brim of at least two inches provides shade that sunscreen alone cannot. Beaufort Bonnet bonnets are designed with this in mind—the deep brim and tie-on design keep the hat in place during active play, unlike floppy hats that slip off.

The company does not market its bonnets as medical devices or make specific claims about UV protection levels. However, the construction—a structured brim and tightly woven fabrics—provides the kind of physical barrier that dermatologists recommend. Parents often choose these bonnets for beach days, outdoor activities, and everyday wear during warm months.

Caring for Your Bonnet

Beaufort Bonnet provides care instructions with each purchase. Most bonnets are hand-washable in cool water with mild soap; machine washing is generally not recommended because it can damage the structure and hand-stitching. Air drying is the standard method—lay the bonnet flat or hang it to dry, never in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can fade the fabric.

Because bonnets are made from quality cotton and linen blends, they hold up well to regular washing and wear. The hand-stitching is durable, though it can loosen if bonnets are washed in hot water or dried in a machine. Following the care instructions helps ensure your bonnet lasts through multiple children and seasons of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return or exchange a bonnet if it does not fit?

Yes. Beaufort Bonnet has a return and exchange policy, though specific terms vary. Check the website for current policy details before ordering. Most exchanges are processed within one to two weeks, and you may be responsible for return shipping, depending on the reason for the exchange.

Are bonnets available year-round, or do they sell out?

Popular styles and sizes sell out, especially during peak seasons like spring and early summer. Made-to-order options are usually available even when in-stock items are sold out, but they take longer to ship. Signing up for email alerts helps you know when new collections arrive or when sold-out styles are restocked.

Do you offer gift wrapping or gift cards?

Gift options vary by season. Check the website during the time you plan to order, or contact the company directly to ask about gift wrapping, gift cards, or special packaging for occasions like baby showers or birthdays.

What if I want a custom fabric or color?

Beaufort Bonnet occasionally takes custom orders, though availability and pricing depend on the request. Contact the company directly through the website to discuss custom options. Custom orders typically have longer lead times than standard collections.

Do you ship internationally?

The company primarily ships within the United States. International shipping may be available for certain orders; contact Beaufort Bonnet directly through the website to ask about shipping to your location.