Goorin Bros. Hat Shop in Charleston: Where to Find Handcrafted Hats

A Charleston institution for handmade and vintage hats

Goorin Bros. operates a hat shop in downtown Charleston where you can buy handcrafted hats, vintage pieces, and accessories made by the company and other makers. The store sits on King Street and carries fedoras, wide-brimmed hats, caps, and seasonal styles. You can try hats on in person, ask staff about fit and care, and browse inventory that changes with the season.

The company has been making hats since 1895, starting in Philadelphia. The Charleston location is one of roughly 60 Goorin Bros. shops across the United States and Europe. The store reflects the brand's approach: quality materials, visible craftsmanship, and a mix of classic and contemporary designs.

Key Takeaways

• Goorin Bros. on King Street sells handcrafted hats in styles ranging from fedoras and wide-brims to baseball caps and seasonal pieces.
• You can try hats on in the store and talk with staff about sizing, materials, and how to care for different hat types.
• The shop carries both Goorin Bros. house-made hats and hats from other makers, so inventory varies by season.
• Prices vary by style and material; handcrafted hats typically cost more than mass-produced alternatives.

What you'll find in the Charleston store

The shop stocks year-round styles and seasonal offerings. In warmer months, you'll see straw hats, lightweight caps, and wide-brims designed to block sun. Fall and winter bring felt fedoras, wool caps, and heavier materials. The store also carries hat care products—brushes, blocks, and conditioning treatments—so you can maintain what you buy.

Staff can help you understand the difference between materials: wool felt versus straw, leather versus synthetic sweatbands, and how each affects durability and comfort. If you're unsure what style suits your face shape or lifestyle, asking for guidance is part of the in-store experience. The shop is small enough that you're not navigating alone, but not so crowded that you feel rushed.

Sizing and fit in person

Trying a hat on before you buy matters more than most clothing because fit depends on head shape, not just measurement. Goorin Bros. staff can measure your head and suggest sizes, but the real test is how a hat feels when you wear it. The sweatband should sit comfortably without pinching; the brim should sit level; and the crown should have a little room at the top.

If you're between sizes, staff can explain the trade-offs. Some people prefer a snug fit that won't shift in wind; others want room for a hat to settle naturally. The store keeps multiple sizes of popular styles in stock so you can compare.

Price range and what affects cost

Handcrafted hats cost more than factory-made alternatives because of materials and labor. A Goorin Bros. fedora or wide-brim typically ranges from around $60 to $150 or more, depending on whether it's wool, fur felt, or specialty material. Caps and casual styles often fall in the $40 to $80 range. Vintage or limited-edition pieces may cost more.

The price reflects what goes into the hat: the quality of the felt or straw, the construction method, the sweatband material, and the finishing details like ribbon or hardware. A more expensive hat is usually built to last years with proper care, whereas a cheaper hat may need replacing after a season or two.

How to care for a hat after you buy it

Proper storage and cleaning extend a hat's life significantly. Felt hats should be stored on a hat block or in a box with tissue paper to hold their shape; straw hats need a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Sweat and dirt accumulate on the sweatband and brim, so brushing a felt hat with a soft brush every few weeks and spot-cleaning straw with a damp cloth keeps them fresh.

If a hat gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature—never near a heater or in direct sun, which can shrink or warp the material. Goorin Bros. sells cleaning and conditioning products in the store, and staff can show you how to use them. For major repairs—a torn sweatband or dented crown—the company offers restoration services, though you may need to mail the hat or visit a location that handles repairs.

Location and hours

The Charleston Goorin Bros. shop is located on King Street in the downtown historic district, within walking distance of other shops, galleries, and restaurants. Street parking is available nearby, and the store is accessible by foot if you're exploring the neighborhood. Hours vary by season; the shop typically operates six days a week but may close Sundays or have reduced hours in slower months.

Before making a trip, check the store's hours online or call ahead, especially if you're visiting during a holiday or planning to go on a Sunday. The staff can also answer questions about specific styles or materials over the phone if you want to know whether something is in stock before you visit.

Why handcrafted hats matter in Charleston

Charleston's climate—hot, humid summers and mild winters—shapes what people wear. Wide-brimmed hats and straw styles are practical here, not just fashionable. A quality hat protects your face and scalp from sun damage during long walks through historic neighborhoods or time outdoors at events. Goorin Bros. designs hats that work in this environment while maintaining the craftsmanship the brand is known for.

The shop also fits into Charleston's broader culture of supporting local and independent businesses. While Goorin Bros. is a national brand, the Charleston location is staffed by people who know the community and can recommend styles suited to local life—whether you need a hat for a garden party, a day at Folly Beach, or everyday wear around town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online and pick up in the Charleston store?

Goorin Bros. operates an online store, but shipping and pickup policies vary. Contact the Charleston location directly to ask whether they hold online orders for in-store pickup or if you need to order through their website for home delivery.

What's the difference between a Goorin Bros. hat and other brands sold there?

Goorin Bros. makes its own hats using traditional methods and materials. The shop also carries hats from other makers, so you have options at different price points and styles. Staff can explain the differences in construction and material if you're comparing brands.

Do you offer gift cards?

Many Goorin Bros. locations sell gift cards, but policies may differ by store. Call the Charleston shop or ask in person to find out whether they offer cards and in what denominations.

Can I return or exchange a hat if it doesn't fit?

Return and exchange policies vary. Since fit is so important with hats, most retailers allow exchanges if you've tried the hat on indoors and it doesn't work for you. Ask about the store's specific policy when you buy, and keep your receipt.

What should I do if my hat gets damaged?

Minor damage like a small dent can sometimes be steamed out at home. For major repairs—torn sweatbands, large dents, or water damage—contact Goorin Bros. to ask about restoration services. Some repairs can be done in-store; others may require mailing the hat to a repair center.