Q: Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes! We sell electronic gift cards! So we can have it delivered right to your email. Our hats begin at $300 in-store.
Q: Do you sell hats in your store?
We have a special semi-custom program where you can design your own hat in-store and leave with it on the same day! Call or stop by to learn about what colors are available and use our Swamp Design Bar to create your unique look!
Q: Do you ship internationally?
We do ship internationally, however, we’re not responsible for the payment of any customs, taxes, or tariffs imposed by your country of residence.
It’s also important to understand that we’re not responsible for any delays related to international shipping couriers or any clearance issues. You would also be responsible for any return shipping costs levied by the courier, as well as any additional shipping costs related to returned packages due to failed delivery.
All Cajun Hatter products ship from Lafayette, Louisiana on a weekly basis. We provide tracking information upon request, not by default. The customer is responsible for shipping charges, including if a hat must be sent back for any adjustments, repair, or resizing.
Q: Do you accept rush orders?
We accept rush orders for an additional 20% charge of the full price. This places your order at the top of the general list. You will also be responsible for any additional shipping costs related to rushing the order.
Q: Do you work on old hats?
We are only able work on hats designed by Colby Hebert at this time. You might try Cavender’s if you’re in the Acadiana area; however, if it just needs a light cleaning, we recommend steaming the hat then brushing with a soft bristle brush.
Q: How much does a custom hat cost?
Custom hats begin at $400 for straw, $750 for rabbit fur felt. However, our heirloom quality beaver and nutria fur felts are the most popular option at $1,200.
Q: Are you open to the public or appointment only?
Our showroom is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm CST and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 5pm. For custom hats, appointments are required and there is a $100 consultation fee that will be applied to your hat’s total cost.
Q: Do you make hats for both men and women?
Yes. Our hats are unisex, and we can customize a hat anyway you like.
Q: Where does your fur felt come from?
As of right now, a percentage our nutria fur felt is sourced in Louisiana, while the remainder is from Latin America. We’re currently taking steps to ensure our hats are 100% Louisiana nutria. Our wild rabbit and beaver is sourced in the USA.
Q: How long have you been open?
The Cajun Hatter began in 2016 on Church Alley in New Iberia. After about a year, the business moved to New Orleans with a storefront on Magazine Street. After three years, in October 2020, the business relocated to Lafayette, LA.
Q: How did Colby learn how to make hats?
Trial and error and lots of research. He’s self-taught, but did fine tune his skills through relationships with master hatters around the country.
Q: Can Colby be a part of my event?
Please email us at info@thecajunhatter.com with the full details, and we’ll back to you.
Q: Does your store have a parking lot?
While we do not have a parking lot for our store, street parking is available as well as a parking garage behind the store on Vermillion street.
Q: How will drastically changing my hair affect my hat’s fit?
It’s probably best to set up an appointment for you to discuss this with Colby.
Q: Can Colby put my initials in my hat?
Yes, he can monogram the sweatband.
Q: My custom hat isn’t fitting me right. Can I get it resized?
Yes, let’s schedule a time for you to bring it in so Colby can fix that for you. We allow one fitting before additional charges apply. Email us at info@thecajunhatter.com or give us a call at 337-703-4736.
Q: Don’t you think it’s weird to make hats out of Nutria? Isn’t that a rat?
Actually, Nutria were brought to Louisiana by the fur industry, as well as the original land owners of Avery Island in their pursuit of acquiring various exotic animals. However, Nutria fur has been used for centuries, especially by luxury brands. In most cases, European luxury goods that use nutria call it Castorino fur. Iconic hat brands, such as Stetson, have incorporated this material it into their hat throughout history. It is comparable to the quality of beaver fur felt and provides an heirloom quality hat that can last a century. We are actively working to incorporate more Louisiana Nutria into our collections as a way to support efforts to protect our coastal wetlands, where Nutria are an invasive species that destroy the grasses necessary to hold our marshes together.
Q: Where do you source your Louisiana Alligator?
We have a special relationship with a local tanner who sustainably sources alligator in Louisiana.
Q: How do I contact Colby Hebert?
For custom orders or questions pertaining to your hat, please call the store at 337-703-4736. If you’re trying to contact Colby for anything not pertaining to a hat (e.g., events, press, charitable donations, etc) please email info@thecajunhatter.com and we’ll get back to you.
Q: Where is your store located?
We are located at 547 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana.
Q: I can’t come to the store in person. What should I do if I want a custom hat?
Email us at info@thecajunhatter.com or call 337-703-4736 to schedule a virtual fitting.
Q: What’s your return/exchange policy?
Due to the custom nature of our work, we do not offer refunds. All sales are final.
Q: Do you make custom or bespoke hats?
Yes, we offer custom hats in various types of straw, as well as rabbit, nutria, and beaver fur felts. We also provide a wide range of color options available in each material, as well as a vast array of band types. We can also distress your hat, add sentimental items, and create unique additions specific to you. If you’d like to send us pictures of a hat you’re interested in recreating, or to give us an idea of a specific style you’d like, feel free to send us images at info@thecajunhatter.com. There is typically a nine month wait for custom hats, and holiday orders should be placed as early as possible.
Q: How long does a hat usually take to make?
A nine month wait should be anticipated for any custom hat. For an expedited order, when possible, there is an additional charge of 20% of the total cost. This places your order at the top of the general list. You will also be responsible for any additional shipping costs related to rushing the order. In rare cases, the timeline may increase to a one year wait.
Q: How do I find out my hat size?
Getting the right fit for your hat is very important, which is why we work with you to discover your perfect hat size, whether you’re in-store or meeting with us virtually. If you’d like to get an idea on your own, use a measuring tape to measure around your head, right above the ears, making sure to keep the tape on the widest section. You’ll want to read the results in centimeters.
Q: How do I make an appointment for a custom hat?
Email us at info@thecajunhatter.com or give us a call at 337-703-4736 and we’ll get you on our books.
