4 stars because this is a terrific little classic hat store that rocks an old NYC style. Amazing selection of beautiful hats. I am new to formal headwear, and my father suggested that I go here for a proper fitting and customization. I was excited about it! It felt like a next step in my adulthood as I grow into a middle-aged vibe. I took my 12-year-old son to show him the difference in quality between a mass retailer and a bespoke, local, small business retail experience. I splurged +1k on 3 new hats. I love them, but the service was nothing like it used to be, as I understand it. This is where I would give it a much lower rating if it weren't such a great little spot. 2 Stars: The two young women working were not very knowledgeable, seemed quite apathetic, and essentially left me to my own devices to sort fit, shape, etc. out. They answered questions about care adequately and showed me several hats that I asked to see, but in a detached way. In short, it was a very disappointing experience and not bespoke at all. My father was mystified when I told him about it. I don't generally leave reviews, good or bad, unless things go too far. But after reading through the low reviews, often from long-term loyal customers who lament experiences similar to mine and the recent change in ownership, I am bothered by the defensiveness in the owner's replies. Many of them say [the milliner has resigned due to health, and therefore we no longer offer shaping or repair services] or [come in for a chat to correct your misinformation]. WHAT?! That is how you respond? On a public forum? Marketing yourself as a luxury shop but responding like a cranky clerk? Why not hire a new milliner? Or train a new one? Find a way to outsource it in the meantime. But telling decades-long high-paying customers to do it themselves at home over a kettle...what are you talking about? Should I learn to tailor and do dry cleaning in my bathtub, too? Turns out, the problem is top-down. The new owner has clearly wrecked this place and doesn't seem to care; it's all about her. Another NYC institution bites the dust. All of that said, it's a unique place. One of the last vestiges. Go there. read more

Look no further than J J Hat Center if you are in the market for a high quality hat. They have a great selection and knowledgeable staff. I went in for one and ended up purchasing three men's hats. A plus - it's woman owned. read more

Great old-school men's hat store. Enough said. I need to have 85 characters to post a review. read more

Bought a cashmere hat online for over $200. I did not like it, so I returned it. They notified me that they received the hat. I responded that I want my money back on my card. All I get is an automated response that says they will reach out to me, however No response. I sent them two more emails. It's been over two months and now I am forced to go through my credit card company to attempt to get my money back for a hat they had admitted that they received. Horrible company. read more

JJ Hat Center - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

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I researched hat cleaners in New York and was directed by several online directories that JJJ Hat Center provided cleaning/dry cleaning for hats. I took time out of my busy schedule, as their location is completely out of my way, and went there. When I entered their store and said that I was there to get my hats cleaned, I was told to take a seat and that someone would be with me. After waiting for a significant time, I interrupted one of the employees and asked if someone could help me. I was then approached by a very condescending assistant who acted as if she was the owner (she most certainly wasn't). She told me that they DID NOT offer hat cleaning and that I should clean my hats at home by turning on a tea kettle and using the steam from it to disinfect them. I am not into DIY for expensive hats and one of them cost over $400. I wasted half a day to go there and then received idiotic (pardon my French) advice. read more

I was there this weekend. December20, 2025. They were closed in the middle of the day. A lady did come to the door and said they were closed "for a bit". Went back Sunday, still closed, the display window empty, and someone in the back boxing things up. The owner lady just happened to arrive, and again said "closed for a bit"...I think that means forever. She was the owner and ruined the store when she changed it. Very sad. She bought an institution that worked well, and thought she could improve it by "making if modern"...she just sucked the life essence out of it and killed it. read more

These guys are the real deal. They clean and repair hats (like my vintage 1967 Reistol model 737 fedora) For background, I'm a hat wearer. Not a casual hat wearer that went in for the hipster Trilby craze (and mistakenly called it a Fedora). It's nigh impossible to find anyone who knows how to clean and block a hat these days, and forget trying to find someone who repairs them. Thank heaven for JJ hats!! They cleaned and repaired my hat (it had a small hole forming in the crown crease), and they also replaced my hat band... WITH THE ORIGINAL RIBBON that they still had in inventory. Great service, as these guys actually understand hats! read more

JJ Hat Center - The store as viewed from the back - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

First of all, I decided to go here on a whim. I arrived literally minutes before it closed! I was going to a destination wedding, on the beach, in Montego Bay, and I needed a black (don't ask) hat, for my hairless head. I was greeted and assisted, as soon as I walked in, and since I already had an idea of what I wanted, it only took a couple of fittings, and I was checking out!! I put your names in my phone, but I can't find them. Thank you to both the attractive European woman, and the dapper African-American young man who assisted me!!! You are amazing and I'll be back!!! With Sincere Gratitude, Keith read more

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Prices are triple what you can find online. Return exchange policies are strict. Overall experience was not good at all. read more

Not what it used to be. Prices gone up to triple. Paying 650 for a hat is insane. The workers aren't helpful. Doesn't feel like a friendly place to go to anymore. Never shopping here ever again. read more

Update Oct. 2025 -- they no longer repair hats! Wow. Still great selection of new hats, but they used to be a full-service shop. Sad.

JJ Hat Center offers an exceptional selection of highest quality hats of various prices, designed to fit every budget, style, and occasion. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. The owner took time to discuss my style preferences, and her selections were carefully tailored to my requirements. Her suggestions were elegant and appropriate. read more

Was at JJ Hat Center today and was very disappointed. Ii have been a regular customer for over 20 years. I have many wool, fur and straw hats from them. Now that a corporation has taken them over and got rid of the highly knowledgeable staff. To see that they now have a large selection of baseball caps and other hats does change its uniqueness. Also the sales people don't know the hats and just want a sale. It was my go to hat store, but not any more. It makes me sad. I will have to watch the TV show "Blacklist" (first 2 or 3 episodes) to reminisce it's once greatness. There are many other hat store in NYC to go to. read more

Back in December 2024, I purchased a hat for my husband. I was Christmas shopping and already had an open online account from a previous order. I checked out, only to find out when I got a notice it was my old address. I seen it stated,"label created" I called the phone number where a woman tells me they can't contact the warehouse I would need to send an email. I sent numerous emails. Customer service has stated I would get another hat shipped out to my new address. NOTHING. I have contacted customer service through email and get no response. I will not be making any more purchases from this place and others need to be careful as well! Crap customer service! You don't even deserve a star! But I want to share my experience with this store!! read more

Bought my old silver belly in to get it spruced up Jose did an awesome job . My hat looks brand new. read more

JJ Hat Center - Hats in the shop - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

These hats are pretty pricey but damn they're worth every penny! Especially the service, they help you pick your size much like any suit shop from fedora to flatcaps and all sorts of models too. read more

skip it. this place used to be the best in town,years ago.now I heard they were sold to a foreign company. how nice. they ripped the antique neon Stetson sign down, fired everyone and I don't recognize it anymore. all my old salespeople are gone, the merchandise is just.. there's nothing. nobody knows a thing about hats anymore, it's a good place for an overpriced trucker cap or stiff wool felts. a European company now owns it,and obviously stocked it with just their own brand. Not the same place it used to be. the old salepwople all are gone & replaced with clueless kids. I had to change my five star review to one. It's so sad to see the death of such a legendary shop, truly a shame For NY I visited to get a hat for a wedding, kid showed me an astronomically priced panama hat,first thing..$450 he had nothing for me in a basic black felt hat, of any kind. I also brought my old hat for a steam up,a lady in a Cowboy hat said they were "between milliners" Just turn on the steamer, brush it, the workers were standing around doing nothing anyway. I felt like the old store I used to visit had turned into the twilight zone. totally empty,no customers. the old antique steamer where they used to fix my hats for free is covered in dust..now used as a "display" Another legendary NYC institution gone forever.. like The Automat and Chock Full O' Nuts...foreign investors stuck another cheap, tourist trap in its place. I noticed the logo was different, the old Stetson sign gone, everything that had charm is gone, the selection Is $500 Borsalinos or basically nothing. Look at the difference Between the new reviews & ones from a couple years ago. I'm unsure of what happened to the old owners , but the new owners might want to make some changes. read more

Well, let me begin by saying that it was well worth the hour ride from Long Island. I had read some of the negative reviews and I was a bit concerned on my way. So... Those negative reviews are completely personal and have zero to do with the fantastic, amazing service and experience that I encountered after I took a picture of the store front and entered. Immediately! I was welcomed with a smile! The wonderful saleswoman that helped me also happened to be the owner, and as she helped me with my decisions and giving me insight and information, she never skipped anyone who entered the store without acknowledging them and welcoming them. I got the full "JJ" experience from start to finish compliments of the owner and also the additional staff that was also very attentive to myself and the 6 or 7 customers that had walked in. And believe me, more were coming in as I was there. I was surrounded by an astounding amount and variety of hats, but I was asked what I was most interested in, and then she just went right to it. The prices varied from low to high, and I loved the idea that the two Stetson hats that I purchased, were exactly in my price range. When I left, I walked outside in circles for a while, probably because I didn't want to leave. So, I'd love to thank the owner, such a Class A woman and the rest of the staff that made my JJ experience exceptional!!!!!!!! read more

JJ Hats is, sadly, not what it used to be since Stetson Europe bought it. Service has gone down hill, they've let go their best people (or they quit), and they no longer offer repair services. You can hardly get anyone on the phone anymore! Really sad. Update: the owner wants me to come to the store to correct my misinformation. Here are the facts: on Friday I called the store after it was supposed to have opened. No answer! I called back later and got a recorded message asking me to leave an email with whatever questions I had. I called back again and this time a woman answered. I asked a simple question....do you have a particular hat in stock. Answer: please email us your question. I called back again later, hoping I might get someone else. Another recorded message saying that the mailbox was not accepting messages. Later that day, I emailed asking about getting a hat repaired. Answer: we're unable to do repairs for the foreseeable future because our head milliner is on extended sick leave. I was told by another hat shop that Stetson Europe bought JJ Hats. Maybe that's not the case, but the store WAS bought, and I know for a fact that knowledgeable employees who worked there for many years are no longer there. Whatever....the fact is that this store seems to have done everything it could in one day to lose my business. They succeeded. read more

I inherited a Stetson years ago which was a size too small. This week I took it into JJ Hat Center to have it stretched. They did a fantastic job. Can't recommend too highly. read more

JJ Hat Center - Me, at JJ Hat Center, with my resized Stetson! They did great work! - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

I went to this store a few years ago and was educated by the well-dressed older employees that gave me good advice about hats. I went there today with a vintage hat that was given to me as a gift that was really sharp. I went back to JJ hat center to see if I could buy a similar hat, but in a different color. Although they had a wide selection of different hats of shapes and colors, I specifically asked to re-create the fedora that I was wearing on my head. It was very difficult to find the right shape, brim width, and most difficult the size. (7 1/8). The lady asked me what size I was wearing and I told her, she then said "don't you know what size you are in centimeters? "I said no, don't you"? She said "I have to get my chart." I finally (by myself) found a hat that was most similar to what I was wearing, but it was very flexible and not substantial feeling in my hands. It felt cheap. They only carry one brand of fedora, Borsalino. They didn't have my size (which is not a special size). I ask her if she can order it. She said she was not able to. I looked at the price. It was $375. I mentioned to her that it was more expensive than I was thinking I was going to pay. She informed me that this model was the cheapest model of this company that they had in the store. I thanked her for her time and I walked out . I immediately went onto eBay and entered the name of the vintage brand that I was wearing in to the store (Dobb's 5th Ave.) and I found a similar model (in the original box) for $49 plus $18 shipping. I purchased it immediately. Now look I'm not here to bash this store. It must be frightfully expensive in New York City to have a retail store could be $50,000-$100,000 a month in rent. However, the sales help was poorly informed, not terribly eager to help me find exactly what I was looking for and their pricing was 100% out of line with reality. Sorry JJ Hat Center. read more

I was a loyal JJ Hat Center customer since the outpost on 9th Street. No More. J J Hat Center sold the business last summer (2023). Unfortunately, it is not the same. The previous staff, who had been there for decades, were either fired and those who were not, left in solidarity. These folks were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. While the owner, manager, is well versed in the business, the other staff clearly do not know the business at all. I did purchase a hat that was a size too big because my size was not available. I required an adjustment. In the past, the staff would insert a tape that correctly sized the hat. In this case, I was given two cork strips to put in the back of the hat. I required an additional strip and was charged $13 for it. Given that my correct size was unavailable, it was an insult. The strips proved untenable given they always fell out and required adjustment each time I put on the hat. A felt hat I purchased requires reshaping and it looks like the necessary equipment is no longer there. The reshaping was always free of charge. I doubt that is still the case. Ultimately, I googled other hat stores and came upon East Village Hats. My hat was adjusted. It is now my go to place. I am deeply saddened by the demise of JJ Hat Center. read more

While JJs still has a wide selection of quality hats, the fairly recent changes from the new ownership/management has cause a noticeable drop in the quality of service. Gone are the free cleanings and reshaping of your older hats which I always got when I came in to buy a new hat. Gone are the stylish and knowledgeable gentlemen who interacted with you and who could easily pull off wearing the products they were selling. Gone is the stylish atmosphere that they created which made me not mind paying extra for a Fifth Ave. Hat bought in a boutique shop that has a history of being in business for almost a century, and while the place has changed hands a few times during that span, the previous owners were wise enough to keep in place the details that made JJs the elegant place for which it is known. The kids, and yes I mean kids!, working there now, know nothing about the products they are selling and seem better suited working at a MacDonalds instead, and I'm not faulting them, it's probably their first job, but the precipitous drop in service that JJs older clients must feel is akin to going from a personal full service gas station to a self service station where they also serve cheese nachos behind the counter. I suggest the new owner hire back at least one experienced hat salesperson, instead of trying to save money by hiring a bunch of young neophytes. Otherwise New York will have lost another iconic stylish store from its past, even if this store manages to survive its own recent changes. read more

This place used to be great. Now it is incredibly understaffed and the poor workers seem beaten down and miserable. Bad vibes abound.

New owners. Lost all its charm. Knowledgable hat people gone. Customer service gone. They use to clean my hats, that service is gone. Heartbreaking... Quality of stock has even gone down. I so miss them. Another real NYC experience gone. read more

Awesome selection and staff! Enjoyed every minute in the shop. Salesman knew my head size with measurements and started selecting styles and colors. Exceptional service! read more

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Bought a sweet hat there. The guy who helped me was patiently helpful. Large selection of fashionable chapeaus.

Damm JFK! When he became president, he would address the public without a hat thereby killing off a once thriving industry. Guess what? I'm bringing style back baby! And I don't need some dopey NY transplant like Josh Gad to tell me this place is cool. I'm friggin' BillySalts! Step aside sucka, I'll show you my NYC. I'm shopping for a hat and I see myself: Wearing linen, smoking a cigar, maybe even whiskey in another hand! All the while rockin' a serious straw hat. With a feather in my cap to boot. This place is in midtown, you can walk to it from Penn Station. If you saw the show, those two cool cats aren't the only sales folks. Today I had a hip, hat wearing saleswoman help me find a hat that I need for my vacation in a few weeks. They have an entire section of these mamasitas! I walk over to the three way mirror and try on a few hats. I find a cool looking hat, I can feel the quality in the craftsmanship. I try it on. Dang!! My purchase comes in a hat box and I'm given a punch card?? Buy 10 hats and get one free?? I am Mr. Punchcard! *Hey Josh Gad-NYC guy, do you have a punch card for Big Gay Ice Cream?? I think not sucka. My next hat. Didja ever see Rocky 4? When Rocky goes to Russia and he's wearing the cap Apollo Creed gave him? Yeah, that hat is my next purchase. Drago!!!!! read more

JJ Hat Center - Getting ready for vacation!! - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

Great Hattitude Great hats with helpful friendly staff. In midtown. They steamed and reshaped my old hat (free) and helped me pick out a new out in a non-pressured environment. Some mook stole a fedora of mine so I needed a new hat. Got one. read more

JJ Hat Center - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

It is not my pleasure to report that I have found them to be rude and overpriced. Have given them plenty of chances to prove otherwise.

This once was a primo hat store. But, with new owners, it's a shadow of its former self. They are letting experienced staff go, and the managers are inexperienced in running a hat store and not knowledgeable about hats. Inventory is more limited. Sad to see. read more

great stuff, the second you walk in the hats start talking to you. friendly staff and very helpful. brought for here numerous times and ill be back again for more. read more

I had to return a hat because of a size issue so I called and talked to Kevin who was very very helpful and said it was no problem as their policy is to make the customer happy and he took care of it for me even though I was in Las Vegas . I just want to thank him and his colleague for helping me . Great service. Thank you . Gordon . read more

What an amazing store! Incredible selection of quality hats at fair prices. I had been looking elsewhere for a fedora (I tried a few places including the disappointing Goorin Brothers location in the West Village). before I finally found J.J.'s. Aside from the selection and excellent service, J.J.'s has some history - it's apparently been in the same place since 1911. That helped to make my purchase feel more memorable. Speaking of service, a special thank you to Adam for being so knowledgeable, helpful and most of all, patient. He spent over an hour with me while I tried on an obscene amount of hats before I finally decided. He explained the characteristics of each hat, the options available, and even went into the back and upstairs several times trying to help me find exactly the hat I wanted in the price range I could afford. It's rare to get such excellent service anywhere, so I wanted to make sure Adam got some well-deserved recognition. If you're in the market for a fine hat, there's no finer place to get one in the city. read more

Love this store it's a real authentic gem and not to be missed if you are a hat lover.

Opening up the JJ Hats box to pull out my new grey Stetson with an obvious stain was quite a disappointment. Given that the hat cost $350, I assumed that the professionals at JJ Hats would have taken the effort to check the hat prior to boxing / shipping. I have been shopping exclusively at JJ Hats for past 5 years...time to buy my Stetsons off the shelf locally here in Texas. read more

JJ Hat Center - JJ Hats - Stetson with stain - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

Although I've only ordered online, I have had an outstanding experience with this hat company. From Kevin's educational YouTube videos & kind comments to Josephine's exceptional customer service, it's no wonder why this store is one of the oldest and best hat companies in the world. read more

Such a dissapointing experience. Super excited to go buy my first nice hat. Walked in, had a guy with zero personality and even less customer service skills "help" me. Met with blank stares and zero help when asking his opinion, even after telling him I know nothing about hats and need his help/opinion. Super frustrating wasting my last few hours on this only to walk away with nothing. read more

This place is fantastic! If you haven't been to the JJ Hat Center you need to look them up next time you're in New York. Established in 1911, JJ's is the oldest hat shop in the country and what an experience. You walk into JJ's and immediately you see more hats than you have ever seen in one place. The staff makes you feel right at home with decades of experience and they can quickly direct to you the perfect hat! And yes, I know what you're thinking, "Wow, that is saying something, because I've seen that monster head of yours!" It's true and I look marvelous. Well, if you're looking for a business hat to wear with a suit for winter and/or summer, JJ's has the technology for you. I purchased a winter cap that can be worn with an over coat that also has fold down cold weather protection that will cover your ears. What! And I still look marvelous. You're going to love this place. Now, here is one more thing that makes JJ's the coolest hat shop in town, and of course only in New York, right? They have a workshop on 5th Avenue where you can work with top designers in the hat industry to build that custom hat just for you. And they do this by working on the same technology that dates back to the 1800's. Wow! Thank you JJ's for being a great part of my headgear community. read more

JJ Hat Center - Hats Near Me - New York, New York

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JJ Hat Center has been on my bookmark on yelp for a while before I stepped foot through their fabled doors. I had a an ole' wide brim hat that needed to get blocked and its band fixed.Can't remember when nor why I bought the fedora. Maybe 'cause hats like these were an anachronism. Maybe I wanted to be unique and different. Maybe I was enamored of Rick of Casablanca fame in which he tells Elsa: "We'll always have Paris. We didn't have, we, we lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night." Well, I got mine last night. My hat in good shape that is. The best thing about. It cost me nothing. Not one cent. Do you know how valuable that free service is? Priceless. [JJ Hat Center] I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Check out my profile picture http://static2.px.yelp.com/photo/pIDNbZquAmwgTgy-al_Otg/l read more

JJ Hat Center - Neon lights of JJ Hat Center - Hats Near Me - New York, New York