We had such wonderful helpful service, What an amazing selection of hats. I could have spent all day in there trying on hats.

I left a message 2+ months ago on their phone...no reply!!!!! I found another FANTASTIC HABERDASHERY that actually knows what ATTENTIVE PERSONAL attention means in the business..they don't! read more

I was really displeased after my husband bought a walking cane here and the salesman fitted it poorly and showed him how to use it incorrectly. But after talking with the owner, we were able to get a new cane with a partial refund that I thought was fair. So I have changed my initial review from one star to four. Thank you John Helmer for your attention to your customers. read more

This place is amazing. I had checked out their selection of walking sticks online and knew they had what I was looking for. Went in and while they didn't have the design I was hoping for, I found one that is MUCH better for daily use. The gentleman who helped us was incredibly kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. He helped me find a good height for my walking stick and they cut it for free right there. The price was ready great for the product also. It is a niche store but if they have what you are looking for I'd 1000% suggest them! I plan on making this my go to stop for canes. read more

Great quality hats, great selection, fantastic customer service, reasonably priced. Family owned and operated local business. No issue parking nearby. read more

My son turned 11 and really wanted a top hat. I wanted to buy one that would last. We first tried another store - thank heavens they were closed Mondays! I had never been to John Helmer, seeing as I am a single mom. The minute we walked in it felt like a step into a different dimension, one where you shopped from a local store that knew just what you needed. The first hats we tried weren't quite right, and the salesman never tried to push us to buy - in fact, he took several hats off because he said they weren't "it." We finally found THE hat. A black Italian number with an amazing ribbon band. The sales person then offered to steam and brush the hat before we took it home! While we were there we went to look at ties. The man came up with the hat, so I asked how he ties his neckties. The salesman not only showed us his basic tie (which was not so basic!), but then showed how he comes up with his own knots, depending on the tie and his mood. What?! I didn't know you could do that! We were never shuffled off or given less than stellar service, even with me (this was during the ice storm this Jan) looking a little worse for the wear, and their customer being 11. read more

Very good quality, better-made hats. Top brands from Europe. You won't find any baseball caps here!

Not only was the selection exceptional, but the service was outstanding. Store personnel took as much time as necessary to ensure our purchase met our needs. Our experience was reminiscent of the "Good old days" when customer service was an integral part of doing business. Plus, I got to use the word "haberdasher" and who doesn't love that? read more

Great shop that has been here for years. Friendly staff and great selection of everything. Beautiful scarves, gloves, hats, socks, vests, jackets, shirts, hats and more. Also does made to order. Excellent quality and helpful staff. read more

In the best way possible, this is a dash of yesteryear, from the attentive focus of the staff to the manufacture quality, the materials, and careful fashion details of the products. There's a luxury to fine woolens, detailed herringbone of tweed, ascots, hats as class markings, and all the accouterment. In a word of short Internet attention spans, I'd offer the description "The Great Gatsby meets The Kingsmen, and they go shopping." read more

John Helmer Haberdasher - Signage - Men's Clothing Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Must go! The super knowledgeable Gail Frank assessed my big hair and large head and personality and chose three hats for me that I never would have picked on my own, and they were perfect! You need professional advice on hats and you should ask here. Also learn about proper hat wearing and sizing. read more

I have only been to this store twice and both times I received excellent service. Yesterday was my most recent visit. I went in shopping for a men's wool Fedora. I had read positive reviews of the Bailey's of Hollywood line of hats and that is what I asked for. The salesman who helped me greeted me warmly as I entered the store and then showed me the line of Bailey Fedora's that they carried. He listened very well to what I was looking for and showed me many hats that would fit the bill. I found a perfect fitting Fedora in the color I was looking for and I left there a very satisfied customer. My wife also loved the hat and said it looked great on me. Thank you for a very good shopping experience. I'll be back!! Larry F Vancouver, WA read more

A wonderful place to shop with old timey customer service in an atmosphere of yesteryear.

Got a few things from John Helmer, suit and some jackets. Everything is immaculate. I get more compliments on the jackets than anything else. Highly recommend it! read more

Walking into John Helmer is like stepping into the past in the best way. Came with my partner to find a newsboy cap for him to wear to our wedding. We couldn't have been more pleased with the atmosphere, service, and selection in the store. Spencer, a dapper gentleman, was a wonderful guide and showed us various hat options, some even on sale. We found a high quality, stylish cap for about $60 that my partner wore to the ceremony. Thank you, Spencer and John Helmer! read more

Following decades as a satisfied customer at Brooks Brothers, they closed the Portland store. My brother -in-law suggested John Helmer Haberdasher on Broadway at Salmon. I needed a summer suit and a blazer. Wow! The quality of the clothing and service are both A+. Expert fitting and tailoring as well. I am a satisfied customer. My only regret is that I didn't discover this wonderful store years ago. read more

This is a lovely place for guys who enjoy a little old-school service and some traditional refinement in a world gone mad. They carry genuine toquilla Panama straw hats, beautiful pocket squares in fine silks, great small leather goods and even Truefitt & Hill cologne from London, which I like almost as much as Floris (but not quite.) I got a wonderful silk dress scarf, black with pinpoint white dots, very elegant and not something I think I would find anywhere else in Portland. Also some Alden slip on loafers, which were several hundred dollars but amazing...very hard to get! I will be back! read more

I occasionally notice a small John Helmer Haberdasher add in the New Yorker, and yes this place is the real deal. I stopped in yesterday and enjoyed trying on various straw hats that actually fit my XXL head. They have great merchandise and service here, even though some folks might mistakenly assume that this classy place is "dated". The next time I'm in town with Gayle I'll be back, as my sense of high fashion requires her calibration. I also have a funny feeling that she'll walk straight past the hats and proceed directly to how good I might look in some of those handsome and stylish shirts and suits. read more

I grew up in Los Angeles, where Philip Marlow, Raymond Chandler's famous detective, pounded the hot tinsel-town pavement with his fedora and snub-nose 38. By the 50s nobody in L.A. wore a hat except my Grandfather - he was also the last man in Dallas Texas to stop wearing a six-shooter into town. I don't recollect any local haberdashers in L.A. - sunglasses, and flip-flops, but not haberdashers. I've always liked the way men dressed in the 30s and 40s - especially the hats. In Portland, you need a hat, so I drop into John Helmer's and inevitably work my way over to the Italian fedoras. Okay, maybe Marlow wouldn't wear an Italian fedora, but Eddie Mars would, and I would too. John Helmer has an incredible selection of hats, and I slowly work my way through them, trying them on, peeking at the price, and inching my way toward the Italian hats. I peek at the price.... Sure, I'd wear it, but I'm a working stiff and I can't afford an Italian fedora, so I'll just wear this Stetson fur felt job, and drop in every now and then and visit the Italians. What the heck, It's an excuse to visit my local haberdasher. read more

John Helmer Haberdasher - Men's Clothing Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I truly wish that I could spend lots of money in here. But alas, that is not to be on this occasion, but who knows what the future may bring. I knew of John Helmer in passing by the store, usually on Sundays when they are closed. I could see a wide selection of hats and that is what got me wanting to go in to this haberdashery. I'm a hat guy and since moving here I have gotten myself attached to Goorin Bros. Hats over on NW 23rd. But, I wanted to see if there was anywhere else in town to find good hats and in particular, one with green in it. That seems to be a problem. No one makes hats with green in them and I'm not sure why. Anyway, I went to JHH and was treated very well by the staff (even in biking gear and very out of place) but I knew what I was looking for and the person assisting my was helpful, of course the hats that I did find were well out of my price range (figures) but there was a wide selection in all shapes and sizes and I could easily lose a paycheck or two in here. I even took a look at the clothing and the ties and shirts were impressive but not necessarily my style. I will make my way back here soon and if for some reason I ever get the elusive job that pays me boatloads of money, then shoot, I'd be here weekly. Enjoy. read more

I found the proprietors to be masters of their craft and helpful, not stuffy. As I looked around the store I found their clothing to be well made with quality fabrics. This store is a rare gem for us as the clothing can last decades and still provide classic and sustainable value. read more

This place is wonderful! I've been here a few times, bought two hats from them so far. Their staff has always been very helpful, and knowledgeable. They have an incredible selection and some of the best socks, ever. I highly recommend visiting this store, even to just get a good look at all of the wonderful goodies! read more

John Helmer Haberdasher - Men's Clothing Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Very friendly store been there for years. Primarily a hat store but has other clothing. Almost bought a hat on ciber Monday great prices. Highly recommended it. Helpful staff.. got a.hat for Christmas. read more

Been to John Helmer before to get a sports coat and it fits great! I get a ton of compliments on it too. So with my wedding coming up, I went to John to get something custom. John was fantastic in helping me find exactly what I wanted and has been extremely patient with me and all the of the scheduling delays we've had. Such a great place to find that perfect suit or anything else you'd like to look good! read more

One of the only true haberdashery spots in Portland. I've bought several hats there and have benefited from their expert advice. If you are a careful dresser and like quality and are willing to pay for it this is a "must go to" spot . read more

I went in specifically looking for a hat. Their selection is excellent and the clerk that helped me was very knowledgeable about all the products they sell. I definitely recommend them if you are looking for upscale men's wear in Portland. read more

More for men than women yet still found a hat I absolutely love here. It's worth a look see for man or woman if you're in the market for a hat. They have a few nicer clothing items as well--at least for men. read more

John Helmer is one of the country's great haberdashers (mens clothing & accessories). While difficult to fit, I can always find stylish clothes that do fit here, much nicer and with much greater selection than even the higher end department stores & men's clothiers like Nordstroms & Marios. After visiting a few such stores looking for gloves, I was disappointed in the lack of selection that fit me. I was going to settle. A stop at Helmer's found an extensive selection of different styles and types - so I was able to find some that fit like the proverbial glove. While John Helmer is not inexpensive, it makes finding clothes with style, quality, selection, & fit easy and fun. They fully deserve my highest recommendation. read more

They don't make 'em like this anymore. In a world of internet shopping and subscription box clothing you don't find stores that cater to the well-dressed person all too often, especially a non-chain, non-big box type of retailer. I regret not being able to meet John Helmer himself, but the young gentleman who helped me was courteous, polite and took the time to explain the proper use and etiquette of the item I purchased. It wasn't a large purchase, and I might've found it elsewhere for slightly less, but to patronize a business such as this, with service as I received, I wouldn't think twice about doing it again. I would encourage you to do the same. I hope this store remains a Portland staple for as long as it's welcomed. read more

My Dad likes to drive up from Albany to visit this hat shop. The hats are beautiful and top quality. There are several other hat shops around the Portland area, but the hats are so cheaply made, and manufactured in China. Beautiful, well made hats can be found here at John Helmer's. They have beret's, hats suitable for theme parties, boat captain hats, etc. They also will help you with the proper fit. They also have a selection of women's dressy hats, walking sticks, mens dress shirts, etc. read more

Helmer's is a true gem for quality men's clothing, shoes, accessories and of course HATS. I have been a loyal customer here for many years since finishing law school. They have provided clothes and shoes for my career in banking as well as for the weekend. I recently ordered two pair of Alden shoes that I know will outlive me. John and Jack always make sure that all my purchases are perfect. Whether you are just starting a professional career and looking to invest in a wardrobe that will convey your professionalism, looking for a hat to keep your head dry or a bottle of cologne that won't inspire people to move away from you in a small space, you can't go wrong by dropping into Helmers. read more

My husband is happy for weeks after shopping here. He's a mid 30's gentleman, but loves old man hats. This store has an awesome selection of hats for the stylish man, I just wish my husband would pick some that didn't make him look like he lived in the 1950s. The service is always impeccable, never pushy, always helpful. Prices are pretty spendy - definitely more of a luxury store, but really - is there another place in Portland to buy a top quality hat? Maybe, but speaking on behalf of my husband, we'll take John Helmer please. read more

Even though we didn't make any purchases, I have to give this place 5 stars. What a great selection of hats, bow ties, canes, and other gentlemen-ly things. The service was great too, helpful but not pushy. There was a very hip 6-year-old with his parents looking for a hat. According to mom, the kid is super into hats. The store employee that was helping them, took it very seriously and suggested ones that would fit his head. I was very tempted to get the wooden shoehorn with the silver duck head as the handle. What a whimsical way to put on your shoes every day. Great place to source presents for the male folk in your life. read more

Over a couple visits, I worked with John Helmer to create the suit of my dreams for my wedding. He was super helpful, always kind and patient, and extremely knowledgable. After the suit arrived (and looked amazing), he took the time (over a few sessions) to hem/dial in the fit until it was just right. To say I'm impressed with the suit and John would be an understatement. Thanks for making my big day that much more memorable, John! read more

John Helmer is one of the oldest stores in Portland. Its still run by a John Helmer (I think maybe the Third generation?) and it offers that same old quality and service of yester year. The focus is on hats and menswear. You need a hat - ANY kind of hat - they have it. They offer mens suits and accessories as well as tailoring. They do have a women's headwear selection, though its not as grand. Its really fun to stroll in around derby time and see the crazy window displays. read more

John Helmer Haberdasher - Men's Clothing Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I went into this shop while on a man date with an old friend. The store was a breath of fresh air. We got a pleasant sartorial history lesson from the staff. Apparently a haberdasher is a clothier specializing in accessories. This store definitely lives up to the title. The store has apparently expanded to offer a limited selection of mens clothing. The merchandise is awesome; incredible quality, but also incredible prices to match. Still, I have to agree with previous reviews. For good local businesses such as this to continue to survive we have to begin patronizing them in greater numbers. The store offers custom shirts for prices that make me wonder why I paid so much for off the rack shirts to be tailored. I will be heading back to the Haberdashery next year to purchase some custom shirts when they are offering the two shirt minimum special they have going several times a year. The custom options they offer are ridiculous. I had no idea there were so many ways to cut a collar on a dress shirt. I already have the options I want memorized. They can fit a shirt to any specific style and there are a couple of employees who are usually modeling one of their many shirts with outrageous patterns. You can usually find John Helmer himself in the store helping customers and conducting the backroom business of the store. He is a very pleasant and helpful man who will direct you anywhere in or out of the store to find what you need. You don't see that desire for customer satisfaction at any cost any more. read more

Excellent store. I've been going here since the 80s to get my hats, and they have never disappointed. I've even gotten hats through their website when I've lived out-of-town. Always outstanding service, and a selection like you wouldn't believe. Complementary boxes with purchase, of course. They have everything you need for your hats: feathers; brushes; waterproofing sprays; hat cleaning services; hat stretching services; even hat stretchers themselves. They also have a wide selection of novelty hats. They have ladies' hats, too; my wife has gotten some of hers here. For men, they also have ties, bow ties, canes, other accessories, and a limited--but high quality--selection of men's clothing & shoes. This is a family-owned local business, and if you want local businesses to survive, you have to patronize them. Walk in and give them a look--you won't be disappointed. read more

This is such an awesome place to get some really cool hats. They also carry a variety of other items but we always come in for hats. As soon as you walk in the front door, you are greeted and asked what you came in for. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. There have been times when we've shown them a picture of a product we'd seen online and they've searched the hats to find the exact one. We will continue to make the trip to Portland just to stop here and get some cool stuff. The quality of their products is top notch. If they don't have your size, they are more than willing to put an order in for you. Definitely a place to go. Highly recommend. read more

Glad that others have had a good experience here. Sadly, that is not the case for myself. My first trip here there was someone willing to help me but only because my husband was looking for a hat. I did purchase a great hat. Second time, a salesman begrudgingly came over to tell me the womens hats were not ready for the sales floor. Third time, which will be the last time I will ever step over their threshold. No one, I mean no one even acknowledged our existence. I tired on maybe a dozen hats looking for something for winter. The salesman standing behind the register never came over help. The salesman helping the gentleman beside me never said anything, like "someone will be right with you". At this point, ladies, this place is not for you. Why they even keep womens hats in stock in beyond me. The selection has gone down hill in the last 3 years. And their unwillingness to make a sale or even treat me as a human is baffling. The only thing I saw was rudeness, which some think makes them elite, only shows their lack of manners which means I will not reward such behavior by buying anything and informing others, beware! read more

Today I drove 100 miles to buy a hat in this establishment, having received several recommendations and a gift certificate. I was not disappointed. A gentleman named John assisted me in finding a very snappy fedora in the right size, style and color. He was meticulously dressed, knowledgeable and personable and gave the sort of service that has seemingly gone out of style, something which my purchase today never shall. I recommend this establishment heartily. read more