Our Straw

The Milan straw is made of a natural wheat, grown & harvested almost exclusively in Asia. Grown in small rural towns, this wheat straw has been harvested here; mostly due to climate, foundations, and soil work. Few manufacturers still produce the traditional finely braided & golden hued hats from wheat straw, as opposed to the man-made synthetic fibers.

The wheat is grown & harvested, then split into long strands and braided into fine ropes by hand. From here, these braids of wheat straw are sent to the States to be sewn together by specific 1940s vintage machines. From the fineness of braid, the millimeters sewn, and the beautiful natural colors, we work closely with our supplier to ensure we are getting the best of the bunch. All so we can make the best hat available in these rare materials. We then receive our hat bodies, block and finish them by hand in our store.

Despite the Milans layered braids, the Milan straw hats are durable and lightweight. These intricately woven hats can withstand significant wear and still boast their beautiful golden hues.