Tom Smarte
What makes your hats unique?
At Tom Smarte, we are bringing back the quality and tradition of hand made hats. Our expertise helps to make the hats easy to wear again, by providing a unique service to help identify the perfect style of hat for you, giving you the confidence to ‘don’ a real hat, possibly for the first time.
Who are Tom Smarte hats for?
We design our hats for the non-traditional, younger man who is looking for a smarter image. There is a growing trend to dress smarter that has developed within menswear and Tom Smarte hats are an ideal way to complete the look. Tom Smarte also looks to help the man who would like to wear hats but has not worn them before, providing expert advice to help him select and care for the right hat for him.
What can one expect from a Tom Smarte hat?
Luxury hand crafted hats made from the finest materials to make you look and feel your best. Tom Smarte hats are expertly made in a style and colour that is specifically designed to suit a particular face shape and complexion. A combination of traditional and heritage style and quality, updated with fabric and details for an innovative, smart and modern look.
What are your key styles?
There are five key styles that we have developed to suit all face shapes: Flat Caps, Newsboy Caps, Trilbys, Fedoras and Pork Pie Hats. There is at least one style that will suit anyone. With Tom Smarte, there is no longer the excuse of 'hats don't suit me'.
Where do you find inspiration?
Details. The difference between something being excellent rather than just good is in the final 1 to 2%. You can see this in everything, whether it's nature, photography, architecture or industrial design, it's the detail that makes something aesthetically compelling.
Tell us about the history behind Tom Smarte...
The story begins with Thomas Smarte who was first making hats in Devon, England in the 1770s. He passed on his knowledge to his son, also Thomas Smarte, who started trading hats and materials with mainland Europe in the early 1800s. By 1891, the 4th generation of Thomas Smartes had moved the business to Luton, which had become the centre of British hat making at that time. The line of Smarte hat makers ended in the first World War, but the traditions and skills developed by generations of Thomas Smartes has now been revived in London by Tom Smarte.
What is important to you?
To preserve the art of traditional British hat making and develop it to suit the needs of modern life.