The Way You Wear Your Hat

There was once a time in this city when every gentleman (heck, every man) and every lady would wear a hat. Look at old photos of the Polo Grounds (heck, even Ebbitt's Field) and you'll see every head was covered. Times have changed, but balmy weather seems the perfect excuse to don a chapeau. Luckily New York has no shortage of haberdashers and milliners (men and lady hat makers, respectively).

For ladies only
The Hat Shop
(120 Thompson between Prince and Spring)
A ladies hat shop, showcasing the work of more than 30 local milliners, features hats in three categories: "Function, Finishing, and Flaunting"

For the gentleman
JJ Hat Center
Fifth Avenue (nr. 32nd)
Established in 1911 and specializing in classic caps and fedoras; also a fine place to go for a cleaning or shaping

Ladies and gents
Hat Corner
139 Nassua Street (on the corner of Nassau and Beekman)
The space has been used as a hat store since 1890, They sell lots of classic hats and also ugly hats like Kangal, but offers more modestly priced options

Kelly Christy, milliner
453 Broome (nr. Mercer)
The place to go for custom caps (and only takes three weeks); also a nice array of bridal hats

Village Scandal
19 E. 7th St. (nr. Third Ave.)
Located right next to McSorley's Old Ale House, New York Mag said, appropriately, of this shop: “Some have a few beers and make embarrassing phone calls; others have a few beers and … buy hats.”