Ever since I saw Ryan Evans strut in “High School Musical” with his assortment of brightly-colored fedoras and newsboy caps, I vowed to myself that someday, I would become a hat collector (a connoisseur, if permissible). Since this year started, a lot of cute hats have been popping up on my feed and I’m pretty sure I have a case of hat fever (like baby fever but for hats).
Going through the same thing? Not to worry because I’m saving you from scrolling back to your retweets and bookmarks. Here’s a list of Instagram shops that are must-visits for anyone who’s ready to risk it all for adorable hats.
Kent Bread Hat
Japanese hat craftsman and former character designer Kent (yup, he goes by a mononym) created handmade hats that look like they came straight out of the oven—thus the brand name Kent Bread Hat. Kent says that he hopes his creations lead to conversations, smiles and new encounters.
Two of the brand’s most popular hats are the Melonpan hat (inspired by the Japanese melon-shaped bread) and the Pancake hat. Some of its equally quirky non-bread options include the Summer Marshmallow Ghost hat and Poisoned Apple hat.
The hats are made of wool felt and dyed by hand. Each hat takes a month to make but the sweet offerings look like they’re worth the wait.
Elleni the Label
Another shop on the list with goodies for dessert lovers is Elleni the Label. Founder and designer Elleni tells us that the brand creates bright, offbeat berets to collect smiles. “I love creating colorful and fun oddity that can coax a smile even on the gloomiest of days,” she says.
Although the shop offers baked goods (like its top seller called the Cutie Pie beret fashioned after a cherry pie) and other food-inspired pieces (like the Spaghetti & Meatballs beret), it has a varied selection. Other cute options are the Solar System beret and Succulent beret.
Each hat is made of wool with viscose felt details. Think your taste in hats is a little niche? This is the shop for you.
Kore Studio
Entrepreneur, content creator and proud ARMY Kim Mendoza started Kore Studio in late 2019. “[This was before my] fangirl trip to South Korea,” she gushes. Her shop offers a variety of handmade goods, ranging from berets to embroidered keychains, for her fellow ARMYs.
Its first product, the I Purple You beret, is a bestseller that’s been worn by the likes of Liza Soberano. Other BTS-inspired designs include the Dynamite Vinyl beret and the 0613 beret. You can even add-on a bow with the members’ names if you’re feeling fancy.
Made with love, it’s almost like this shop’s fan merch is telling us, “Borahae!”
Carmico
Are you into cottagecore? If your answer is a resounding yes, Carmico is the shop for you. Designer, illustrator and plant mom Selina started the brand in 2019. Mindfully made and quirky, Selina describes the brand’s themed selection as old friends that greet you.
One of its standout pieces is the Mushroom beret with its wonderful embroidered details on its top and gill. Its Mushroom cap is an equally cool alternative. Our other favorites from the shop are its Cremini Mushroom earrings and Blue Moon bag.
If you’re looking to add whimsy to your everyday outfits, the shop has it in heaps.
Colourfy Me
Attention, gamers and fans of all things kawaii. If you’ve been trying to find the shop that creates the Kirby beret, the answer is Colourfy Me. It looks like Kirby is trying to swallow your head whole when you wear the hat. It’s pretty funny and the Nintendo character is unfailingly delightful.
A shop is also currently working on a Ditto beret. In the meantime, you can check out goodies like its Cardcaptor Sakura pins and Animal Crossing keychains. Who says you have to stop being cute at a certain age?
Art by Jan Cardasto
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