About Us
Crafted by Hand. Made for You.
Some hats are manufactured. Ours are made.
At Pillar & Brim Hatters, every hat begins with a conversation and ends with something you'll wear for a lifetime. We're a Tennessee-based hat shop rooted in the belief that a truly great hat isn't found — it's created, shaped, and fitted to the person who'll carry it through the world.
The Story Behind the Brim
Pillar & Brim was born from a simple but deeply held conviction: that the craft of hatmaking deserves to be taken seriously. Founded by a veteran and doctoral candidate who understands the seriousness of business and the importance of accomplishing the mission correctly. In a world of fast fashion and off-the-shelf everything, we chose a different path — one that honors the time, skill, and attention that goes into building something exceptional.
Based in Tennessee, we specialize in handcrafted western and felt hats — rabbit felt, beaver felt, and fine blends — shaped and finished by hand, one hat at a time. Every crease, every curve, every stitch reflects a standard we refuse to compromise on.
Our roots run alongside some of the greats like Shorty's Caboy, Zito Hats, and Wild Hats — kindred spirits in the tradition of fine hat craft and personal service. That same ethos lives in everything we do at Pillar & Brim.
Meet Kevin
I'm Kevin Adamson, and I've built Pillar & Brim around one idea: that you deserve a hat made specifically for you.
Hatmaking, to me, is a conversation between the maker and the wearer. It's about understanding how you carry yourself, what you value, and what you want your hat to say before you ever open your mouth. I take that seriously — and I bring that care to every consultation, every design decision, and every hat that leaves this shop.
When you work with Pillar & Brim, you're not placing an order. You're starting a collaboration.
The Custom Hat Process
Great hats don't happen by accident. Here's how we build yours:
1. Consultation
Every hat starts with a conversation. We'll talk through your style, your needs, your head shape, and the occasions you'll be wearing it for. This is where your hat begins to take form — in the details only you can provide.
2. Design
From your consultation, we develop a design tailored to you — crown style, brim width, felt weight, color, and finish. Nothing is generic. Everything is intentional.
3. Handcrafting
This is where the work happens. Your hat is shaped, blocked, and finished entirely by hand using premium rabbit or beaver felt. The process takes time — and that's exactly the point. We don't rush craft.
4. Delivery
Your finished hat arrives ready to wear — and ready to last. Most custom hats are completed within 6–8 weeks. Good things take time, and we think you'll agree it's worth the wait.
What Makes a Pillar & Brim Hat Different
- Made by hand, not by machine. Every hat is shaped and finished by skilled hands, not a production line.
- Premium materials. We work with American made rabbit felt, beaver felt, and fine blends — materials chosen for their quality, durability, and feel.
- Fitted to you. Your head shape, your style, your life. No two Pillar & Brim hats are alike.
- Built to last. A well-made hat is an heirloom. We build ours to be worn, loved, and passed down.
Ready to Start?
Your hat is waiting to be made. Let's talk about what it looks like.
Consultations are free. Custom hats are typically completed within 6–8 weeks.