About

About us/ Our mission

Julia Warter founded Wander Hat Co. to create hats with a unique style made with quality materials from the United States.  

Wander Hat Co. was inspired by the long lost art of quality hat making in the United States and created for you, the women taking on the world who needs a wardrobe that keeps up. For many months, we searched for a manufacturer that would deliver the best quality product with materials to last. We are proud to say Wander Hats are designed in Southern California, manufactured in New York, and made from high-quality materials sourced in the United States. 

Why buy from American made businesses? 

Buy local has been a buzzword for good reason. There are many benefits to purchasing goods made locally, whether in our city, state, or nation. We are able to create higher-quality items, reduce our carbon footprint as well as ensure our products are made under fair and safe labor conditions.

While many companies are able to provide fair and safe working conditions under their roofs domestically, our nation cannot control what happens overseas nor do other countries have regulations in place such as OSHA. For instance, in 2016, there were 152 million children in child labor with 73 million being in hazardous work. When we purchase goods from overseas, we are supporting harmful violations against workers. When it comes to manufacturing goods overseas, there is still a lot of work to be done to safeguard against these practices taking place today. 

In addition to promoting safe work environments, buying American made products provides jobs for current and future generations in addition to boosting American investment opportunities. 

All of the above are a few reasons why it was so important for Wander Hat Co. to be a 100% American made company. 

History of hat making in the United States

From George Washington to Teddy Roosevelt, American history includes hats. In the late 1800s, men wore hats to reflect their personalities. During this time, hat manufacturers later referred to as milliners, were popping up along the East Coast. As the years progressed, more and more manufacturers began moving their operations overseas to cut costs and increase margins. 

In more recent times, companies had started bringing back operations stateside. Until, the crash of 2007. There are still companies using labor overseas for apparel goods such as hats. However, more and more companies are realizing and taking advantage of the benefits of creating products in the United States. Wander Hat Co. is here to drive this narrative forward. We are committed to sourcing domestic wool and manufacturing our hats in the United States.