How Custom Cowboy Hats Are Made | Nathaniel's Custom Hats

Kirby visits Nathaniel Funmaker, a custom hatmaker in Georgetown, Texas, to learn about his traditional hat making process.
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Kirby heads down to Georgetown, Texas to meet Nathaniel Funmaker, a custom hatmaker who loves making hats the old-fashioned way. Nathaniel's hats are handmade on vintage and antique equipment with consideration to the customer's lifestyle and face features to ensure they fit and satisfy the customers for years to come. With that kind of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, Kirby had to visit and ask Nathaniel how he approaches his hat making process.

[@Jim58223]

11 mins into the video and from seeing a lot of your other videos Kirby, your interviewing skills have greatly improved. They are a lot easier to follow. In the past you would add a lot of unnecessary reparative commentary, but it's great to see that the interviewee is the highlight of the videos now. And you don't force them to come up with an answer.

[@kirbyallison]

Constantly improving.... thank you!

[@YNOCORWDO]

Out of curiosity, why took you exactly 11 mins to realise the interview skills? Why not 10 or 12 mins? 😂😂😂

[@Jim58223]

@@YNOCORWDO That's just the time I was paused at when I made the comment and was enough to see an improvement in his skill.

[@thelearicist]

Completely agree.

[@harrynelson9203]

We must protect this place at all costs

[@kirbyallison]

Yep. Dealing with the same rent pressures so many other retailers...

[@G17-911]

Only way to do that, is to make a purchase. Which hat did you order ?

[@davidstephens6458]

Love Nate! I am privileged enough to own four hats made by Nate Funmaker. No other hat has ever fit as well or worn as well as his. He is a true craftsman and a tremendous artist.

[@MannyTheBootmaker]

How much are his hats?

[@davidstephens6458]

@@MannyTheBootmaker Full beaver fur were $800 at the time I bought. 50/50 fur of beaver and rabbit were $600. It’s been a few years since I have bought one.

[@drummerboy-ep7hq]

Kirby, This content highlights what makes your point of view so refreshing and rewatchable. You’re a student of quality and tradition, which most of the world identifies in British and Italian tailoring. But, you’re based in Texas and have introduced thousands of people globally to the quality and history of western workwear. Top quality western wear/bootmaking and conventional European suiting/shoemaking arrive at the same conclusion from two completely different paths: the best materials and attention to detail make dependable items that last as long as the end user treats them correctly.

[@kirbyallison]

I really appreciate your comment, and couldn't agree more. Quality and tradition are limited by geography. It was wonderful to be able to shine a light briefly on some amazing quality and craftsmanship here in Texas! Ideally we want to continue travelling the world to highlight it everywhere, as that is the only way to ensure people really do value the skills and traditions that these craftspeople spend years mastering, and without that support would surely die off.

[@leezep9794]

This video is worthy of documetary status kirby, super great content bravo!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!!

[@maxine2798]

@@kirbyallison agreed. I’ve seen Kirby improve his presentation and interview skills from a good standard to great. Dealing with a subject he knows and loves helps!!

[@1nickynoodles]

Kirby, your manner and content is so refreshing and more importantly thoroughly warming amid the times we're going through. Keep up the great work, you're very much appreciated!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Please like, subscribe, and share!!

[@Russell-1]

Yes it was a good interview

[@RealPrimusPalus]

When you hear this man talk about his craft and the process it takes... you truly appreciate the quality and what you receive. You can go on Amazon and get a crappy $20 felt hat or go into a store and get a $100 mass produced hat. But this is artwork. I'd love to get one from him. I took a look at the site and it's currently being redone. Wish I lived close(er) to Texas, I would drop in there and place an order. Even though it's a significant cost.

[@scholasticaltactical9058]

Kirby, you must do an episode on beautiful handcrafted single action revolvers. The lock work and engraving would be right up your alley sir.

[@Russell-1]

What a nice man. It’s always a pleasure to wear something made by such people.

[@djcfb2889]

Gosh Kirby, you just keep amaze me with quality contents like these!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@SplurgeFrugal]

Kirby you have come into your own as an interviewer. Your respect for the craftsman and his craft elevates this video. A compelling interview of a true artist!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you for your kind words. I am always trying to learn and improve as well, so I appreciate people's comments and suggestions, and also the compliments like yours!

[@standartenfuhrerhanslanda-4132]

It’s just so refreshing to watch a Kirby Allison video after a day of stress, just appreciating the dedication and skill that goes into this kind of stuff.

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. Thank you!

[@chrisfitzgibbon147]

Love Nate and his wife Carrie. Great quality and care goes into every aspect of their business. I just received my hat about 3 months ago and let me just say what an amazing experience. Nate's love for the craft shows in every point of my hat. And I will cherish this for the rest of my life.

[@stephenmills1280]

Over and again you teach us that each garment and wardrobe element carry stories of our lives -- and that bespoke uniquely lets us live unencumbered in ways our personal stories and attire grow a glorious patina with our successes and setbacks informed by our contributive purpose. You teach us to cherish artisans, Hatters, artists, dyers, crafters, tailors, weavers, enfleurage, tie-makers, tanners and even ourselves. Through your many gifts of wisdom and insight we come to cherish you.

[@nattybushdoctor9021]

I love this hat maker! Passion.

[@billynunns]

I think it is awesome to see the preamble to the process. The most important part is what some might consider boring. Knowing who the person is before the hat is made is important

[@doogie64]

This dude loves his craft. Just the way he talks about his process. Good stuff.

[@LlFE]

All I can say is WOW, and thank you, BOTH, for your service and passion. Dont know if I wanna be an interview gentleman or a hatting scholar.

[@frankmysterious4410]

I think it’s so cute how Kirby keeps his tie!

[@normanfillmore3490]

Nathaniel’s is right down the street from my house. He and his wife are absolutely wonderful people. He is running about a nine month backlog on orders, it’s worth the wait! Love my hat!

[@davidzimmer2694]

The explorer looks good on you! The most wonderful thing about the west and mid west, are families headed out on Friday and Saturday night, dressed to the hilt, with a beautiful hat. Thanks for this Kirby.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Very neat. It’s amazing how a hat helps define a roll. Nate’s 512 reminds me of a Navajo guy I knew who was a game warden who wore an open road. When Nate switched to the traditional cowboy hat at the end, he reminded me of a Mescalero Apache I knew who was a horse trainer, wrangler and hunting guide. The hat style in each case was defined by their jobs. I do think Nate’s old hat reflects his trade; worn but trusty equipment and a custom touch only time allows. Thank you for sharing!

[@TBizzell68]

What a fantastic video. Nathaniel’s is in my home town. I need to go see him. What a great guy

[@somuchforsteve]

Fantastic! I love the craftsmanship and a true love for the art. This is awesome. Well done.

[@donaldpreble2617]

I get compliments from many for the Nathaniel hat I wear. They recognize quality.

[@jakk222rem]

I really like that green hat with the blue band over his right shoulder

[@robertsills2519]

Kirby, enjoyed the interview with Nathaniel at his shop. Really interesting and inciteful.

[@stevereid4838]

Nate is a great Artist just like his Father was.Such a great passion.

[@zootism]

Fantastic video Kirby! Hope you got your hat.

[@WALDAWG439]

A true artisan, the type of workmanship this world is losing. Great video, think I'm gonna get me a hat!

[@Mr.M1STER]

When he was measuring your head size and shape he said "It is what it is" and I love that. I just wish more people would accept other parts of their bodies in the same way.

[@runningdebate2670]

This was an awesome video, and great interview Kirby.

[@SoCalCigars]

New to your content. Very impressed. This was an amazing experience with this hat maker. I hope to see a follow up video one day of you picking up your custom hat from this gentleman. Glad I ran across your channel.

[@ernestonavajr.6814]

great video Kirby. I really enjoyed the old fashion hat making video. Great work all around.

[@allen31951]

Great interview. What an impressive craftsman who clearly has passion for his trade. He is a wonderful guy. I own 2 of Graham Thompson’s Optimo Hats so I can appreciate this level of skill and quality of hat making. He is up their with the best.

[@yayayaokoksure]

I just want one of those vintage blanks. I'd rock it as is.

[@jzzanetis]

Bravo, sir! Really digging how he explains the history and craftsmanship behind the craft. There’s definitely something important and special about not just buying “a” hat but putting the investment forth for “the” hat that appropriately enhances one’s presentation - especially now in the times of mask wearing...

[@tallakff7349]

I have a custom fedora from that hat shop in Mancos that I think he made for me 27 years ago. Still wearing it.

[@mayassa58]

That first hat was perfect for you

[@sheriff7172]

I didn't expect to finish 50+ minute Video on hats but I'm left wanting more. Would you consider filming a video going over the features of each hat style and the benefits and the use case for each? For example I am just left knowing that hat you tried on was getting towards a explorers hat, fishing hat and fedora but I still don't understand the difference. Also it was pointed out that women liked the gambler hat but I don't know why and thought that it could be unisex

[@kirbyallison]

Very interesting suggestion! Let us have a think about this..

[@CulturedCarlo]

I met this guy about two years ago! Had a great talk with him but didn't have the funds for a hat sadly but it was nice talking to him.

[@hydroaegis6658]

I have huge respect for this hat maker's mentality.

[@duanephillips2343]

Joining the party a year late but this was a really good video. I watch a lot of videos on hat making and shaping and this is one of the best I have seen. I have been learning to shape my own cowboy hats using antique store finds and a tea kettle but boy it would be nice to have one Nathaniel made.

[@Rey-Nolds]

The fedora is the best look for you Kirby, hope you got him to make you one. Thanks for video.

[@gerardzonjee]

Very interesting insight. It made me wonder about maintenance of hats. Something I never considered...

[@richardsteele6776]

That was incredible.

[@allenwilson9656]

I was definitely hopin to see you get a hat , that would have been so awesome. Maybe an update that you did !

[@chetfairman9545]

To the question Kirby asks about the 8:05 mark...I was getting off a plane with my wife and she was lamenting my cowboy hat - TO A GUY IN A COWBOY HAT!!!! - and he responded "It's his identity."

[@TheMxboy199]

I want a cowboy hat one day for sure

[@kurtwederquist5880]

Great work! I Loved this!

[@ham4761]

What kind of hat is Nathaniel wearing for most of the video? The style is really appealing.

[@bassamshukair7450]

How Kirby wants to laugh 😆 everytime he wears a Hat 👒

[@markmadison8295]

Kirby, my guilty pleasure! Did I miss how much his hats sell for?

[@calebshipley4448]

I had a quick look at his website. It looks like he has 3 price points. 100% Rabbit runs $595, a Rabbit/Beaver blend runs $795, and a pure Beaver hat runs $995.

[@trevorbain4637]

Hi Kirby another great video but you didn't say if you had ordered one and if so which one?

[@teenoso4069]

Very good video and actually, the hat does suit you

[@xburtonboardnx]

I love how the maker changed from his dress hat to his sweaty old hat to size you up - seems very fitting to wear the work hat. But also, have the camera guy check to make sure your zipper is up ;) Question: Why do you have your skinny tie end hang longer than the wide end?

[@lakepostell6912]

Kirby, well done!!!

[@kylebird3113]

Great video Kirby

[@pablobruning4508]

Good stuff here. Nate thought he may be the only Native American hatmaker. Another is Native Artist (Navajo), Melissa Lewis-Barnes. Uses antique devices for her hats as well. In Durango, CO.

[@Jmike12345]

Interesting video and interview.

[@KMaybach1]

Dear Kirby, what a joy to watch your videos, they are simple fantastic! May I ask, how the quality of the felt and finishing is different to Optimo, different styles a side. Is there actually a big difference, when you purchase hats at this price point? Thank you very much

[@kirbyallison]

Similar hats. Different styles!

[@thomasbeckett1245]

Some wonderful, it was a hobby thing to make… we all made them, it was a great pass time. Western Canadian culture. Calgary is home to Stetson. It’s big on rodeo day.

[@lakepostell6912]

Like a good book, sorry to read the last page. However I'm happy to have read my feelings.

[@yammmez]

Wow almost an hour long! When is the Netflix series being announced?

[@kirbyallison]

Waiting for them to call me...

[@barisondude7673]

Enjoyed the content. 👍 Learnt alot !

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrIzzy11B]

Next time you should just go to the resistol factory in Garland Texas

[@Redneck_Wizard]

Kirby really pulls off a cowboy hat and looks very natural wearing one.

[@anthonyv7187]

Kirby is a more refined, less awkward version of TheReportOfTheWeek 😂

[@MindbodyMedic]

Something I noticed about Die Hard, after rewatching for the 100th time. The terrorist who sits down at reception has cowboy boots and a Southern accent, always thought that was a nice touch.

[@scottroberts5511]

The on he called "The Guide" seemed to look the best

[@deehunter5274]

Nice

[@emmanuelserrato7805]

Caught kirby with his fly down lol 47:40

[@alllivesmatter627]

Talk about a place. This guy is in a shop for cowboy hats wearing a business suit. If he don’t look at a place I don’t know what does

[@jenniferschmitzer299]

and if a fella ever finds himself in the antipodes theres a good shop in the strand arcade sydney to fix your hat. helpful and friendly service

[@anthonycollins2013]

Great video. Have you ordered a hat yet?

[@Levamentum]

Is that hat blue or purple, the one behind Nathaniel.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Hey, what kind of leather is the Allen Edmonds Chester Baroque Oxford Dress Shoes? They seem to me that they are patent leather or some plastic coating.

[@kirbyallison]

Not sure...!

[@andrewjohnston4127]

Nice one, my brother lives in Georgetown 😀

[@kirbyallison]

Well, make sure you’d too by to see Nathaniel the next time you are visiting your brother?

[@andrewjohnston4127]

@@kirbyallison I plan on it,he said he knows where it is

[@DrSarge37]

Was this filmed way earlier than 3 months ago or is his business not impacted by COVID?

[@beefonweckeastside3323]

I'm all hat and no cattle I love Western hats and I wear one here in sunny South Florida

[@velvetjones1856]

Equipment here is like that in a cobbler, all from decades ago.

[@Pinhead101]

Go for the explorer kirby! & then the rodeo !

[@ronaldgavlick732]

I could be wrong but Kirby seems a little light in the loafers 👀

[@christinemulwanananyonjo2891]

IF I WANT TO WORK SAME LIKE THAT WHAT MATERIAL I CAN USE

[@tjdinfl]

Why did you not ordered a hat right away?

[@centurionfenix]

Kirby can you talk about saddle soup. I know that Saphir doesnt produce saddle soup, but sometimes our shoes needs a clean before buffing the shoes.

[@kirbyallison]

We do actually have a couple of FAQ videos I believe, which talk about saddle soap, like this one.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKWqkKVpaZKFqqs

[@Jellyfriedfatness]

Is that the dad priest from the Netflix series “the messiah” or whatever it was called ? Lol

[@michaelleftwich8186]

I love cowboy hats, but i really do not like these new styles of wide flat brims. Just not my style. I have a couple of hats with the rounded style brims. One straw hat, one black felt hat.

[@kevin4240]

23:18 I promise he says "fidora the explorer"

[@alivegod22wy]

ရဲသွေးချစ်😊🎉🎉🎉

[@Jellyfriedfatness]

Here for the southern accents . I hope there is some.

[@Javi_C]

:)

[@Estuardino71]

3:14 cowboys "western wear" are not unique to the United States, you can find cowboy in their own right all across the American Continent from Texas down to Argentina.

[@guylewis7418]

So?

[@Estuardino71]

@@guylewis7418 Now you know it.

[@Realtor_Rion]

Put me down for 1.

[@jenniferschmitzer299]

does your interviewee do bunny fur hats for ladies

[@toonsoffun5733]

Yes, you see that from the styles in the background. He also showcased a ladies hat in the video.

[@JR-zi9vj]

Lol this is my uncle nate

[@marierobinson4365]

Theres nothing like. @ well dressan, Mam,Men . (Wbman,Women).

[@kennethbriody8396]

F0r $600 it better be at least 20x

[@smithy559]

Oooh look at the 'patina' on my 25-year-old dirty sweaty hat

[@number1pappy]

Strange he didn't buy a hat. Or even order one to be made...