Frequently Asked Questions

When ordering a hat or fascinator we offer two options: ready-to-wear or a custom piece made to match your outfit.

Where to start

Ready to wear

Pick a ready-to-wear hat from our website. From September through April we add new hats every month, and by mid-March we have over 1,500 styles to choose from, both in-store and online. Follow us on Instagram to see new releases first. Any hat on our site can be customized. For example, we can add navy blue feathers to a pink hat to match your dress.

Shop ready to wear
Custom collection

Order a hat from our custom collection. This collection features 25+ styles of hats and fascinators that can be made in almost any color. We typically stop taking custom orders for the Kentucky Derby by the second week of April.

View custom collection

What is my head size?

Before purchasing a hat on our website you will need your head measurement (in inches). At this link you will find a tutorial on how to acquire an accurate measurement: how to measure your head.

Choose your head measurement from the drop-down menu on the shopping cart page. We do not need a head measurement for fascinators as they are “one size fits most”. If you are concerned about a hat fitting your head before making the purchase, please text or email us beforehand! 502-999-3584 / info@thehatgirls.com

Turnaround time for custom hats

For Kentucky Derby
Ordered before March 1
4–7 weeks

If an order is placed before March 1, the turn-around time is 4-7 weeks from the date of the order.

Ordered after March 1
Ready by Monday of Derby week

If order is placed after March 1, we guarantee to have it ready for pick-up by the Monday of Derby week or shipped by Friday, April 23, 2027 unless otherwise discussed (expedited shipping options available if needed).

*These timeframes are general estimates; we of course will try to get your hat completed and shipped to you ASAP*

Shipping, pick-up or hotel delivery

During Derby season

We offer three options for getting your hat after purchasing online:

Shipping

We offer shipping anywhere in the U.S. through UPS Ground for a flat rate dependent on box size. If you need expedited shipping options, you will see those options (with pricing) on the checkout page.

Hotel delivery

For a fee of $20 (added onto your order), we can store your hat until Derby week and deliver your hat to most local hotels in Louisville on the Thursday of Derby week (this is the only day we do hotel deliveries).

The name on the room reservation and check-in-date must be provided for hotel deliveries.

We do not deliver to the Galt House Hotel
Hat shop pick-up

Depending on where your hotel accommodations are, our local hat shop may be a convenient pick-up option. The 211 Clover Lane store will be open through the Friday before Derby for hat pick-ups (the store is NOT open on Derby day). Our store is located at 211 Clover Lane, Suite H, Louisville KY 40207.

Traveling with a hat

Each order comes with one complimentary hat box. Due to increased tariffs and shipping costs worldwide, we now have two different styles of hat boxes until further notice. Each hat box is shipped in an outer shipper to ensure proper protection for your order. If you would like to purchase individual hat boxes for each piece in your order, please reach out to Rachel once your order is placed.

Our hat boxes do not lock so we do not suggest checking them as baggage.

If you have had your hat shipped to you and don’t know how to get it to Kentucky for the Derby, we suggest getting in touch with your hotel front desk or concierge to see if it’s possible to ship it to your hotel ahead of your arrival. Many local hotels have experience with this question the week of Derby, so it’s not as crazy of a request as it may seem!

Other frequently asked questions

How do fascinators stay on your head?
Our fascinators are set on headbands or elastic bands, we do not have any fascinators with clips. The headband color with fascinators is not guaranteed unless requested at the time of order. Some people prefer the headband to match the headpiece, others like it to blend in and match their hair color.
Should I buy the hat or outfit first?
This is a tough question, and honestly either option works. If you are looking to make a WOW! statement with your hat, we suggest purchasing the hat first and complementing it with a more “basic” dress (let the hat do the talkin’). If you have a difficult time finding clothes that fit properly, finding the outfit first is typically a better option.
Do you sell hat boxes?
Due to increased pricing of our hat boxes, we are unable to sell them separately. Hat boxes are included with every order and are only included with the purchase of a hat or fascinator.
What is a hatinator and how do you wear it?
A “hatinator” is a hybrid of a hat and a fascinator. Because of its shallow crown and its inability to stay secured on your head on its own, it is attached to a headband for security. Click here for a video tutorial on how to properly wear a hatinator.
How can I guarantee a color match?
We cannot guarantee color matches without a fabric or paint swatch that matches your outfit. Display monitors on phones, laptop computers, and tablets may vary from actual fabric color. If you’d like to send a fabric swatch or a paint swatch that matches your outfit please text or email us for mailing information.
Can you refurbish or add onto a hat that I already have?
We are happy to make adjustments and add-on to hats or fascinators that we have previously made. If the hat was created or purchased elsewhere, we do not offer this customization service.
Can I bring in my dress to help me match the hat or fascinator?
Absolutely, and we recommend it! Our retail store is open during the entire month of April and the week of Derby.
What is the best way to contact you?
Text and email are the best way to reach us: 502-999-3584 • info@thehatgirls.com
What are your store hours?
Our hat shop in Louisville, KY is open the month of April through the first Friday in May (we are closed on Derby day).
What side of the head should I wear my fascinator on?
We typically suggest that the fascinator be worn along your part line (i.e. - if your part line lies on the left side of your head, you would wear the fascinator on the left side of the head). However, there is no “rule” - wear it however you think it looks best!
How do I wear a fascinator that has an elastic band? Can it be switched to a regular headband?
Please watch this video for a tutorial on how to properly wear a fascinator secured with an elastic band. If the fascinator you want to purchase has an elastic band and you’d like to switch it out for a “regular” headband, please contact us by phone or email.

Return policy

We help you get it right before you buy

Text us a photo of your dress or a fabric swatch, and we'll help you match your color.

Not sure about fit on a hat? Text us your head measurement and we'll tell you if it will work for you.

Every hat is checked and carefully packed by us in a protective hat box.

Because hats are personal-wear items, all sales are final. By purchasing a hat or fascinator you acknowledge that you understand this policy.

Still have a question?

Text and email are the best way to reach us.

info@thehatgirls.com • 502-999-3584