Cloche & Flapper Hats

The Hat of the 1920s, Made for Today

There's a reason the cloche never really goes out of style. Born in the 1920s, its close-fitting, bell-shaped crown frames the face in a way that feels both dramatic and effortless — no wide brim to manage, nothing to blow away in the wind.

We make ours by hand, one at a time, in dense wool that keeps its shape, blocks the wind and stays warm on cold autumn and winter days. Every hat is cut, shaped and finished in our workshop in Ukraine, so no two are perfectly identical.

Four Cloche Styles

Beatrice — the classic. A clean bell-shaped crown with a short brim, in several versions: plain, with an upturned brim, with a fabric flower on the side, or ribbed with a drawstring fit. Black, ivory, dark grey and red.

Victoria — pin-tucked. Fine vertical tucks give the crown texture and a slightly dressier look, and a drawstring inside adjusts the fit. The ivory version is finished with a ribbon bow. Black, ivory, dark grey and red.

Elizabeth — the evening cloche. A fixed-size crown with a sparkling accent: rhinestone trim on black, a single stone on navy. The one to wear with a smart coat to the theatre or a winter dinner.

Veronica — soft and feminine, with a large flower bow on the side. Beige and black.

Choosing a Color

Black — the most versatile, from office to evening. Ivory and beige — soft and light, beautiful with camel, cream and grey coats. Dark grey — a quieter alternative to black. Red — the statement cloche; it lifts a black or grey coat instantly. Navy — elegant with blue, grey and white.

Sizing

Measure around your head just above the eyebrows and ears. Cloche hats fit close to the head, so they should feel snug when new — wool relaxes slightly with wear. Victoria and some Beatrice styles have an inner drawstring to fine-tune the fit; Elizabeth is fixed-size, so measure carefully.

Prefer a softer shape without a brim? See our women's berets. For a more casual look, try women's newsboy and Breton caps; for deep winter, women's fur hats. Full sizing guide: hat size guide.

Cloche Hats — Questions

What is a cloche hat?

A close-fitting, bell-shaped hat that sits low on the forehead and frames the face. The name comes from the French word for "bell." It became the signature hat of the 1920s flapper era and is still one of the most elegant hats a woman can wear.

Is a flapper hat the same as a cloche?

Yes, in practice. "Flapper hat" is the popular name for the cloche, because it was the hat young women wore in the 1920s with short bobbed hair and dropped-waist dresses.

How should a cloche hat be worn?

Pull it down so the brim sits just above the eyebrows, slightly tilted to one side. Round faces look best with a sharper tilt; oval faces can wear it closer to level. With long hair, tuck it back or let a few strands fall at the temples.

Which cloche style should I choose — Beatrice, Victoria, Elizabeth or Veronica?

Beatrice for an everyday classic. Victoria if you like texture and want an adjustable fit. Elizabeth for evenings and special occasions. Veronica for a soft, feminine look with a bow.

What does "drawstring fit" mean on a cloche?

There's a soft cord inside the band that lets you tighten the hat slightly for a closer fit. It's useful if you're between sizes. Fixed-size styles like Elizabeth don't have it, so choose your exact size.

Cloche hat or bucket hat — what's the difference?

A cloche is fitted and structured, hugging the head with only a small brim. A bucket hat has a wider, downward-sloping brim and a looser crown. The cloche looks dressier and vintage; the bucket hat is casual and sporty.

Is a wool cloche warm enough for winter?

For a city winter down to about -5°C, yes — dense wool blocks wind and covers the top of the ears. In colder weather or for long hours outside, choose a fur hat.

What should I wear with a cloche hat?

A tailored coat, a midi skirt or dress, a slim turtleneck — anything with a little vintage or minimalist structure. For everyday wear it also works with a sweater and jeans. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the hat stays the focus.