Our Values

 

Our Story & Our Values

At Choucas Hats, we believe in a simple, honest approach to business and to hat-making. Our mission is to create durable, high-quality hats you’ll love to wear, while maintaining a transparent, ethical operation.


A Look Behind the Scenes: Our Process

Our Production Model

We embrace a deliberate approach to production. We only do one launch/preseason every year. This model is intentional for a few key reasons:
  • It prevents overproduction. By limiting our launches, we ensure we're only making what's needed, helping to reduce waste.
  • It’s manageable for us. As a one-person business, this schedule allows us to dedicate our full attention to each step of the process.
For every style and print, we order a small quantity, typically 15-40 pieces. Some of our styles with a slightly larger quantity are set aside for preseason or specific custom orders.


Our Manufacturing Partners

Since we started in 2010, we've had the privilege of working with a small, family-owned manufacturer in New Hampshire. This close partnership is vital to our operation. Our hats are cut by one individual and sewn by another, ensuring each piece is crafted with care and expertise. This small-scale, hands-on approach with our manufacturing partner reflects the same values we hold for our own business.


Local & Sustainable Sourcing

Since new ownership in 2022, we've worked hard to localize our supplies as much as possible. This commitment helps us support other small businesses and reduce our environmental footprint.
  • In the 2025 season, we began working with a small, women-owned fabric printer in Washington State. They print on US-milled poly/blend fabric, bringing a key part of our supply chain closer to home.
  • Since the beginning, all of our HI-TECH and inner fleece has been sourced from Polartec®. We utilize their existing roll and yardage businesses, which allows us to purchase excess fabric from larger companies.
  • In 2024, after using the remainder of our poly mailers, we switch to Eco-Enclose recycled poly mailer bags for online orders. These bags are made of 100% recycled material, 50% post consumer waste, 100% recyclable, and made in the USA. Once we are finished with the recycled poly mailer bags, we plan to move to their Kraft mailers, as they are made with 0% plastic. 

Environmentally Conscious Printing

We are dedicated to working with partners who share our commitment to sustainability. Our new Kalypso fabric is printed in London, UK, at a Zero-To-Landfill Facility. Their printing process is incredibly innovative:
  • The vibrant polyester printing requires no water and uses 95% less energy than traditional textile printing.
  • All inks meet Oeko-tex 100 and REACH requirements and pass EN71-3 certification for child safety.

Keep Using What We Got

Our long-time fabric, MONA Sparkle (Peacock), has been a staple within the Choucas brand. When the fabric was discounted in the late 2010s, we bought out the remaining rolls of the company's inventory. To this day, we still have several rolls of 8 colorways. We will continue making products from our Peacock fabric because we have it, and our customers love it!

Our Team

Choucas Hats is a one-person show! Every aspect of the business from product design and social media to customer service and order fulfillment is handled by our owner, Maren. This approach guarantees that passion and care are woven into every part of the business.
Family members often help with big projects or during busy seasons! Also a majority of our models are Maren's family and friends. 


Our Commitment to You

We are committed to providing a high-quality product and an exceptional customer experience. By keeping our operation small, we can ensure every detail is handled with care. Thank you for supporting a small business and for being a part of the Choucas Hats family!
If you have any questions about us or how we operate, email info@choucashats.com!