Kārlis Bergs
Straumbergs Hats
Hat maker
Riga, Latvia
A dedication to brims and crowns
- Kārlis' hats are made with high-quality fur felt
- He is drawn to making western hats for the technical challenges they present
- He creates bespoke pieces for his clients, bringing their ideas to life
Trading marketing for felt and seam, Kārlis Bergs left the fast-paced stress of live broadcasting behind, opting for the deliberate pace of hat making. "Although I had no exposure to crafts as a child and struggled in school workshops, I was inspired by the resourceful attitude of my grandfather. Living on a farm, he used to figure things out by necessity," he says. After intense self-teaching, Kārlis founded his workshop in 2021, Straumbergs Hats, a sanctuary where slow fashion turns into legacy. Blocking each hat by hand using vintage wooden tools, he shapes rabbit and beaver fur into durable, modern hats designed to weather a lifetime of travel. "I treat every piece as a silent companion in my making process," Kārlis explains.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
My interest in the craft stems from a documentary I watched about hat making. The tools seemed very accessible, and I felt that I needed to try my hand at it. Once I did, I fell in love instantly. To stay disciplined, I committed to making 100 hats before even considering quitting.
Learning on my own was a privilege because it allowed me to make mistakes on my own terms. My failures taught me priceless life lessons, far beyond the craft itself. I would not trade my self-taught journey for anything else: my experience changed how I face life.
Hat making is remarkably timeless. If I travelled back 100 years, I could work in any hat shop using the same foundational methods I employ today. While there are more decorative elements, the craft's core structure remains identical. Technology has not really changed the soul of the practice.
I have become quite skilled in making fedoras, and I am increasingly drawn to creating western hats. The stiffer materials require different techniques that are much harder to master. That specific challenge keeps me motivated and excited to work.
Kārlis Bergs
Straumbergs Hats
Hat maker
Riga, Latvia
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Riga, Latvia
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Latvian, English
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