If you’re looking into the history of Christys hats, one of the most common questions is:

Where were Christys hats actually made?

The answer is more interesting than you might expect—because production moved across several key locations in England, each tied to different stages of hat making.

Where Were Christys Hats Made?

Historically, Christys operated across three main manufacturing locations:

📍 London

• Founded in 1773 at White Hart Court
• Later headquartered at Gracechurch Street (until 1954)
• Early production included felt hats, later moving into silk hats from the 1820s
• Also had a Bermondsey factory, a key site for silk top hat production

London was the original hub and innovation centre.

📍 Stockport (near Manchester)

• Active from 1844 to 1863 (silk production)
• Continued as a felt hat production centre after 1863
• By the 1870s, producing over 100,000 hats annually

Stockport became the industrial powerhouse of Christys production.

📍 Frampton Cotterell (near Bristol)

• Less widely known but important historically
• Linked to production alongside Carver & Co of Bristol

This region played a role in producing more specialised hat styles.

🎩 Did Christys Make Welsh Hats?

Short answer: Yes—very likely, but records are limited.

• Around 25 surviving Welsh hats carry Christys labels
• Many more unlabelled examples are believed to be theirs
• Most were likely produced during the mid-19th century

Christys, alongside Carver & Co, probably made a large share of the ~400 surviving Welsh hats known today.

🧵 What Materials Did Christys Use?

Understanding materials helps explain how their hats evolved:

Early period:

• Primarily felt

From the 1820s onward:

• Shift to silk (especially silk plush)
• Used in top hats and some Welsh hats

Construction details:

• Silk plush often used on brim and crown
• Some hats featured:
  • Felt undersides
  • Separate silk sections
  • Cotton or quilted headbands

These variations help historians identify genuine Christys pieces.

🔍 How to Identify a Christys Hat

Some subtle but consistent features:

Headbands

• Brown or dark blue cotton
• Sometimes diamond-quilted
• Often include a drawstring

Hatbands (outer ribbon)

• Usually black
• Materials vary:
  • Petersham ribbon
  • Velvet
  • Cotton

Construction quirks

• Occasionally unusual brim structures
• Some Welsh hats used felt underneath instead of silk

These details matter more than labels, which are often missing.

📚 What Do the Archives Tell Us?

The Christys archives in Stockport exist—but they’re incomplete:

• Around two-thirds were lost (WWII damage + storage issues)
• Very few direct references to Welsh hats survive
• When mentioned, they appear as:
  • “Ladies Welch hats”

Despite this, records confirm:

• Welsh hats were being produced
• They were part of a wider, diverse product range

Why This Still Matters Today

Understanding where Christys hats were made gives context to:

• 🇬🇧 British manufacturing heritage
• 🎩 The evolution of hat styles (felt → silk → specialised designs)
• 🧵 Craftsmanship differences across regions

It also explains why vintage Christys hats can vary so much in:

• structure
• materials
• finish

FAQ

Where are Christys hats made?

Christys hats were historically made in London, Stockport, and near Bristol, with Stockport becoming the main production centre in the 19th century.

Are Christys hats made in England?

Yes, Christys hats have traditionally been made in England, with a long history of British manufacturing dating back to 1773.

Did Christys make Welsh hats?

Yes, Christys are believed to have made Welsh hats during the mid-19th century, although surviving records are limited.

What materials are used in Christys hats?

Christys hats were originally made from felt, later transitioning to silk plush, particularly for top hats and formal styles.