The Man's Hat Shop — Local services in Albuquerque

I recently visited The Man’s Hat Shop on Central in Albuquerque looking for a new straw hat. It was an extremely hot day, so I wasn’t dressed how I normally would be. My husband, who is Navajo, was with me. Unfortunately, from the moment we walked in, we felt overlooked and dismissed.

Despite being ready to spend over $200 on a hat, we were barely acknowledged. When we asked questions, we received curt, one- or two-word answers. After selecting a hat and standing at the counter for about ten minutes, we were finally asked if we wanted to purchase it—only to be passed over in favor of an older white couple who had just walked in behind us.

After the purchase, while my husband browsed for higher-end hats, a staff member approached and proceeded to condescendingly “mansplain” hat styles to us. When I gently explained that my husband wouldn’t wear the particular style offered, the employee told me to calm down (though I was speaking softly the entire time) and laughed at me.

This experience was both disappointing and telling. My husband and I own over 40 hats, many custom made. We came in as knowledgeable, serious customers—and were treated with thinly veiled disrespect. Unless you fit their idea of a “high-value” customer—which seems to mean being white and wealthy—don’t expect courteous or helpful service.

I will not be recommending this shop, and I certainly won’t...

Paid 50 cents at the meter to go inside. I am in the market for a “Stetson Stratoliner” specifically the hemp straw hat.

My bride and I were greeted promptly by a gentleman behind the counter. While kind of browsing, I mentioned what I was looking for and he said “yes they come in felt and straw. All I have is felt.” I mentioned the one I’m looking for is a hemp special edition. In a condescending way he said “oh a straw hat.”Not a good start IMO. Nevertheless, my bride asked about crushable hats. He point to where they were and we looked. While in the area of the crushables he mentions they’re for cooler weather and growing up on a sheep farm and cow ranch we’re well versed about head wear. My bride said thank and he asked what size I wore and I replied my size not thinking anything of the question. A few mins pass and he calls me from across the room. Not knowing the size question was for him to bring a felt hat out for me to look at, I gave him a confused look. He said “come here or don’t. I’m not going to make you.” While glancing at my t shirt which happens to be a tee with my tribe on it.

I didn’t get the warm and fuzzy feeling from the gentlemen. More of i was being a bother

But we did get a great aqua fresca from...

Hands down one of the best hat shops for men and women in the US, especially if you're in the market for a cowboy hat. Bill and Stuart will kit you out right, ensuring not only the perfect fit but also the right crease and brim for your needs, size, head shape, and face. All adjustments are made in shop so you can be sure you've got the best hat your money can buy when you walk out the door. They provide cleaning, blocking, and adjustments, too. Also, they've a monster sized selection of straw cowboy hats, fedoras, homburgs, fishing hats, driving caps, boaters, you name it, as well as hat cases and a gorgeous selection of locally made hat bands. If, for some reason, they don't have or can't make precisely what you need, they've no issue with saying so and recommending other trusted shops. Utilized by countless movie and TV costumers, as well as genuine cowboys and ranchers, there's good reason why people drive from Utah, Texas, and Colorado to buy their hats here and why many refer to The Man's Hat Shop...