The Aspen Hatter

“I’ve been wearing a hat ever since I was little and it’s just been a part of me.” Chris Roberts expressed.

Austin, Texas native Chris Roberts relocated to the Rocky Mountains in 2015 and opened his first custom hat shop Aspen Hatter, in Aspen Colorado.

Chris started styling his own hats more than a decade ago when he couldn’t find a hat that he loved. “They only made one style,” he stated.

Realizing that the hat industry wasn’t producing the inventive styles he sought, he took it upon himself. Chris bought hats in standard styles that he would then cut, reshape and style to make his own. After wearing his redesigned hats around town, strangers would ask him where they could get their hands on a hat like that!

Chris decided to make a business of it. He went to Salt Lake City and had the honor to apprentice and train under legendary hat maker, James C. Whittington, or better known as “J.W.”

In 2017, Chris opened his second Aspen Hatter location in his hometown. Aspen Hatter is now only located in Austin Texas.

Branching out and designing for the public, Chris’ flair for intuitively creating personal designs for both men and women is a rare find today, where hats are found virtually everywhere on everyone.

Aspen Hatter uses strategically handcrafted techniques that date back to the 14th century.

Chris’s hats are custom built from scratch down to the last detail. With an eye for style and attention to detail, his creations are completely customizable and personalized reflecting each customer.

Every uniquely embellished hat is made with the highest quality USA- sourced beaver felt to withstand elements and ensure a lifetime of wear.

The workshop environment of Aspen Hatter allows the customers to see and be part of their custom build. The machines, tool and materials used are all on display.

Amongst being a hatter, a business owner, outdoorsman and athlete, Chris has added being a musician, singer and songwriter to list of great talents. His first tour was the beginning of 2020 and shortly after, the pandemic hit. Despite the pandemic his music rolls on.