My Collection: Conformateur

A tool for custom-made hats that's more than 100 years old.

Nichole Chirico

The Collector

Trent Johnson, Greeley, Colorado

The Collection

For a truly custom-fitting cowboy hat, Trent Johnson, owner of Greeley Hat Works, uses an antique measuring tool called the conformateur. The one shown here has been with Greeley Hat Works since the shop first opened its doors in 1909. While this model stays with Johnson at the shop, he has two more he takes with him on the road—even internationally—and six others that he lends to his retailers so they can take custom measurements for their clients’ orders.

“The conformateur gives a pattern of the exact shape of your head,” he explains. “Instead of using a tape measure to find out your size, I use the conformateur to model the exact size and shape of the circumference of your head for a perfectly fitted custom hat.”

Share
Related Articles
Untitled design - 2023-11-28T102333
Riding the Legacy is Streaming Now!
HR_23WIN_Style_01
Horse Lover's Gift Guide
HR_23WIN_Raising-Riders
Diversity Brings Depth
Breastcollar and Sunset
Gallop Poll: What's Your Rein Preference?
Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

Receive news and promotions for Horse & Rider and other Equine Network offers.
Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.