Kentucky Derby Hats
The Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May and the hat is half the tradition. Where Royal Ascot writes its rules down, Derby style is led by scale and colour: wide brims, statement shapes and shades that carry across a racetrack. Every piece here is blocked by hand in our London atelier, American clients check out in US dollars, and delivery to the United States is £23.99, arriving 3 to 5 business days after dispatch.
The Derby look, from a London atelier
Derby dressing rewards a committed brim. The Panama Grande in soft ivory (£550) is the statement piece, an extra large Panama with a sweeping brim and long trailing grosgrain ties. The Panama Wide Brim Hat in black (£550) answers with drama and a sand silk organza scarf. For a lighter day, the Fringed Straw Summer Hat (£340) and the Wide-Brim Straw Sun Hat (£360) keep the silhouette without the formality. A blocked pillbox such as the Classic Parasisal Pillbox (£480) suits a guest who wants structure over span.
Colour for a May racetrack
Derby light is strong and the photographs are taken at distance, so saturated colour earns its place. Deep red, emerald, violet and true blue carry across a lawn where a soft pastel washes out. If you are matching a specific outfit, send a fabric swatch and the straw and trim are matched against it by eye in daylight. Nothing here is made twice, so your colourway stays yours.
Ordering from the United States
Prices convert to US dollars at checkout. Shipping is £23.99 and takes 3 to 5 business days once dispatched, and any import duties are set by US customs on arrival and are separate from the shipping price. Made to order pieces are dispatched on the date agreed when the commission is confirmed, so tell us your race date and we work back from it. Fittings happen by video call, with your head measurement checked before the block is chosen. The sizing method is in our size and fit guide.
Questions we are asked about Derby hats
When should I order for the first Saturday in May?
As soon as your outfit direction exists. A commission is agreed, made and dispatched to a date, and spring is the atelier's fullest season. If the date is close, write to us before assuming it is too late.
Do you make for the Kentucky Oaks too?
Yes. Pink is the tradition of the Friday, and any shape here can be commissioned in the pink your outfit needs. See the Kentucky Oaks edit.
What arrives in the box?
The finished piece in the Maria Monica London hatbox, blocked to your measurement, with care guidance for straw.
Shop the Kentucky Derby collection or start a commission with your race date and a photograph of the outfit.