Where Passion & Tradition Unite

Gary Watrous started American Hat Makers in the early 1970's. With an investment of $20 in leather and $20 in leather working tools, he began making belts, wallets, and purses and selling them from the back of his 1963 Chevy station wagon. In the mid 70's, Gary created a leather hat for his own use. He loved it so much that hats quickly became his calling and sole artistic focus.

Mostly self-taught - while learning in the "school of hard knocks" - Gary is thankful for the tremendous support and advice he has received from many talented hat professionals and knowledgeable individuals over the years. He also has the good fortune to have a creative and supportive family, many of whom have chosen to join him as the demand for his handmade hats have grown.

Not only is Gary profoundly passionate about leatherwork and hat making, he is equally enamored with the team of people working with him at American Hat Makers at the Watsonville headquarters.

Garth Watrous grew up in the hat making world watching his dad, Gary, create one-of-a-kind artisan hats in his workshop. Later, Garth would join his dad at art fairs and festivals as Gary made a name for his skilled handiwork and artistry and began to build the American Hat Makers brand.

Surely influenced by his early exposure to entrepreneurship, Garth went on to earn his business degree from San Diego State University. He came home to Watsonville and joined his father as a partner in American Hat Makers in 2005.

In the years since, Garth has put his business acumen to work and American Hat Makers has doubled its business - twice. But don't think that Garth is satisfied with that because you would be wrong. Garth's goal for American Hat Makers is clear: "To be the #1 hat company in the world".

The Head n Home ® Hat company was originally founded by Gary Watrous. He went from selling leather belts and wallets out of his Chevy station wagon in 1972 to the hat company Head n Home has become today.

Today we are called American Hat Makers, but still trace our roots back to Head n Home Hats. We are located in Watsonville California, which is between Santa Cruz and Monterey in the center of beautiful Monterey Bay. Head n Home has been around the Monterey Bay area for over 40 years and our Head n Home handmade hats have become a staple of the area.

Head n Home Watsonville has become our home base where we manufacture and distribute all of our hats. Head n Home California employs over 35 hard working Americans who strive to deliver the best possible experience to the hat buyer.

We have grown so much since our founding, but still pay homage to our original hats. Our original best sellers; the Crusher, the El Dorado, the Cabana, and the Breeze are still our flagship models.