1875
Where it began
English hatter Chas Hill opened Hill and Sons, Men’s Hatters on Wellington’s Lambton Quay. Having learned his trade in Bristol, Chas brought his knowledge to New Zealand and began a hatmaking story that would span generations.
ABOUT HILLS HATS
Our Story
Every hat holds a thought. Which got us thinking. Thinking of those who designed and crafted the art of hat making, who traveled the world sourcing the finest raw materials and selling their beautifully made hats to those near and far.
Every day we nod to our past and pay respect to those that have helped create the legacy that is Hills Hats.
For 150 years, people have been wearing our hats. While our craft remains true and our classics will always stand proud, we also create never seen befores by fusing fashion, function and fun in the heart of our design. At the forefront, we continue to lead. Proudly unique. Holding tight to values that matter. Attention to detail. Made with heart. Always ethical. Creating for you. With a bit of fun along the way. We stay true. To ourselves and why we exist.
There’s something about a Hills Hat that feels familiar. Maybe it’s because your great grandad wore one and handed it down through the generations. Maybe it’s because our wooden molds and steam machines have shaped and pressed our hats for 150 years. Maybe it’s recognising our shield that protects our Hills Hats legacy. Maybe it’s wanting to stay connected to your past as we all head into the future. A moment in time, the moment you put it on. That sense of belonging. Making your statement. Here you are. Here we are. Welcome to Hills Hats.
High-end hats, handcrafted for you.
BUILT TO LAST
Made with care and designed to be worn for years, our hats are built to withstand everyday life while developing character with age. We believe a good hat should be something you keep and enjoy for years to come.
Only the finest materials
We select quality natural materials for their character, performance and ability to age beautifully. From fine felts to 100% English Wool Tweed to Australian Cotton Oilskin, every material is chosen with purpose.
Handmade in New Zealand
Every Hills Hat is made by hand in our New Zealand workshop, continuing generations of traditional hatmaking. Each one passes through skilled hands, from blocking and shaping to the final finishing touches.
“I’ve always said that I’m a caretaker of Hills Hats, and I feel incredibly privileged to have that responsibility. To work alongside such talented craftspeople, carrying forward a business with over 150 years of history, while seeing our hats find their way into stores from coast to coast across the United States, to Japan, Australia and London — that’s something I’m immensely proud of.”
Simon Smuts-kennedy, Managing Director
Our History
The Hills Story
Our story begins in 1875 when Englishman Chas Hill opened Hill and Sons, Men’s Hatters on Wellington’s Lambton Quay.
Chas knew his hats. He had worked in the business in his home city of Bristol before setting out for the other side of the world. He travelled via Australia to Auckland looking for the ideal place to open a hatter’s shop. A savvy businessman, Chas quickly realised that as the seat of government Wellington was where he would find the majority of elite hat wearers.
The business flourished. By 1890 Chas had added another two shops to his business, in Napier and Nelson. He made his own hats as well as representing major companies from around the world. His advertising announced “We are in receipt of regular shipments of Hats from the following High-Class Makers: Christy and Co., Stetson and Co., Tress and Co…”
When he retired Chas’ son and later his grandson took over the reins. Over the following decades the business expanded to make an ever-growing range of headwear including fashion, outdoor, and uniform hats and berets.
Today we continue to enhance the business established by the adventurous Chas over 140-years-ago. But now it’s we who supply high-end hat specialists around the world.
Over the last decade there has been something of a hat revolution. People have fallen in love with hats all over again. Hills Hats has been at the forefront of that movement, encouraging people to come back to the hat as everyday wear.
We love hats. With our solid tradition, our design and engineering expertise, the best hats around are designed and made here – since 1875.
The Eskay Story
Bryan Smuts-Kennedy commenced his own business in 1944 with a contract to manufacture men’s ties for the American Marines. The name Eskay was established for the New Zealand fashion market shortly afterwards.
Over the years Eskay has manufactured and distributed ties & fashion accessories for Hardy Amies, Yves Saint Laurent, Fisba-Stoffels, V.Fraas and Viyella to name a few. The Eskay range of fashion accessories now specialises in quality handkerchiefs, scarves, gloves and also designs and selects a range of imported hats.
The brand Eskay (SK) was created as a phonetic play on the Smuts-Kennedy family name who are well into their fourth generation of sourcing internationally.
Hills HatsHistory
1890
A growing reputation
The business flourished, expanding to shops in Napier and Nelson while making its own hats and importing fine headwear from renowned makers including Christy & Co., Stetson and Tress.
1950s–1990s
A New Chapter
After more than 75 years in the Hill family, the business changed hands and evolved into Hill’s Headwear, eventually moving to Porirua. Through changing fashions and declining hat wearing, the business diversified into workwear, uniforms and specialist headwear.
1997
Hills Hats is reborn
Following receivership, the business was purchased by the Smuts-Kennedy family and became Hills Hats. The family began rebuilding the company around traditional craftsmanship, specialist machinery and the skills of experienced New Zealand hatmakers.
2000s–2024
From Wellington to the world
From its Petone workshop, Hills Hats developed a reputation for finely made specialist headwear, supplying high-end hat retailers and customers around the world alongside New Zealand organisations, performers and sporting teams.
2025
150 years of Hills Hats
We celebrated 150 years of hatmaking, marking a remarkable milestone in a story that began with Chas Hill on Wellington’s Lambton Quay in 1875.
2025
The next chapter
After almost three decades in its Petone factory, Hills Hats relocated to a smaller manufacturing workshop in Lower Hutt, alongside a new flagship retail store on Jackson Street. The move marks a new chapter for the family business — retaining the craft and heritage of the past while focusing on the Hills Hats brand and its future.
