Kemo Sabe, the Colorado outfitter famous for hand-shaped cowboy hats, has set up in the Refinery Hotel's Hatbox, fittingly inside a building that once housed a hat factory. The draw is the custom hat build, which the founder says averages about 45 minutes as a Sales Wrangler shapes a brim and band to your style. If you have ever wanted a proper western hat without flying to Colorado, this is the final weekend to get fitted.
What to expect
You're greeted, offered a drink and paired with a staffer who walks you through felt hats, bands and trims before shaping one to fit. Boots and western accessories are on display for browsing, and the space runs at a relaxed, one-customer-at-a-time pace.
Good to know
- Take the B, D, F or M to 42 St–Bryant Park, or the 7 to Fifth Avenue; the hotel is on West 38th Street.
- A custom hat takes roughly 45 minutes, so budget time rather than dropping in for five minutes.
- Browsing is welcome even if you're not buying.
- The Refinery Hotel's bars are in the same building if you're waiting on a friend's fitting.
- Suits western-style fans, gift shoppers and anyone curious about hat-making.
More pop-ups this weekend
Common questions
How long does a custom hat take at Kemo Sabe?
The founder told the Refinery Hotel's blog it takes about 45 minutes on average.
Where is the pop-up?
In the Hatbox space at the Refinery Hotel on West 38th Street in Midtown.