Merino Wool Safari Brims
When we teamed up with Tesi of Florence, one of Italy’s most respected hatmakers, we wanted to create a collection of the perfect safari style fedoras. We started with fine merino wool, prized not only for its softness and warmth but also for its natural water resistance, making it ideal in unpredictable weather. Tesi’s master craftsmen gave it a structured crown and a practical brim wide enough for sun protection, yet refined enough to keep the look sharp, and because we insisted on a packable design, this fedora springs back into shape after travel, so it’s always ready to go when you are.

Superior Material: Merino Wool
Merino wool is prized worldwide for being one of the finest and softest types of wool, sourced primarily from Merino sheep raised in Australia and New Zealand. What makes Merino unique is the extraordinary thinness of its fiber, much finer than traditional wool, which allows them to bend easily against the skin instead of causing the itchiness people often associate with wool. After shearing, the fibers are carefully cleaned, spun, and then milled, often in Italian workshops where centuries of expertise bring out Merino’s full potential for use in hats and apparel.
The result is a fabric that offers exceptional performance as well as comfort. Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, providing warmth in the cold while remaining breathable in warmer conditions. It is also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, making it an ideal choice for hats designed to transition effortlessly through the seasons. Its elasticity helps hats keep their shape, while the fine fibers give a smooth, refined finish that feels luxurious without being delicate.
We use Merino wool because it is a natural performance fiber that also delivers elegance. Customers appreciate how lightweight and soft it feels, while also valuing its practicality, a hat that can handle shifting weather, travel, and everyday wear. Unlike synthetic alternatives, Merino works in harmony with the body and environment, offering a combination of beauty, resilience, and versatility. It is this balance of function and refinement that makes Merino wool a cornerstone of our collections.
Master Craftsmen: Tesi Florentine Artistry Since the 1850s
For more than 150 years, Tesi has been a name synonymous with Italian hat making. Founded in Florence in the mid-19th century and still family-run today, Tesi is celebrated for its mastery of fine felts and wools, shaped into brims and crowns with timeless elegance.
Every Tesi hat begins with carefully selected materials, milled and crafted by artisans who blend heritage techniques with modern innovation. The result is hats that are structured yet comfortable, refined yet versatile — pieces that carry the sophistication of Florence in every detail.
We’re proud to collaborate with Tesi on exclusive designs like the Merino Wool "Tesi Traveler", a packable wool brim that balances elegance with everyday practicality. Customers love Tesi because their hats are more than accessories — they’re wearable works of art, crafted by a family whose dedication to the craft spans generations.
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