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Laura F. said: "No one spoke to me when I went in, but I love that... I know how to shop by myself, and I don't need to be greeted. I'm there to buy something awesome at a decent price... not to have my butt kissed. Walked out with a fierce DVF…" read more »
53 reviews for Alternative Design Studio - ADS Hats
Review Highlights
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"They have great price range for every style imaginable." In 5 reviews -
"Sure Elina works faster on her crochet or cloth hats." In 4 reviews -
"ADS has a great selection of very reasonable hats." In 5 reviews
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53 reviews in English
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Review from MIchelle b.
San Rafael, CA
5/17/2012
AMAZING.... the minute I walked in and saw all of the beautiful hats on display made me feel like a kid in a candy store. I must have put on every hat I could reach! But the real reason why we went was for my mom (78 yrs) who has cancer and is starting to lose her hair. What was a very emotional and sensitive moment for us, Elina being such a wonderful person, made the experience such a delight. Her caring and nurturing demeanor made my mom, a very shy person, feel relaxed and comfortable. I look forward to going back to get a hat for myself!!! Thank you Elina - you are the best!!!
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Review from Jen M.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2011
ADS Hats is another great find in SF. I found myself in need of a hat to keep the sun off my face, and had no idea where to begin. This was my first 'real' (meaning custom-made) hat purchase and I was nervous about being unhappy with my experience. The hats I tried from various stores (that did not specialize in hats) never seemed to stay on or seemed to be more of an inconvenience. The other hat stores I explored seemed to be overpriced, and did not have basic, stylish hats that could be worn for every day. I wandered into ADS Hats in the Mission District one day, and found the perfect solution. They have all kinds of hats, from the very elaborate, fabulous hats, to the practical, modern, chic yet practical hats I was looking for.
The store has beautiful, custom made hats for men and women. The staff was so great in helping me to understand what kind of hat I needed, and exactly how it should fit. Elina, the owner and hat maker, custom made a hat for me the same day. I felt so pampered, and going into this store was a really terrific experience!
One of Elina's specialties is making hats for people with cancer, to help keep the sun off of them. I just love my Lydia Cloche hat and don't leave home without it. It is modern, stylish, and highly functional. It rolls up so I can put it in my purse when I'm not wearing it, and the brim is just wide enough to keep the sun off my face without being obnoxious. Also, when sized correctly, these hats actually stay on your head, even in the SF wind!
If you need a hat, this is the place to go!!!Listed in: Awesome Services
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Review from Jocelyn J.
South San Francisco, CA
4/11/2011
I thought this place was great! I love supporting local designers. Walked in and really liked what I saw.
Great designs, great fabrics, so great I felt like buying a fly church hat and going over to say hi to the big JC in the sky. -
Review from M K.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2009
This place has so many hats to choose from! And the staff is very sweet and helpful. They're very nice and let me try on any hat I wanted. I wish I could have bought a dozen hats. I like hats a lot, but I had to have some self-restraint and bought two. They have a big variety of both men's and women's hats in all price ranges. Check them out soon!
By the way, don't be intimidated by the bad-asses who stand by the door. It's located right next to Munro Motors, the Ducati motorcycle store, so there always seems to be guys in the doorway in front of the store. I think they're keeping an eye out on the motorcycles parked on the street. But they are totally nice and harmless. -
Review from Christopher M.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2006
I spent close to 300 dollars in that shop in one weekend. while talking to the sales staff about another had I had at home that was too small, they invited me back to have them re-size it.
The sales woman put it on a stretcher to make it larger. LIttle by little she stretched the wool and eventually ripped it. She apologized with a sheepish smile and offered nothing more than "oops, I'm sorry."
Going back later to talk to the owner, she ( who had never seen the hat) told me that when I brought the hat in, it was already ripped. She said that her sales person told me the hat was ripped before she started stretching it. Then she changed her story and said the sales person warned me that stretching the hat could rip it. She seemed to think that such a glaring tear in my hat would escape my eyes or that I would willingly risk ripping my hat after being warned about it.
In short, the sales person outright lied and the owner put more stock in her staff's stories than someone who had spent close to $500 in the store in the previous year (not due to the outstanding service mind you, I was patronizing a small business).
I would suggest going elsewhere. The good-looking hats can be found at other shops and your patronage gets you nothing here. -
Review from Buddy M.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2011
This store is amazing and an institution in The Mission. They have been around for years.
The owner, Elina, is a wonderful caring person and loves to share her passion with everyone. If you are looking for a hat this is the best place to look.
Some of her hats are works of art. Coque feathers are something to see on the Cocktail hats for women.
ADS Hats has something for everyone. I encourage you to drop in and take a look. Don't forget to ask for Elina so she can help you find a hat that is right for YOU. -
Review from Teddy d.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2006
Too pretentious doesn't even cover it. These people need look up the word CUSTOMER SERVICE cause it sucks here. The staff is too busy talking loud to even help a customer and please get some plastic head wraps if you are suggesting a customer try on a hat. I mean come on now there is a lot of dirt in hair and I don't want my germs to go to someones house nor would I want any ones' to camp on my clips.
I guarantee on any given day you will see these heffas carrying on about their personal affairs loud enough to be heard as soon as you walk in. Please do your customers a favor and tone it down...cause no one is there to hear about your personal affairs. As the saying goes
" Winners Rock and Whinners suck" so ZIP IT.
... AND ONE MORE THING.... "SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE" so you may want to cut down on the church ladies hats. It is too distracting to really find the good pieces.
EXIT Bambi.
P.S No I will not be back.Listed in: THESE BEEECHES ARE FIRED
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Review from Amy K.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2008
I was obsessively looking through the racks of hats, and the salesguy overheard me saying to my bf that "we need it to be soft on her bare head" and "she doesn't want it to look... medical." He gently asked if this was for someone with chemo, and indeed it was, and he was a huge, huge help. I was incredibly grateful, and my cousin just texted me to say how much she loves the big, soft, groovy black hat I sent her.
The big fear is, you know, "if I wear a hat, will I look like someone going through chemo?" And the beauty of this place is, even when you ARE that person, you don't have to look the part, because there is such a wide selection of groovy hats that go far beyond that sad stereotype.
I will just admit right now that I bought myself a few insouciant chapeaux as well. -
Review from Fannie S.
11/17/2008
I've spent a few months looking for the perfect knit cap with cat ears...
For whatever reason I didn't come upon this place, until I went for a stroll on Veteran's day...(of course they were not open)
A few days later, I called and I had the said cap placed on hold (two days maximum).
I tried on the cap, which was made of wool knit, and just adorable ears (not too large and quite subtle, really)...
Yeah, I'm a fan. And I love how the owner is the person who makes the hats!! Woohoo, support to local businesses! -
Review from Kiya B.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2007
SERVICE.
This is something i expect when i'm about to purchase a $200 hat.
I go in, obviously don't know what i'm looking for.. look around for a bit.. asked a few questions about a couple of hats and the answers i got sounded like they were made up.
She had zero interest in helping me choose a hat or style. In the end i still bought two hats equaling $190 only because there aren't many stores that have such a selection.
I expect a store that specializes in something THIS narrow (just hats), should employ people that are very well versed in all that there is to know about that ONE thing.
I myself have three retail stores and i do a good job of making sure all employees are fully aware of all the intricacies of every product. Especially considering i expect people to spend money on luxury items.
Long story short, great hats, terrible service. -
Review from lily p.
Berkeley, CA
8/14/2007
Years ago, I joined the crusade to bring back the "ladies hat". Hats are an accessory that a lot of women simply refuse to embrace. Is this because they are afraid of messing up their hair? Or are none of them emboldened to stand out in a crowd? But for those of us who believe in the power of being just a little different by wearing a chic little chapeau on our noggins... this is the store for you.
They have an amazing selection of both mens and womens hats; casual, chic, and a little outlandish; something for everyone. They have retro styles from all the way back to the 20's and some really interesting new styles as well. My recent purchase reminded me of something from the late 30's early 40's but looks totally at home on my ever so slightly trendy hairstyle. -
Review from jules m.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2006
Okay I don't know what the negativity is all about. I love this store. Today they were lacking in Kangol size Smalls, but ove rall this is one of the most amazing stores for covering your noggin. They have great price range for every style imaginable.
I make 2 stops a year here, usually early summer and right before the rain hits. Today they had some extra special scarves in their sale box...
As for the sales staff; well they are always nice when Im there. They make good suggestions and even check to see about a size in a certain hat without me asking. Maybe it's the shoppers attitude that needs adjusting...ahem...;-) I was there and it was busy, no one appeared to be neglected or dissed.
Yep, Im a fan of ADS Hats... -
Review from Katie T.
5/26/2007
I look really smokin' hot in hats. I'm not bragging or anything, but it's a fact.
I usually try and find my hats at thrift shops, because I'm trying to be a true hipster and not buy new things (except for underwear and other things that touch my private bits).
But ADS does have some amazing hats, both larger brands and local designs. And when they go on sale for half off their regular price, I think it's ok to momentarily forget about my purchasing rules and pick up a really pretty new hat. -
Review from Susan D.
2/17/2010
ADS is a fun, unique hat store that's conveniently right next door to Munroe Motorcycle Shop. If it wasn't, I'd have never seen it. Anyway, they have the best, hand-made animal hats (40$) and other high-end special made pieces ($400). They a million designs including cozy, vintage, and even gothic lolita looks. They also will custom make anything for you.
I went there right before Christmas and thought a lot of their stuff made perfect gifts. The guy who was working was really friendly too!
Might see ya there! -
Review from Jamie C.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2008
I wear a hat almost every day. I have all different kinds and I love to shop for them. ADS cannot be beat. Not only do they have a fabulous selection, with a wide range of prices, but the proprietors are so friendly and accommodating, not like SOME snooty stores (Mrs. Dewsons, I refer specifically to your rude snooty self).
They have some hats that were so beautiful (and unfortunately out of my price range at this particular moment ) they practically had me salivating. I want that yellow feathered confection so badly I had a dream about it last night! I.WILL.OWN.IT. The nice man behind the counter offered to take it down and show it to me. I declined, since I didn't want him to go to the trouble when I knew I would not be buying it (yet), but wow, what a friendly store.
I will be back. This is my new hat store. -
Review from Ramon B.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2006
ADS has an excellent selection of Makins Hats. The staff is very helpful, and if it doesn't look good on you they'll let you know. They've patiently sized and cleaned a leather Makins that had quite a bit of residue on. I really wanted it, and it was the only one in my size. When I returned to pick it up it was sparklin'!
So far I've walked out with three hats and I'm drooling over another one that still isn't in stock.
I took my skeptical friend, Little Jeff there - he was swearing that there wasn't a hat in the world for him. 30 minutes later he was stylin' down Valencia, looking at his reflection in every store window along the way! -
Review from Jean K.
3/17/2007
So one of my friends invited me to a garden party on Easter. Of course I have to get a hat! Was really bummed to see that this store was closed at their usual location - I used to in all the time when I walked by. But then was really happy to find them at a new location at 15th & Valencia. Turns out the old store used to have two owners and now the original creator is carrying on by herself at the new place.
Despite the complaints about the customer service, I had no problems today. The staff was all really friendly and the owner was there to give advice. I especially like that they ask customers from holding cell phone conversations inside the store.
So I found two hats - a white cloche with black stripes and a huge black hat slightly reminiscent of 4 Weddings & Funeral. Both under $30 so what a steal. They have lots of modern hats as well as wedding hats and they get new stuff all the time. You can always find something funky in your price range. They carry as much mens as womens as well.
Best part of the new location is they finally take credit card - yay!
Bike parking: difficult. I locked up to the light post at the corner of 15th & Valencia but the post is probably too big for a u-lock. -
Review from Cyn W.
Arlington, VA
5/16/2007
ADS Hats has some of the city's best fitted caps, knits, fedoras, and even weird frou frou old ladies hats (for your granny's hat needs!). I got an awesome knitted black cap with a brim here that I wear all the time.
Prices are totally decent and whether your steez is hip hop, indie, granny, or whateva, chances are you'll bring some heaven to your head here.
FYI They've been on Valencia forever but just moved to a new location a few blocks down (closer to 15th and Valencia).Listed in: Living in the Mish
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Review from Beth V.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2007
The future in laws are full of fun gift ideas, a certificats for ADS Hats being among them. I was like a kid in a candy store trying to figure out which ones I needed the most. Sure, I'd been in before, but much more fun with money to spend.
Wait, it gets better! The woman ringing me up told me she'd made my hat, how she'd made it, and that she'd been making hats there for 13 years. Apparently, it makes her day to see people wearing hats she'd made around the neighborhood. I may start detouring past the store on days where I'm wearing it-when it is this easy to make someone so happy?
Love to support local businesses! -
Review from Gustav Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2006
I've bought several hats here and love this place. The owner's very attentive and very informed. The selection's great, as are the prices. There are deals to be had.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Lauren G.
New York, NY
6/2/2008
I have a skull the size of a walnut.
Having my head measured and a hat made specially to fit my tiny head was like a baby miracle.
I can never buy hats, other than the occasional beanie - and that shit looks good until you're out of high school - ADS Hats was my savior.
I don't remember the hat being very expensive at all and the service was quick and friendly, plus my hat came out perfect!
Will go back for more hats for my Thumbalina head. -
Review from Femme M.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2007
Oh my gawd, oh my gawd
I drove by yesterday and it wasn't open and the windows were papered over and looked abandoned.
Say it's not so! -
Review from Joe H.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2007
I never used to be much of a hat person - just like most everyone. Then I realized that once one becomes a man, it is no longer acceptable to wear boy's hats. The American baseball cap has its place but it's place does not include about 99% of the places it can be found.
The folks at Ads are aware that American men stopped wearing hats a while ago thanks to JFK and they are free and honest with the advice on what looks good and what doesn't. -
Review from Steve S.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2010
The good news is that the sun was shinning today while walking down Valencia, taking in the sights sounds and flavors. The bad news is that my tired, old, stained baseball cap had seen better days.
ADS to the rescue with a large assortment of styles and sizes, with prices that fit well within anyones budget.
Great store and service -
Review from Don G.
Oakland, CA
10/24/2007
I can't imagine what baggage the negative reviewers brought with them to get bad service here -- I've been treated exceedingly well every time I've stopped in. I've come home with half a dozen fabulous hats over the last few years, and always ... always! ... the staff has been gracious and patient and usually a lot of fun, too.
My wife and I even snuck by on our way to eloping at Point Reyes, and we each came away with two beauties, which we wore as we said our vows the next morning. Good Hat Karma, that.
My only complaint about the store is that their selection of men's caps (not hats, mind you, but casual caps) is fairly limited and, to my taste, juvenile. If I could give them a four-point-five-star rating, that'd be closer to the truth, but a four will have to do. Great shop, overall. -
Review from Nancy H.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2009
First of all, thank you Isaac & Stephanie! You were both just great in helping me select some fun & flattering new hats! Your boss is so lucky to have such friendly & helpful employees.
The great staff took plenty of time helping me pick out various styles and colors and giving out honest comments. They really know their inventory and I received a great education as well.
I've always wanted to wear hats but I just wasn't sure if I could pull off the look. Well, now I think hats are for everyone...you just have to find the styles that work for you. Well, I went a bit crazy and bought quite a few hats because I loved them all so much. I wore the grey tweed Borsalino Doria fedora yesterday and I even got a compliment from a cutie at Peets...I made sure to spread the word & pull out a business card....the ADS Hats card....not mine! ;)
ADS has a great selection of very reasonable hats. I've spent time checking out various hats online but so many of the ones I liked were quite pricey.
I plan on making dropping by ADS every couple of months because I've decided that hats are a bit like shoes....you just can't have too many! If they were closer to home, I'd probably be in there every week. My new hat addiction is so much cheaper than buying the shoes I love. ADS Hats also has cute hat boxes so I haven't even begun to make a dent in this great store yet! I plan on becoming the "Imelda" of hats. -
Review from rhonda s.
South San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009 1 photo
Cool collection of hats ranging from casual to velvet girly girl toppers. I fell in love with a gorgeous cashmere one (on the counter), but like many of the pieces, it was outside my budget. )-: Really nice Orla Kiely-esque graphic print bucket hats as well.
Easy street parking, but not the best neighborhood--some kind of very loud transaction was going down across the street by a large group of homies in front of a hotel and down the side of an alley. It was definite motivation to make a decision quickly and scoot...a better location would make it 5-stars. -
Review from gordon w.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2007
For those of you who don't like your new haircut, or want to spice things up a bit...
This is great store for casual or more classic and refined hats. The people who work there are also very nice and patient... -
Review from frisco j.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2007
now that it's getting really cold in frisco, the #3 buzzcut just won't do anymore. so i started growing out my hair, but damn it, it's not growing fast enough for me. i'm still cold. yeah, i suppose i'm a big sissy. so i needed a hat. enter alternative design studio hats, or simply known as ads hats.
this is a wonderful place to get your hat groove on. it's definitely more on the expensive side, but if you're looking for that one or two special hats, ads hat is a good place to start. as their website (http://www.adshats.com) suggests, ads hats feature hats by local artists and well known companies from around the world such as kangol, stefeno, bailey, makins, borsalino, etc.. the hat selection ranges from anything from simple beanies to stylish fedoras.
the staff is quite friendly and will make honest recommendations based on your hair and face. for example, i was initially interested in the more expensive fedora, but it just didn't look right on me. the lady staff member (by the way, she owns a boston terrier. so she must be a good person.) recommended that i try the cheaper but just as funky fedora.......and it was perfect! i was so happy that i ended up buying one for me and one for the girlfriend. you see, when you are honest and soft with your customers, they will buy more. at least, that's the key if you want to close a deal with me.
now with my funky fedora keeping my head warm, i am no longer cold. however, it's messing up my hairstyle. maybe i should go back to the #3 buzzcut. well, that will be an entirely another review. -
Review from Darren L.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2005
Every town should have a good milliner, a destination for fine haberdashery and doorways big enough to accommodate both stylish lids and swelling egos upon egress. Me, I recently picked up a brace of dastardly brims that make me feel like a million bucks, and the lovely ladies behind the counter were patient enough to let me try on about a bazillion of them before I dropped my bills on the counter. Needless to say, I'll be going back.
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Review from MiKA D.
12/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Really disappointed when we visited this spot last weekend. They didn't have a lot of great selection that I hoped for. They're lucky enough to even have a Kangol display but even then, just felt like the merchandise needed an upgrade. Customer service was okay. Nothing to boost about.
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Review from . M.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010 1 photo
My fave hat store. I must have over twenty hats from this wonderful boutique on Valencia Street!!!!! Go buy her custom hats for women or some cool designs for men. LOVE THIS STORE!
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Review from Jill D.
3/19/2009
When my boyfriend first visited San Francisco we stayed at this hotel on 15th and Mission and walked around the hood a lot. This is one of the shops we passed by occasionally and they had this awesome handknit hat that was reminiscent of a Roman gladiator's mixed with an awesome punk rocker's mohawk. It was a black knit hat with a mohawk of black and white yarn that inexplicably remained standing straight up. Seriously awesome.
My boyfriend, who rocked THE most awesome mohawk I have EVER seen when he was younger (so I saw it in pics, whatever, it was still SUH-WEET!) loved this hat but everytime we walked by the store it was always closed. Alas, the boyfriend departed back to Hawaii before getting to try on the much admired chapeau.
Fast forward about a month and a half and it's nearly Xmas time. The boyfriend is coming out for two weeks and I'm trying to get creative with gifts for someone who owns a clothing company, gets free sports gear and typically doesn't have to pay for much in the way of entertainment. So far I had a black pair of Budweiser slippers purchased from Walgreen's, some black polar fleece gloves and a pair of pajama bottoms. Nothing remotely exciting or super personal. Then I remembered the hat. I had little hope of it still being there but when I called I was thrilled to find out that it was! HOW no one bought this little gem is beyond me (maybe it was the $50 price tag?) but I paid for it over the phone and picked it up in person before the store closed that very day.
When Xmas day rolled around, my boyfriend was like a second grader getting his first bike and proudly wore that hat EVERYWHERE. He even wore it back in Hawaii lol. My only complaint about the hat is that the little tie came off but that was easily reattached with some thread. Still....at $50 I didn't expect it to fall apart so easily after only a few times being worn. Overall though I really liked this little store and think they've got some really creative, albeit pricey, offerings. -
Review from Flor D.
2/5/2008 1 photo
SUPPORT LOCAL OWNED BUSINESS JOINTS!
ADS is a great store with lost of pizazz! I love it and was originally drawn to it because of the vintage manikin models on the internet site. Elina, the owner, rocks because she makes some of the hats at ADS. I am going on my 3rd hat from this store. I own a Kangol red fedora, a black Doria paper boy hat, and my most recent purchase-a red apple top hat. It's the cutest thing ever, and pictures will follow soon. Elina made this particular hat because she was making this style for little kids. The "craze" grew, as did the sizes because adults like me thought they were super cute.
You know you have a winner when you get hat love. I immediately received 2 compliments. One was from a gal at Sibby's, and another from a lady on the street. I love my hats..and this place has a great selection. Although certain sizes may not be readily available, it's worth the trip.
I was here on Saturday and purposely made a stop at ADS. Super cool fun item: Doria-my favorite brand from Italy-made hats for Ol' Blue Eyes, and once a pattern is gone...it's gone. It's almost semi custom, and if you are lucky to get a certain fabric, then you my friend are the proud owner of a unique hat. Betcha also didn't know that Doria hats can take up to 2-3 months to make. Sure Elina works faster on her crochet or cloth hats...but variety is the spice of life.
If you go in....don't be shy. Say hi to Elina. She will gladly help you...but note that this is kinda a self service store. It's nice not having pushy sales people trying to force a hat on you. I love my apple top hat with a leaf and all! Pictures to come!
AND YES...I know have 2 red hats 'cause I got it like that!Listed in: Mom and Pop Shops, Look like me, but don't HATE…
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Review from Audrey B.
6/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Today I bought myself my first hat. It's a hipster trilby, and I feel very chic wearing it. Turns out I have a large head (shocking, I know) but they were able to accommodate because they stock many sizes and styles. The service was excellent - friendly and helpful. I plan to start accessorizing my outfits with hats, so I am sure I'll be back soon...
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Review from Matthew R.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2005
No better place to flip your lid! I love this Mission spot. I got into this place when it was still on 18th, but this new location is much better with a bigger selection and more light. The people that run thie place are very informative and are always able to give you a honest opinion. This place is worlds better than that super uptight Fillmore hat shop. Nice.
Listed in: Shops
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Review from Alicia A.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2006
I bought my first hat here when I moved to San Francisco. It's always fun to go in and browse, and they have a great selection of Kangol hats for the gentlemen.
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Review from Leslie R.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2007
I'm so not a hat person, but there's something here to make everyone look good, even me! Fairly reasonable prices (although I guess I don't know the going rate for hats these days), plus I was lucky enough to stumble on their 50% off everything sale a while back. They even have a lot of really cool vintage hats behind the counter.
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Review from Qyon G.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2007
I purchased 3 Kangool hats from this store. The service here was great and they have a large variety of hats for men, women, and children in all sizes and colors. Stop on by and try a hat or two to get a few ideas - it's fun!
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Review from Sha A.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2007
one head, im wearin' the jimi hat -no substitution there. always has been and will be, & intend to keep it that way. the other head, i have slipped a few different hats over the years -baseball, beret, bandana & also back in the days, even a cowboy hat (my roommates -back when we were singin' chorus w/ Garth "cause i got friends in low places, where the whiskey drowns...")
anyway, lately i have been back on a binge to buy some berets, and ADS Hats has some really good selections. i have a couple classic styles by Barbour, but for something more hip n' trendy, this is the place to go. prices can hit in the upwards to $65 bucks. try to go when they have discounts going on selected styles. it helps to save the extra $$ here.
