Returns, Care and FAQs
For any questions not answered below, email me directly at Ben@VandreBrand.com. Vandre is a team of one, so the person who answers is me.
A few helpful videos:
- Learn more about Vandre, the story, and why headwear
- What makes our fabrics unique
- Quick tips on caring for your Vandre hat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your return policy?
Your 100% satisfaction is my top priority. Free shipping, free returns. Unworn hats with tags can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Email me at Ben@VandreBrand.com with your order number and I will send a free return shipping label. Your refund is issued once the hat arrives back.
Where are Vandre hats made?
It depends on the fabric, and I will always be straight about it. My Made in USA 100% Organic Cotton hats are designed in Chicago and cut, sewn, and assembled in New York, and my Italian wool hat is handmade in the USA as well. The Irish linen and wool flannel hats are designed in Chicago and handcrafted overseas to my exact specification. If you want the full story of bringing cotton production home, I wrote about it in Eight Years in the Making.
How do I choose between the fabrics?
Each fabric is chosen with a season in mind. Irish linen is light and breathable for warm days. Made in USA cotton is an easy everyday hat that works year round. Wool flannel is substantial and warm for the cold. And cashmere beanies are soft, breathable warmth for colder weather. Most customers end up with more than one, since the linen hat you reach for in July is not the one you want in January. My hat guide walks through it in more detail.
How should I style a Vandre hat?
A Vandre hat is made to look intentional, not sporty, so it works with far more than casual wear. The simplest approach is to match the hat to the season and let it pull an outfit together rather than shout. In warm weather, the Irish linen hat pairs naturally with a linen or cotton shirt, a lightweight sport coat, or a good tee. As it turns cold, the wool flannel sits beautifully with a topcoat, knitwear, and a scarf, and the cashmere beanie finishes a winter look. And if you want one hat that does it all, the Made in USA cotton is a true year-round option that travels effortlessly, from the airport to wherever the day takes you, and pairs with just about anything. Stick to neutral colors that harmonize with what you already wear, keep the branding quiet, and give the brim a gentle curve. Worn that way, it reads as put-together, the grown-up baseball cap. For more, see Dressing Up a Baseball Hat.
What size are your hats? Do they fit larger heads?
Every hat is one size fits most, dialed in with a 100% leather adjustable strap. A few notes by style: the Made in USA cotton, wool flannel, and Irish linen hats share the same mid-profile fit, great for average and larger heads. The wool houndstooth is a low-profile fit, best for average heads and smaller. The Italian wool hat has a deeper profile, better for average heads and above. The cashmere beanie is a flexible ribbed knit that stretches to fit.
Are your hats really 100% of the fabric?
Yes, and I am precise about it. The outer shell of each hat is exactly what it says: 100% Irish linen, 100% wool flannel, 100% organic cotton, or 100% cashmere. The linen and wool hats have a moisture-wicking performance lining, so the shell is 100% wool or linen while the lining is polyester. The Made in USA cotton hat is the exception: it is pure cotton inside and out, with a 100% Egyptian cotton lining and no polyester against your head.
Important Tip: The Break-In Period
When you receive your Vandre hat, remember there is a short break-in period as the hat forms to your head. Think of it like a great pair of leather dress shoes: they may feel a little stiff at first, then become your most comfortable pair. The wool flannel and Irish linen hats have a semi-structured front that molds over time. Linen may show light creasing at first, but it softens as you wear it, and a light misting of water helps it shape. Wool flannel may have a small indent at first, which relaxes with wear. To speed it up, give the brim a slightly deeper curve than usual and wear it a bit snug for the first few wears.
How do I care for my wool or linen Vandre hat?
Spot clean as needed, or hand clean by submerging the hat in cool water with a small amount of detergent made for delicate fabrics. Keep it submerged a few minutes and gently move it around, then remove it and hang it to dry from the leather strap or the brim. It will dry overnight.
- Do not use warm or hot water, which can shrink the fabric.
- Do not machine wash or machine dry.
- Do not wring the hat.
How do I care for my Made in USA cotton hat?
Spot clean as needed, or rinse gently in cool water with a mild detergent and hang to dry. Avoid hot water, the washing machine, and the dryer.
How do I care for my cashmere beanie?
Dry clean only, and store it folded in its bag rather than hung so it keeps its shape. A little natural pilling is normal with fine cashmere, and a cashmere comb keeps it looking its best.
Do you offer custom or bulk orders?
It is possible, depending on the project. Email me at Ben@VandreBrand.com and we can talk through what you have in mind.
Who makes Vandre hats?
Vandre is a team of one. I am Ben, also known as Dapper Professional. I design every hat, source every fabric, and personally pack and ship every order. You can read the full story on my About page.
Finding a Cure and Our Commitment
No cause is more important to Vandre than helping find a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Today, medications can only try to slow ALS and ease the pain and discomfort of its symptoms.
ALS remains uncured, but it is not incurable, which is why we commit an annual percentage of our revenue, not profit, to the research team at ALS TDI.
My father's entrepreneurial spirit lives on in everything I do, and it is a driving force behind Vandre. Thank you, Dad.