The Brass Rooster has landed

When asked to check out the The Brass Rooster, a new men’s hat store in Bay View, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only do I love charming, artsy Bay View but my husband has a penchant for hats. Imagine the major wife points I’d score if I came back with a great fedora or boater for him!

The Brass Rooster is the brainchild of John and Kate McLaughlin. John began his love for hats when he started wearing a Fedora in the 5th grade. His wife, Kate is a milliner and works for the Milwaukee Rep Theatre. Together, this talented duo created The Brass Rooster to provide a place that caters to men’s hats and accessories. In addition to hats, they offer traditional men’s shaving accessories, soaps, moustache waxes, cufflinks and more.

Entering the store, I was visually overwhelmed with not only the extensive hat selection, but the space itself. It is awash with beautifully handcrafted dark wood and leather cabinets, vintage displays and artwork, and even an old fashioned barber chair. It’s not just any store, but one that exudes a passion for fine hats and revival of a bygone era. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable and encourages you to explore.

There are winter hats, summer hats, blended materials, an array of sizes, styles, brim sizes, and crown sizes. There are Fedoras, Pork Pies, Bowlers, Gatsbys, Brandos, Ivys, Cadets; a whirling blur of possibilities for men of all tastes. No matter if you’re a steampunk kinda guy, a traditionalist, greaser, or lawyer in a fantastic suit, there’s definitely a hat for you at The Brass Rooster. And for the fashion forward women out there, menswear and hats are in style!

But wait, there’s more. The new haberdashery also carries hats for the little ones. You can make it a family affair.

Everyone can wear a hat — it just takes time to find the one that reflects your style and personality. As John said, “the right hat will call to you.” Whether that “calling” process takes minutes or spans days, John and Kate are there to help. They can provide expert advice, help you choose a style that fits you and your budget, and even custom make a hat for you. It’s almost like going to a neighborhood barbershop –you can come in, hang out, and play a game of backgammon while hearing great history on hats. Maybe if you’re lucky, John will even tell you why it’s called the Brass Rooster.

There’s even a consultation lounge where you can plant yourself in an old fashioned barber chair and don hats of all sizes, shapes and styles to find the perfect one.

I couldn’t quite corner John into telling me what his favorite hat was. With all the choices, I can understand why. I’ve narrowed mine to the Pork Pie, “Spitfire” leather Gatsby, and the two-toned woven straw Fedora. I find myself in an odd position where I can’t recommend a specific style that would make or break a look. Choosing a hat is very personal in nature — similar to women and their purses. You can’t just send your honey out to pick one up for you. Guess I won’t be scoring any wifey points today.

Here are some of my favorites upon my first visit. If you love hats or if you’ve always been jealous of people who can wear them, take a trip to The Brass Rooster. It’s definitely worth it.

Clockwise from top: Pork Pie with stingy brim, “Spitfire” Leather Gatsy, “Marlon Brando”

The “Louie” Fedora

“Crosby” Panama Diamond Crown with ombre hand-dyed band

“Redwood” two-color Panama Fedora

Traditional Fedora with sewn straw braided crown and felt brim

Two-tone woven straw Fedora