Standard Hat Works          

Standard Hat works is not only a Central Texas tradition, but a legend in the hat making industry.  Founded in 1909 by William Gross, SHW had humble beginnings.  Mr. Gross, a Hungarian immigrant, walked the streets of New York City selling the hats right off his head.  Mr. Gross eventually found a home for SHW in Waco and opened up shop at 622 Washington Street.
 
     In the 1940's, Mr. Gross sold SHW to Bill Martin.  In the early 80's, SHW was front and center as the cowboy hat became a staple of pop culture, due in no small part to the success of the movie "Urban Cowboy".  It was around this same time that SHW hired Doug Eastland, who helped solidify SHW as one of the premiere hat companies in the nation, and ultimately took over the store.  SHW was the hat company of choice for many celebrities and made hats for George Strait, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy, and Miss Texas.  Even celebrities not known to be hat acts were wearing custom hats from SHW including Oprah Winfrey, the band members of Guns and Roses, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall, and Mr. Martin's world famous nephew Steve Martin.  SHW custom hats could also been seen in the movies, worn by Luke Perry in "Eight Seconds" and by numerous cast members in "Lonesome Dove".  SHW remained at the Washington Street location until 1988 when the store moved to Waco Drive because of fire hazard concerns.  Ironically, a fire claimed most of the hat making equipment in 1993.  SHW was forced to close down for one year, then sold to Richard Dick in 1997.
 
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Who We Are

SHW's current owner Lenny Lawson took over the reigns and opened SHW's Interstate 35 location in January 2006.  Mr. Lawson has spent the last several years working to replace the equipment that was lost in the fire of '93.  He has gathered equipment from all over the world in order to give SHW costumers the ultimate in quality and comfort.  Mr. Lawson has studied the art of millinery, or hat making, for years.  He continues the SHW tradition of outfitting ranchers, city slickers, rodeo stars, and even celebrities such as Johnny Lee, Kevin Fowler, the "Honky Tonk Kid" Aaron Watson, and the flight crew of Air Force One.
 
     Whether you're looking for a top quality hat from Bailey, Resistol, Rodeo King, or American Hat Company, or you're ready for a one of a kind custom hat made especially for you, trust the workmanship and knowledge that has made Standard Hat Works a legend since 1909.