The crochet hat has become one of the most-wanted pieces of the last few years — light, handmade, unlike anything on the high street. But "crochet hat" covers several very different shapes.

The shapes

Bucket hat. Short, firm brim all the way round, pail-shaped crown. The most versatile and the most current. Works with loose hair, braids, a fringe. Cotton for summer, wool or lurex blend for mid-season.

Cloche / bonnet. Close to the head, no brim or a tiny one, often finished with pearls or crystals at the edge. Elegant, slightly retro. Good with an updo or short hair; covers the ears.

Beret. A soft crown that falls to one side. Parisian, worn tilted. Nice on long hair left loose underneath.

Mesh cap. Open, lacy work, often with sequins or crystals. An evening or event piece, not for warmth — the mesh lets your hair show through.

By hair type

• Long hair: bucket hat and beret, loose or in a side braid.
• Short or shaved hair: a close cloche that traces the shape of the head.
• Fringe: bucket hat worn slightly back to keep it visible.
• Voluminous curls: a soft beret, which welcomes the volume instead of crushing it.

Why it costs more than a factory hat

A crochet hat is hours of hand work: a medium bucket hat is a full day, a cloche with embellishment more. There is no machine that crochets — every round is made by a person. That's why we make them in tiny runs and often in a single colourway.

Care

Hand-wash in cold water, don't wring: press gently and lay it flat on a towel, reshaping it. Never hang it (it stretches) and never tumble-dry. Between wears, store it stuffed with tissue paper to keep the crown.

Ours

See all the shapes in hats, the bucket hats on their own, and the wider hand-crocheted range in the crochet collection. Made to order — if you want a colour you don't see, ask.