Byrnie Utz Hat's

I bought my first Panama straw hat from Byrnie Utz Hats in the early 1970's after seeing the movie Chinatown, the stylish film noir classic with Jack Nicholson as private eye Jake Gittes. There are few, if any, stores left like this in Seattle or anywhere else. The store harkens back to a time when no man would have gone out in public without a hat. I have bought several hats there over the years, including two beautiful Stetson fedoras. The first one was black and I had my initials stamped into the hatband in gold leaf at this store. I still keep it in the same original Stetson hatbox. I grew up in Seattle, but I live in Portland now. I'm planning several trips up to Seattle this summer and Byrnie Utz Hats is near the top on my list of places to visit. I know I will find something great there! more

I have a hat I bought on vacation and it really needed a new hat band. That is not something most department stores carry, so I finally wondered in this little hat store I have walked by for years. What a fun adventure. more

Even if you never wear a hat you should stop in here sometime when you're in the area. The whole store feels like a throwback to an era when ALL men and women were fashionable only with a chapeau perched sharply on top. But everything is clean, and new, and well organized. Stacks of Stetsons here, Bailey there.. panamas and fedoras and any other kind of classy hat you might be looking for. The staff is extremely helpful, and you'll not find a person out there who knows more about hats than they do. Highly recommended as a unique shopping experience. more

I had never purchased a dress hat before in my life but had been researching a little about the fedora style hats. I went into Bynie's expecting to spend over a hundred dollars on a hat that I thought might be moth eaten and worn. What I found was the perfect sales person and then the perfect brand spankin new hat for only 40 bucks!! She took me through all the details of how to take care of it and what to avoid, how to prevent people from just grabbing it. It was one of the best consumer experiences and I didn't break my bank. Thanks Byrnie! I know I'll be coming back. You made a hat love outta me! Pros: Personal service, knowledgable staff, lots to choose from, great quality Cons: It's downtown so parking can be a pain. more

Not a lot of shops like this around. It's got a classic feel to it. The selection is good and there are some really nice hats in there and the employees are friendly and pretty knowledgeable, but the place is a little spendy. I do more of my shopping on hats dot com, but I'm confident about size and what I want before I buy it. If you want to try it on and check them out, if you need a hat that's going to match your outfit before you go to the club tonight, or if you just want to check out a great hat shop, check out this place. Pros: Great selection, good quality, good help Cons: As with many places, parking isn't great; also a bit pricey more

Best damned hat shop I've ever been in the world over bar none! I've been in more then my share in the last 5 decades! Customer service is unmatched by any shop, anywhere. Parking is as good as it gets in Seattle, if you cant find it on the street out front, there is a parking garage on almost every street corner in downtown. I drive 60 miles to get there and in the process I drive by right by alot of other hatters. Value is good given the costs of doing business in Wa. state let alone downtown Seattle. I've never had to return anything and doubt I ever will given that Paul (I think) makes absolutely sure you have the right hat before you leave the shop. I will be taking my oldest son there as well so he'll know where the best hat shop is. Pros: Its all good Cons: Ain't none more

I found this place by accident...but am glad I did. Great assortment of hats and sizes. Sales staff were very knowledgable and helpful. Never had to wait. I have looked for hats, other than cowboy, for a while and really like this place. Pros: Very helpful, wide assortment more

I go to this shop once a year, every year, with my Father. He adores it. The salespeople are always very kind and very helpful which is wonderful since my father is a very picky and slow moving man. There aren't many shops like this anymore. By the way, don't read this and think this is an old man's shop. This place is Cool! Pros: selection, assistance Cons: location more

I purchased a hat from them and spoke with a salesman named Derrick. I asked him about their return policies and he assured me as long as it wasn't ""ripped or torn"" I could return it ANY time. The hat's shape fell apart and became a lumpy mess just from wearing it. A month later, I returned to the store and spoke to the manager. She accused me of scaming them and asked how I often I ""pull this sort of thing"". I was polite and told her what I was told. The salesmen took her place and informed me I was lying about what he said and they would do nothing to help me. BYRNIE UTZ HATS is run by dishonest people. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM. Pros: Good Selection Cons: Dishonest Employees, Rude Employees, Customer Service more

Was a bit leery about visiting this store after reading the one review about the chap who received snobbish service because of his dress. I strolled in wearing shorts, T-shirt, and ball cap but didn't receive any snotty attitude from the staff. Matter of fact, most clients in shop were fairly young. Saleswoman was congenial, greeted me when I entered, and answered questions. Picked up a black leather hat (ala Rocky) for $35. Can't beat that price! Street parking is sketchy and only 15 minutes max at meters. I found spot right across street - but it ""was"" the weekend. Id definitely go back... more