Around the Sound
SHOP
Goorin Bros. A Unique Hatting Experience WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY BYLIN
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ittle warms hearts like a family business, and nothing warms heads like a good hat. Goorin Bros. is a fourth-generation family hat shop with more than 30 locations nationwide, including downtown Seattle and Vancouver B.C. Goorin Bros. founder, Cassel Goorin, hit the streets of Pittsburgh in 1895 with a horse-drawn cart full of his creations and a passion for his craft. Quality and artistry were of utmost importance, and he went out of his way to ensure his customers were happy. Goorin’s sons, Alfred and Ted, took over the family business in 1921. They changed the name to Goorin Brothers and relocated to San Francisco in 1949, where they opened their first storefront. Flash forward to today. Company
leader Ben Goorin’s great-grandfather Cassel would be proud. Timeless, quality goods and gathering spaces are tough to come by in a world of fast fashion and online retail, but Goorin Bros. pulls it off. “We are bold hatters, we are style-makers. We are real people providing a tailored one-of-a-kind culture focused on creating warm and memorable experiences that defy expectations,” says Seattle shopkeeper Alba Juliao. “We are passionate storytellers and careful listeners. We emphasize style over fashion and always encourage uniqueness to provide an unforgettable experience.” Goorin Bros. hats and storefronts are as timeless as they are contemporary. The Seattle shop was alive with curious customers and old-timey
aesthetics on a sunny Friday morning, and there was no shortage of compliments and welcome small talk with the shopkeepers. They host live music every month for Hat Happy Hour where you can enjoy a whiskey cocktail and 15 percent off your purchase. From fedoras to flat caps, floppies to cloches, bowlers to top hats, baseball caps to knits, Goorin Bros. is sure to have something for everyone. They’ll even help you snazz it up a bit with their custom feather bar. Whether you’re in the market for a new topper or you’re just in the neighborhood, Goorin Bros. is worth stopping in for a singular hatting experience. 1610 1st Ave., Seattle 206.443.8082 | goorin.com October 2017 41