Our Story
Our Mission
Driven by faith and dedication, Standard Hat Works creates custom hats that stand the test of time. We are committed to excellence, crafting each hat with integrity, authenticity, and a deep respect for tradition. We promise to deliver quality products that inspire our customers to be original and confident in their individuality. We always strive to do the right thing for our customers and community.
Our Legacy
Standard Hat Works, a Texas hat-making institution, has roots that trace back to a Hungarian immigrant named William Gross. Born in Hungary in 1885, Gross began his career as an apprentice hatter in Budapest, refining his craft for four and a half years before immigrating to New York in 1909. His skills quickly earned him recognition in the competitive New York hat industry, where he worked as a foreman and peddled hats on the streets of Manhattan. Seeking new opportunities, Gross accepted a position in Waco, Texas, as a foreman for a hat manufacturing venture in 1914.
By 1915, William Gross founded Standard Hat Works in Waco. The origin of its name might have stemmed from past disputes over the "Texas Hat" moniker, but as noted, “The reason ‘matters not’ because the name ‘Standard Hat’ quickly became a name recognized by people across the United States and in many foreign countries.” Standard Hat Works rapidly gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship, with thousands of men and women donning hats made by the company. Despite challenges, including competition and economic shifts, the brand thrived and became a symbol of authenticity and fine hat-making.
In 2013, Cameron Morris, a native of Waco, acquired Standard Hat Works, continuing its legacy of producing custom-made hats. Under his ownership, the business has stayed true to its roots while evolving with the times. Morris's dedication to quality has ensured that the brand remains relevant, and in 2023, Standard Hat Works was recognized as the “Best of Waco” in a survey by WACOAN Magazine. Over the years, the company has crafted hats for a wide range of notable figures, including George Strait, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Oprah Winfrey, and even members of Air Force One’s flight crew.
Standard Hat Works' enduring success is a testament to the vision of William Gross and the dedication of those who followed. Today, it remains a symbol of traditional craftsmanship, blending a rich history with a modern touch under Morris’s leadership. The company continues to inspire confidence and originality in each hat it creates, maintaining its place as a cherished part of the Waco community. Cameron often reminds his customers and coworkers of the unique ability and opportunity that Standard Hat Works has to curate original pieces for unique customers, encouraging others to “Be original…Be the Standard.”