The Ultimate Asheville Hat Bar Experience: Design Your Own Custom Hat

Discover Asheville’s first and only hat bar where you can design and customize unique fedoras, cowboy hats, and more. Perfect for parties, gifts, and expressing your personal fashion style!

Welcome to Asheville’s First Ever Hat Bar

Picture this: You walk into a vibrant space in Asheville’s South Slope, greeted with the sight of countless hats waiting to be transformed. At AVL Hat Bar, you don’t just buy a hat—you help create it. Your personal style comes alive as you select from an array of designs, embellishments, and custom pyrography options that speak to who you are.

Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir from your Asheville adventure, planning a memorable group outing, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, the AVL Hat Bar experience offers something genuinely different in a world of mass-produced fashion.

Ready to discover why locals and visitors alike are talking about Asheville’s most hands-on fashion experience? Let’s dive in.

In This Guide:

What Is a Hat Bar Experience? Understanding the Concept

Think of a hat bar like a build-your-own-cocktail bar, except instead of mixing drinks, you’re creating wearable art. The AVL Hat Bar is a hands-on creative space where you become the designer of your own headwear.

The concept was born from founder Tanya Johnson’s passion for handcrafted items and self-expression. After creating many custom pyrography hats, she realized that many people craved not just the finished product, but the joy of the creative process itself.

“I wanted to create a space where people could tap into their creativity, even if they don’t consider themselves ‘artistic,'” says Tanya. “There’s something magical about wearing something you helped design—it becomes more than just an accessory; it’s a story you carry with you.”

At the hat bar, you’ll work with our experienced hat artists who guide you through the process, offering suggestions while ensuring your vision comes to life. It’s creativity with guardrails—perfect for both artistic types and those who might need a little inspiration to get started.

The best part? You walk out with a completely one-of-a-kind hat that you won’t find anywhere else in Asheville—or the world.

Why Hats Make the Perfect Custom Accessory

Hats have always held a special place in fashion. They’re:

Instantly transformative – changing your look with a single accessory
Visible – unlike jewelry, they’re noticeable from across the room
Practical – offering protection from sun and elements while making a stylish statement
Wearable art – a canvas you can display every time you leave the house

In Asheville’s eclectic fashion scene, a custom hat becomes both a practical accessory and a conversation starter. It’s a way to carry a piece of Asheville’s artistic spirit with you, wherever you go.

Hat Customization Options: Making It Uniquely Yours

At an AVL Hat Bar Experience, customization goes far beyond simply picking a color. We offer multiple techniques and embellishment options to create truly personalized headwear.

Pyrography: Fire-Drawn Art

Our signature technique is pyrography—the art of burning designs into materials using heated tools. This ancient art form creates permanent, distinctive designs with depth and character.

Popular pyrography designs include:

Mountain landscapes inspired by the Blue Ridge
Moon phases and celestial patterns
Floral designs, from delicate wildflowers to bold botanicals
Geometric patterns and mandalas
Nature-inspired imagery

During your hat bar session, you’ll select from design templates or work with our artists to create something completely custom. The pyrography process adds about 30-45 minutes to your experience, as our artists carefully burn your chosen design into your hat.

Embellishments and Add-Ons

Beyond pyrography, we offer numerous ways to make your hat stand out:

Handcrafted hat bands in leather, beaded, or woven options
Crystal and gemstone embellishments
Feather work featuring ethically-sourced feathers
Metal pins and symbolic charms
Hand-painted details and color accents

Hat Types and Base Options

We start with high-quality base hats in various styles and colors:

Western-style fedoras in different brim widths

Each base hat is carefully selected for its quality and ability to hold customizations. We source from ethical manufacturers who prioritize fair labor practices and sustainable materials whenever possible.

Our Signature Hat Styles and Designs

While every hat created at AVL Hat Bar is unique, we’ve developed some signature styles that have become customer favorites. These can serve as inspiration or starting points for your own creation.

Blue Ridge Collection

Our most popular collection features pyrography designs inspired by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Asheville. These hats typically feature:

Minimalist mountain range silhouettes
Layered mountains showing depth and perspective
Often paired with celestial elements like moons or stars
Natural leather bands, sometimes with turquoise accents

Celestial Series

For those drawn to the mystical, our Celestial Series incorporates:

Detailed moon phase sequences
Constellation patterns, either zodiac or northern sky
Star bursts and cosmic elements
Often paired with crystal embellishments
Deeper, richer hat base colors like navy, black, or burgundy

Bohemian Bloom Collection

Celebrating Asheville’s vibrant flora, these hats feature:

Intricate wildflower designs
Flowing, organic patterns
Often paired with colorful beaded bands
Lighter base colors that make the designs pop

Recovery and Pride Collections

In line with our commitment to inclusivity and support, we offer specialized designs for:

Recovery journeys, featuring symbols of strength and resilience
Pride celebrations with customizable options
Symbols that carry personal significance

Private Asheville Hat Bar Events: Celebrations with a Creative Twist

Who’s Booking Private Hat Bar Party Experiences?

Our private hat bar sessions have become popular with:

Bachelorette parties seeking alternatives to typical bar-hopping
Wedding parties creating matching accessories for the big day
Corporate teams looking for unique team-building activities
Birthday celebrations for creative folks
Family reunions wanting a shared memento
Friend groups seeking a creative night out

What to Expect at Your Private Event

When you book a private hat bar party experience, here’s what you’ll get:

Exclusive use of our South Slope space
Personalized guidance from our hat artists
Refreshments (with options to upgrade to local beer, wine, or craft cocktails)
Photo opportunities with stylish backdrops
Optional add-ons like charcuterie boards from a local business
Let us know what you would like to add to your hat bar party

Planning Tips for Group Bookings

To make the most of your private hat bar experience:

Consider a theme that connects your group’s hats (like matching elements or color schemes)
Let us know about any special occasions or celebrations
Share any design ideas in advance so we can prepare templates
Plan for about 2-3 hours of actual creation time, plus socializing
Consider pairing your hat bar experience with other local activities or dining options

We can accommodate groups of 6-20 people comfortably in our space. For larger groups, we offer split sessions or can arrange for pop-up hat bars at other larger venues.

The AVL Hat Bar Experience: What to Expect

Before You Arrive

While walk-ins are welcome when space allows, we recommend making a reservation through our website to guarantee your spot. When booking, you’ll:

Select your preferred date and time
Put in your deposit to hold your date
Indicate any special requests or design ideas
Choose between a fully guided experience or self-directed design
Have the option to select your hat style and size

A small deposit holds your spot, which is applied to your final purchase.

When You Arrive

Upon entering our South Slope location, you’ll be greeted by our friendly artist staff who will:

Guide you through the hat selection process
Help you try on different styles to find the perfect fit
Discuss your design vision and preferences
Show you examples and design looks for inspiration

The Design Process

You’ll move to our design bar, where you’ll see various templates and options
Our hat artists will help with your design concept
You’ll select any additional embellishments like bands, feathers, crystals, etc
For pyrography designs, you’ll approve the design before burning begins
Watch as our artists bring your design to life through pyrography or other techniques
Add final touches and embellishments
Try on your completed creation and make any last adjustments

Beyond the Experience

Your hat bar experience doesn’t end when you walk out our door:

Each hat comes with care instructions to keep it looking great
We offer touch-up services if your hat needs refreshing down the road
Share your creation on social media with #AVLHatBar for a chance to be featured

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the hat bar experience cost?

Base prices start at $195, which includes your hat and basic customization. Pyrography designs add $25-45 depending on complexity, and additional embellishments range from $5-30. Most customers spend between $195-475 for their complete custom hat.

Do I need to be artistic to create a custom hat?

Not at all! Our hat artists guide you through the entire process and can offer as much or as little help as you need. We have templates and designs ready to go, or we can help bring your unique vision to life.

How long does the hat bar experience take?

Plan for 2-3 hours total. Simple designs and quick decisions can shorten this time, while more elaborate customizations might take longer. We recommend not rushing the process—it’s part of what makes the experience special. A group hat bar party could be longer. For groups, call in advance to book your hat bar party.

Ready to Design Your Own Custom Hat?

The AVL Hat Bar experience represents everything that makes Asheville special—creativity, self-expression, craftsmanship, and the joy of creating something meaningful. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique night out or a visitor wanting to take home something truly special from your time in Asheville, we can’t wait to help you create a hat that’s as unique as you are.

AVL Hat Bar Location

Located in the heart of South Slope at 157 S. Lexington Street, Suite C, we’re surrounded by some of Asheville’s best breweries, restaurants, and shops—making a hat bar party visit the perfect addition to your Asheville adventure.

Book your hat bar experience today through our online reservation system, or stop by during open hours to see what’s happening in the studio. Your perfect hat is waiting to be created!

Book Your Hat Bar Experience Now!