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FAQ

BRAND & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Yes, Mühlbauer is a family-owned Austrian company based in Vienna. It was founded in 1903 by Julianna Mühlbauer and is now run by Klaus Mühlbauer in the fourth generation.

All Mühlbauer products are produced in Vienna and the surrounding area. The heart of our production is the workshop located at Schwedenplatz in Vienna. Here, we craft our headwear - made from felt, straw, fabric, and fur - on wooden molds, using traditional artisan techniques.

Most steps - shaping and trimming the hat - are done by hand in the traditional way. However, we also use sewing machines and other tools where they help ensure the best possible quality.

SERVICE

The right size is key to wearing comfort. To find your head size, use a measuring tape and wrap it around your head, just above your ears and eyebrows. For a more comfortable fit, we recommend adding 1 cm to the measurement.

Yes, custom-made designs are part of our special service. Please speak with our team in-store for a personal consultation. You’re welcome to visit out stores without an appointment.

Our products are subject to statutory warranty regulations. If there is a justified complaint, we will of course fix the defect or issue.

Yes, many of our styles are available in a wide range of sizes. If you have a very small or large head size, feel free to reach out - we’re happy to recommend suitable options or create a custom fit.

Women:
S: 54–55 cm
M: 56–57 cm
L: 58–59 cm
XL: 60–61 cm

Men:
S: 56–57 cm
M: 58–59 cm
L: 60–61 cm
XL: 62–63 cm

WEAR & CARE

Our products are made from a variety of materials, each requiring different care. For detailed instructions, please visit our care guide https://www.muehlbauer.at/en/wear-and-care

Generally, no. Most of our headwear is made from delicate materials like straw, felt, wool, or fine fabrics, which can lose their shape or shrink when exposed to water, heat, or spinning. For proper cleaning, please refer to our care guide https://www.muehlbauer.at/en/wear-and-care.

You can reshape a hat with a bit of care. Hold it over gentle steam (e.g. from a kettle) and use your hands to softly reshape it. Then lay it flat on a table to air dry. If you're unsure, feel free to bring it to our store - we'll be happy to help.

It depends. Fragile hats made of straw should not be packed in a suitcase. More robust materials like fabric or felt can usually be packed if done properly. Turn the hat upside down (brim facing up), fill the crown loosely with clothing to support the shape, and surround the crown with soft clothes to prevent pressure. That said - your hat travels best on your head!

Most hats are not meant to be folded, especially those made of straw or felt - unless explicitly stated in the product description. Fabric headwear (caps, beanies) or knitted/crocheted styles can usually be folded, but take care not to crease brims or visors. When in doubt, check the product description or contact us.

Our hats are designed to hold their size. However, regular wear - especially in humid conditions (like sweat) - can cause minimal stretching. If your hat feels too loose, we offer hat band inserts and resizing services in our stores.

Rain or moisture can affect the shape or fabric of your hat. While materials like fabric or felt are generally water-resistant, others - like straw - should not get wet. If your hat does get wet, lay it flat on a table or shelf to air dry. Avoid hanging it or placing it on heaters. Check the product description to see if your hat is water-safe.

Yes, all hats and caps offer some level of protection against the sun’s rays. The degree of UV protection depends on the material and weave density - tightly woven or braided materials offer better protection. However, our materials are not certified according to UV protection standards (e.g. EU or Australian standards), so while hats provide shade, they’re not a guaranteed safeguard against sunburn.

Yes, straw is a natural material (like cotton) and can fade with prolonged sun exposure - especially if dyed. To reduce fading, we recommend choosing undyed or natural-toned straw hats, which retain their appearance best.

PAYMENT & SHIPPING

In our online shop, we accept:

  • Visa
  • Visa Electron
  • Mastercard
  • Master Secure Card
  • JCB
  • American Express
  • PayPal
  • GiroPay

All payments and refunds are processed in Euros. In our Vienna stores, cash payment is also accepted.

As most of our items are made to order, delivery typically takes 10–14 workdays. For ready-to-ship items (like knit beanies or caps), shipping may be faster.

Shipping is free within Austria and the EU. For deliveries outside the EU (e.g. Switzerland, USA), we charge a flat shipping fee of €20.
Customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

Yes, you can return items within 14 days of receipt, provided they are unworn and in perfect condition. Please note: returns are not accepted if the original label has been removed, as this indicates acceptance of the product. Return shipping costs are your responsibility. Refunds will be issued once we have received the item back.