Bailey of Hollywood

Overview

Bailey of Hollywood is a hat brand founded in 1922, known for producing fedoras, western hats, and contemporary headwear that blend Hollywood elegance with western toughness. It originally catered to movie stars, ranchers, and businessmen in southern California, and now offers timeless shapes alongside fashion-influenced pieces. The brand underwent a 2022 rebranding, renaming its fashion line Bailey 1922 while retaining Bailey for western styles.¹³⁵

History

George S. Bailey founded the Bailey Hat Company in 1922 in Los Angeles, California, targeting the western wear market including ranchers, oil tycoons, and emerging movie stars. The brand gained fame through celebrities like Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, and Gary Cooper, leading to its association as Bailey of Hollywood. In 2022, it celebrated 100 years with a rebranding by parent company Bollman Hat Company, renaming the fashion line to Bailey 1922 and keeping Bailey for western hats.¹³⁵

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are crafted with attention to high-quality materials and craftsmanship, though specific locations are not detailed in sources. The brand emphasizes durability and fit, with heritage shapes produced under Bollman Hat Company ownership.²⁵

Notable Products

• Bailey 1922 fedoras - Contemporary fedoras revering Hollywood heritage with modern quality.
• Bailey Western cowboy hats - Hats designed for western wear, featuring horse-etched logos.
• Bailey of Hollywood classics - Timeless shapes worn by stars like Bogart and Grant.
• Anniversary luxury hats - Special 2022 releases marking 100 years.

Reputation

Enthusiasts praise Bailey for its heritage, quality materials, and styles linked to Hollywood icons, positioning it as a medium-range option with respectable craftsmanship. Critics note that entry-level models are lower quality, suitable for beginners rather than premium buyers. It maintains a strong reputation in western and fedora communities for durability and cultural significance.²⁵⁷