Herbert Johnson

Overview

Herbert Johnson is a London-based hatter specializing in handcrafted bespoke headwear, including fedoras, military caps, and traditional hats. Known for supplying hats to film productions such as the Indiana Jones trilogy and serving British military regiments, it emphasizes British heritage craftsmanship.¹²³⁴

History

Founded in 1889 by Herbert Lewis Johnson at 45 New Bond Street, London, the firm initially focused on designing and commissioning headgear.² It expanded under various managements, including a 1984 program by Robin Benson adding outerwear and accessories, before acquisition by Swaine Adeney Brigg in 1996.¹²³ In 2017, new management restructured operations to return to in-house handcrafted hat making in London workshops.¹⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are handcrafted in-house at workshops in central London, near Mayfair, using non-mechanized traditional methods.¹⁴⁵ This shift occurred post-2017 restructuring, moving away from outsourced production.⁴

Notable Products

• Poet Hat - Fedora style worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones films and David Bowie.
• Floating Bevel Cap - WWI-era military cap design still used today.
• Astrakhan Beret - Dress cap developed for Royal Tank Corps with wool and feather hackle.
• Patey Top Hats - Hardened felt top hats from heritage dating to 1695.
• Bowler Hats - Handcrafted traditional bowlers for formal and uniform use.

Reputation

Herbert Johnson is regarded by enthusiasts for its authentic British craftsmanship and military heritage, supplying 90% of British Army regiments.³⁵ Professionals value its bespoke services and film credentials, though past expansions into non-hat products diluted focus before the 2017 return to core hat making.¹²⁴