Our Story
OWNERS
On 8 May 1935, The English Hatter, in 'Heerenhoeden en Heerenmodeartikelen' at Heiligeweg 40 in Amsterdam, was festively opened. Abraham Jacob Cijfer, agent and broker in tea, had financed the business. The daily management was given to his brother-in-law Gerard Reeser, who had previously held a similar position for 26 years at Hoedenmagazijn Meuwsen at Leidsestraat 4 and who had to leave this company due to reorganisation. Abraham Cijfer retired in the war year 1942, after which the trade name changed to: GCC Reeser Heerenmodewinkel. From 1 January 1946, the original name The English Hatter returned, as did Mr Cijfer, who entered into a partnership with Reeser. After Reeser's death in 1949, his widow E. Reeser-Voogel took his place. In 1953, Cijfer was succeeded by Casper Garrels, who had been working at The English Hatter since 1939 and had been the sole owner since 1976. His son Casper Garrels Jr. joined the business in 1974. In 1983, Casper Garrels Jr. became 40% owner of the business. His wife Hanneke Garrels-Broese started a wholesale business in Amstelveen in 1974: De Fazant Kleding BV. In December 1998, The English Hatter BV and De Fazant Kleding BV were incorporated into Clan Gordon Holding BV. At the beginning of 2017, The English Hatter was taken over by entrepreneur Clé Enneking.
THE SHOP
The store at Heiligeweg 40 in Amsterdam has a parquet floor and an old-fashioned interior made of dark mahogany. In the glass display cases, small accessories are displayed such as cufflinks, tie pins and silk pocket squares. On the counters are mills with ties and socks, and here and there piles of handkerchiefs. In the wall cabinets, the shirts are neatly stacked, such as the classic Hanson & Krane with a tab collar with whalebones and double cuffs, the Peter Brothers (since 1818) made of soft Oxford cotton with button-down collars and classic shirts. The Lacoste polo shirts (since 1933) and the Scottish William Lockie pullovers (since 1874), made of double-threaded Scottish lambswool. Hats and caps everywhere, sorted by colour and size. Sporty woolen blazers, coats and jackets hang against the wall. On top of the cabinets are the colorful original hat boxes in which the Stetsons were delivered to the customer long ago.
HATS AND CAPS
Before the war, The English Hatter initially sold hats and caps imported from England. A small part of the hat collection was made in its own studio behind the shop. At that time, everyone still wore headgear. Citizens wore a felt dented hat - the Borsalino was immensely popular at that time - workers and schoolboys wore a woolen cap or alpino. A few wore a bowler hat. There were quite a few hat and cap shops in the city. After the war, headgear lost popularity. Only older gentlemen still wore a hat. Nevertheless, business at The English Hatter was good enough to open a second shop in 1955 on the other side at Heiligeweg 53, which bore the name Kent. In 1964, a third shop was added at Binnenhof 41 in Amstelveen. When hats disappeared completely from the streets in the sixties and one hat shop after another had to close, The English Hatter managed to survive by significantly expanding its collection of men's fashion, with mainly classic English clothing. For example, The English Hatter was the first shop in the Netherlands to start selling Lacoste polo shirts in 1975. At that time only white. Later in 40 colours.
THE ENGLISH STYLE OF CLOTHING
The style of English men's fashion that The English Hatter started selling originated at the end of the 19th century, when more and more wealthy English city dwellers started spending their free time on their newly acquired estates. Three-piece grey was impractical there, but the comfortable clothing that was needed should of course not resemble the work clothes of ordinary country folk in the slightest. A classic English country man can therefore be recognized by his clothing. Corduroy trousers, a Peters Brothers shirt, a pullover by William Lockie, a Harris tweed jacket and brown brogues. In bad weather, a wax coat and a checked wool cap are added. This comfortable clothing that was then marketed for the wealthy later also became popular in the city. For lovers of these timeless garments, The English Hatter is the place to go in Amsterdam.
The current collection of The English Hatter includes the following brands: Borsalino, Stetson, Mayser, Jonathan Richard, William Lockie, Maryland, Fisherman, Kangol, Devold, Eterna, Alan Paine, März, Saint James, Peter Brothers, Viyella, Hanson & Krane, Falke, Barbour and Burlington.
THE CUSTOMERS
The English Hatter has many loyal customers. The English classic style has many timeless garments that are practical, well-cut and of superior quality, and appeals to many people. The garments will last for many years if used properly, an investment that is worth its money. The public that visits The English Hatter is particularly diverse; from young to old and from all walks of life. The extensive collection and special service of the store are internationally known and make the store worth a visit for many tourists.
VISIT US
The English Hatter has 9 stores. Come by for personal and expert advice in one of our stores in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Haarlem, Laren, The Hague, Leidschendam and 's-Hertogenbosch. You can also find our entire collection in the webshop. www.english-hatter.nl.