BUYERS BEWARE!!!! Bought custom hat to celebrate my 50th - paid up several times over what I would normally spend. Chose my straw based on photo on left and was assured that was the material I’d get. With covid shutting down every event I’d planned to wear the hat to, it stayed neatly tucked in a quality Stetson hat box. This year, preparing for a delayed bday celebration, I was excited to open the box and get to wear my hat for the first time! My jaw dropped when I opened the box. My hat has gone very yellow and the brim totally lost its shape. Looks like a beach hat rather than a cowboy hat. Sent photos to my sales rep, who admitted they did not use the bleached straw I asked for, and said they would replace it. The next morning, after I’d boxed up the hat and labeled it to ship, the rep called to say they wouldn’t replace it because the sale was over a year ago. The hat is brand new, never worn. And it was clearly not made from the same material I was shown and guaranteed I’d receive. So much for buying a hat from a “reputable” store. If you want to be treated with the respect and hospitality a customer deserves, come to my state for your hat needs.

While noticing that most people here appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that goes into these hats, there are always some disgruntled people. Oh well.My story: stepped into the shop on my 50th birthday with my wife. JD treated us like long lost family and we had a great time talk mostly revolved around music and hats while I was fitted for my custom hat. The hat was shipped to me in excellent condition and quickly. Didn’t fit quite right so 5-6 months later I was in Santa Fe again, JD took the hat from me and made it perfect. That was almost 15 years ago and my hat still fits perfect and looks good as new. As a performer I own and wear MANY hats but none are as fine as my beautiful hat from Montecristi! Thanks JD not only did I get a hat that will last all my life but I also made a friend who will too!Thanks again, Charlie and Heatherps. See ya soon pard!

Everything you need to know about custom hats but were afraid to ask. Fantastic venue featuring gorgeous custom made made men’s and women’s Western Style (mostly) hats

You can spend under $30 and get a better made hat.They do not live up to the quality and I bought a hat from there and it’s been 2 months wore it 5 times kept it in the box, had the form fall out on it, doesn’t fit me head anymore, asked them to make it how it was when I got it and he tried to charge me $50 unbelievable and ended up calling the police because I wouldn’t leave! So Rude and I am a local, sad, wouldn’t recommend doing any kind of business there

I was not a serious hat collector or person with way too much money when I stopped by Montecristi Custom Hat Works for the first time. From the moment I walked in I was educated about the benefits of a custom hat but never pressured in anyway to buy. Benjamin helped me with the process an really listened to everything I said, only making suggestions that he thought would truly benefit me. My new hat is one of the best things I have ever bought for myself and the quality is untouched. It came out exactly how I envisioned it and makes me feel happy and important every time I put it on, it’s part of me now. Thank you to all at Montecristi, I feel proud to spend my money on something I know was put together by a talented group of artists and I look forward to my next hat! I would defiantly recommend this place.

Anything of high quality in the bespoke category is going to run you a good chunk of change. But you know what? That fine. With Monte Cristi hats you get more than you pay for. I had my head measured by the owner in the store in Sante Fe and decided to pull the trigger a few months later, which I appreciated since he knew I wasn’t ordering that day, and still took the time to manage the contraption on my head. He sent swatches that arrived basically overnight, which means he doesn’t waste time. I have Stetsons and Akubras that would typically be considered expensive hats. When he put my 100 percent beaver Safari Tecate on my head for the test fit, that’s when you realize where the money went. I have not worn my other hats since. Incredible quality and excellent service. Buy once, cry once for quality goods. Although I’ll be back for another next year.

Love this place. Found him years ago when looking for Panama hats. Looked him up again when my husband and I were in Santa Fe and wanted a custom fit western hat. Nicest guy you would ever want to meet. His hats are the best around. He doesnt try to push something more expensive on you. He gives you options, is honest about what looks best for a given facial shape. If you want something less expensive hes happy to sell you whatever you want-male or female. Were customers for life!!

Great service and honest opinions. Sam did a wonderful job fitting me for a custom hand weaved straw hat. The owner can take one look at you and tell you exactly what hat and crease fits you best. No cheap but these are lifetime hats and custom fitted to your head. 👍

I have bought several hats here over the years and I have been quite happy with my purchases. I have taken my hats back for care, maintenance, some stretching and have been treated with courtesy and respect. Simple rule of thumb, you get what you pay for. If you want a hundred dollar hat, go somewhere else. If you want to buy a hat that is yours for life. This is the place.

Rita Encinias top notch service and knowledgeable she knows HATS

Had a great experience here! Learned so much about hats and bought a beautiful Panama hat for a deal. Will be back again and would recommend.

Bought 4 hats from these folks over the years. The last hat, a Borsalino, had a black band that bled badly onto the natural straw with a little sweat. Went back to the shop to ask for a replacement. The owner, who had been quite solicitous when I was buying was exceptionally rude and dismissive. It was an amazing struggle. These folks are mostly interested in selling hats costing four figures and preferably to celebrities. Since my most expensive hat had only been $800 I was basically told I didnt deserve a replacement. I would not recommend this vendor to the average consumer.

Bought a hat from Montecristo several years ago. The hat is fine -- no complaints there. But in retrospect I realize that I paid WAY too much for the hat ($800) -- I was naive and inexperienced in such things. The owner liquored me up in his office (was almost noon) while we discussed my interest in a hat. That loosened up my checkbook. I was an idiot.

Best custom hats ever!

Awesome folks making awesome heirloom quality hats.

This owner is a bigot and insults women and veterans. I tried to ask him why and he ordered me off the property. As a former client, I say buyers beware. He will treat you well during the purchase as long as your spending money, but when you need repair he is insulting and mean.

Great hats