Beaver fur felts are considered the best type of fur for hats because it’s smooth, dense, strong and water repellent. The natural oils in beaver fur make it more luxurious and soft to
the touch than other furs. Beaver will outlast other felts up to and beyond 100 years. It can be passed down by generation
and reshaped due to its firm textile.

Nutria fur felts are a sustainable alternative to Beaver. They’re made from the fur of Coypu. Coypu are rodent cousins of the Beaver and are an invasive species that wreaks havoc on non-native ecosystems. The fur felt is soft, water-resistant and will hold its shape as well as the Beaver felt. It’s a great alternative.

Rabbit fur felt is durable, lightweight and it can be reshaped like Beaver and Nutria. It’s softer looking and smoother to the touch than wool. It costs less than Beaver and Nutria, but
it isn’t water-resistant like Beaver and Nutria are. Rabbit is a great alternative to Beaver or Nutria and is the most common material among Hatters.

Alpaca whool is known for being soft, warm and hypoallergenic. It’s stronger and warmer than sheep’s wool (Merino), cooler in the heat and is water resistant.

Alpacas are an eco-friendly
animal to raise and alpaca wool is a durable, biodegradable fiber Alpaca is a sustainable option and is native to South America. It’s
a far better option than buying the common wool hat that is known as merino wool and is why shape with it.