Local Leather Patch Hats

faq

• What hat styles are available in the Local Collection?

  Our Local Collection is available in two hat styles: trucker hats and 5-panel hats. The trucker is a classic mesh-back with a structured front and snapback closure. The 5-panel is a structured A-frame with a high crown and wide front panel. Both come in a range of colours — pick the style that fits your look.

• What local designs are available?

  Our Local Collection features city abbreviation hats, area code hats, and airport code hats for Canadian cities. Each design is a shorthand that means something to the people who are from there — whether it's your city code, your area code, or the airport you fly home to. We're adding new cities regularly, so check back if yours isn't here yet.

• Where are your leather patch hats made?

  Our leather patches are handcrafted in our Ottawa, Canada workshop — we cut the leather, mill the brass stamps, and heat-stamp each patch ourselves. The hat blanks are sourced from trusted suppliers with ethically run factories in Asia, then assembled with our patches here in Ottawa. When you order from Byward Outfitters, you're supporting Canadian craftsmanship.

• What type of leather do you use for the patches?

  We use full-grain leather — the highest quality leather available. Full-grain means the hide's natural surface hasn't been sanded or buffed, so it's stronger, more durable, and develops a natural patina over time. It's the same leather used in premium wallets and belts, and it's why our patches look better the longer you wear them.

• Why are your patches heat-stamped instead of laser-engraved?

  We use heated brass dies to press designs into full-grain leather, creating a deep, detailed impression with natural texture. Unlike laser engraving — which burns the surface and can look flat or scorched — heat-stamping produces a rich, premium look that won't fade or wear away over time. It's the same technique used by traditional leather craftsmen, and it's why our patches stand out.

• I order a city or area code that isn't in the collection yet?

  If you're looking for a single hat, check out our Personalized Text collection — you can add your own text to both the Trucker and 5-Panel hat, including a city code, area code, or airport code we don't carry yet. If you need 5 or more hats with a custom logo, our custom leather patch hats service lets you put any design on any hat style — free mockup, same full-grain leather quality as our retail hats.

• Do local hats make good gifts?

  They're one of our most giftable options! A leather patch hat with someone's city code, area code, or airport code is personal without being precious — it says something real about where they're from or where they belong. Heat-stamped full-grain leather means it's built to last, not a novelty item.

• What does your lifetime craftsmanship guarantee cover?

  We stand behind the quality of our work. If your leather patch peels, cracks, or separates from the hat due to a craftsmanship defect, we'll replace it — no time limit. This doesn't cover normal wear and tear, but it does mean you can trust that your hats are built to last.