Fur Felt vs. Wool Felt Hats: What’s the Difference?

• 11 min reading time by William Roberts
Fur Felt vs. Wool Felt Hats

When most people think of felt hats, they think of its texture: soft, warm, dense. But the story of felt begins not with how it feels, but with the fibers it comes from. At Hampui Hats, we work with two time-honored forms of felt: wool felt and fur felt made from Nutria (also known as Coypu). Both are natural. Both are durable. And both carry their own histories, strengths, and character.

If you're considering a felt hat and wondering what sets these materials apart, this guide offers a clear and thoughtful comparison covering how they’re made, how they wear, and how each might serve different needs and environments.

What Is Felt?

Felt is one of the oldest fabrics in the world. Unlike woven cloth, it’s made by matting and compressing fibers together using heat, moisture, and pressure. The result? A dense, soft, and durable textile that holds its shape and resists the elements.

At Hampui, we focus on two kinds of animal-based felt:

  • Wool Felt – made from sheep’s wool.

  • Fur Felt – made from the undercoat of animals, specifically reclaimed Nutria (Coypu) fur.

Each has its own unique character, from finish and texture to structure and seasonal suitability.

Wool Felt Hat : A Balance of Comfort and Strength

Wool felt is crfted from the fibers of sheep’s wool. At Hampui, we use a purposeful blend of:

  • Free-range Patagonian merino – soft, breathable, and naturally insulating

  • Heirloom Bolivian sheep’s wool – hearty, curly, and known for structure

This combination yields a felt that is strong yet lightweight structured enough to hold shape, yet soft enough for all-day wear. It’s ideal for cooler weather, ceremonial occasions, and regular use.

Wool felt hats offer a more economical option while still honoring high-quality materials and construction. They’re breathable, naturally water-resistant, and hold their shape beautifully with care.

What Wool Felt hat Offers:

  • A matte, natural texture

  • Lightweight structure for everyday wear

  • A more accessible price point

  • Sourced from regenerative, ethical wool providers

  • Hand-shaped and finished with artisan trimmings

Nutria (Coypu) Fur Felt Hat: Dense, Soft, and Weather-Resistant

Fur felt is traditionally made from the fine undercoat of animals like beavers or rabbits. At Hampui, we take a more regenerative approach our fur felt is made from ethically reclaimed Nutria fur (also known as Coypu), an invasive species removed to protect wetland ecosystems.

This felt is not only exceptionally durable and water-resistant, but also incredibly soft to the touch, with a subtle sheen that develops character over time. Nutria fur felt is a luxury material, and our hats made from it reflect that elevated quality.

Coypu felt is not just about texture, it's also about impact. These animals are not farmed, and using reclaimed fur helps reduce ecological strain. It’s a way to honor what already exists while creating something lasting.

What Nutria Fur Felt Hat Offers:

  • A smooth, velvety surface with natural sheen

  • Superior resistance to rain, wind, and wear

  • Custom shaping and wide color availability

  • Crafted entirely in-house for quality control

  • A more premium, luxury-tier product

  • Rooted in sustainability through material reclamation

Comparing Wool Felt vs. Fur Felt Hat

Choosing the Right Felt Hat

There’s no definitive answer, just different material qualities that align with different needs and preferences.

Wool Felt Hat Might Be Right For:

  • Those who prefer a tactile, matte texture

  • A daily companion through colder months

  • Breathable comfort with structure

  • A grounded, earthy aesthetic

Nutria Fur Felt Hat Might Be Right For:

  • Environments where rain or humidity are common

  • Smooth, refined texture with high durability

  • Heirloom use, ceremonial use, or frequent travel

  • Those drawn to reclaimed materials with ecological relevance

Felt and the Seasons: When to Wear Each

Many people ask us: Is there such a thing as “felt season”?

Yes and no.

Traditionally, felt hats are worn from Labor Day to Memorial Day, especially in colder climates. But our hats are crafted to be worn intentionally, not just seasonally.

  • Wool Felt Hat: Best in autumn, winter, and early spring.

  • Nutria fur felt Hat: Suitable year-round, especially for travel or all-weather occasions.

Want to wear your hat in summer? Go for it just be mindful of heat, direct sun exposure, and sweat (and consider pairing with a hat liner or sweatband insert).

Craftsmanship That Matters

Each hat is shaped by hand using time-honored techniques. Our materials—whether reclaimed Coypu or Bolivian wool are chosen not just for utility, but for meaning.

Many Hampui hats are finished with llama-leather sweatbands for breathable comfort. Trimmings are sourced through relationships with artisans around the world. The form of each piece is designed to carry structure, intention, and presence.

The Sustainability Difference

For casual buyers, one of the most important differences lies beneath the surface: sourcing and environmental impact.

Wool Felt:

  • Sourced from sheep raised on regenerative, free-range farms

  • Renewable, natural fiber

  • Minimal processing with non-toxic treatments

Fur Felt (Coypu):

  • Reclaimed from an invasive species removed for environmental protection

  • No animals are bred or farmed for the hats

  • Gives new life to a discarded material

FAQs: 

Is fur felt vegan?

No, both wool and fur felt are made from animal fibers. However, our Coypu fur is reclaimed from animals already trapped for environmental reasons, and our wool is sourced from free-range sheep raised using humane practices.

Can I wear felt hat in the rain?

Yes, especially fur felt, which is highly water-resistant. Wool felt also repels water, but avoid soaking it. Always let your hat air-dry naturally after exposure.

How do I care for each type ?

Use a soft-bristled hat brush to gently remove dust and surface dirt. Stuff the crown with acid-free tissue paper when storing, and keep in a cool, dry space. For fur felt, avoid direct heat and steam.

Do they feel different on the head?

Yes. Wool felt is structured and lightweight, while fur felt has a smoother, denser feel. Fur felt molds more deeply to your shape over time.

Are Coypu hats ethical?

Yes. Coypu are trapped to prevent damage to wetlands and river systems. Rather than waste the fur, we reclaim it for use in long-lasting felt giving it new purpose with respect and intention.

Conclusion

Both materials align with Hampui’s belief that objects we wear should do no harm and tell deeper truths.

The difference between wool and fur goes beyond texture; it's about intention, origin, and how each material supports what you carry into the world.

Wool felt offers reliability, breathability, and natural texture.
Fur felt brings durability, smoothness, and long-wearing structure.

Both reflect Hampui’s commitment to materials that hold meaning ethically sourced, thoughtfully shaped, and built to walk with you across seasons and settings.