What is Maufrais and where is it located?

Maufrais is a rustic custom hat shop located on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. Run by creative designers, it focuses on helping visitors create bespoke, custom hats.

What are the hours of operation for Maufrais?

The shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Do I need an appointment to get a custom hat shaped?

No, walk-ins are welcome at the Hat Bar. However, because custom hat shaping can take up to an hour, you should arrive at least one hour before closing.

How much do hats cost at Maufrais?

Pre-shaped felt and straw hats range from $140 to $425. If you prefer a top-to-bottom hand-shaping experience, those hats range from $525 to $1500, with shaping included in the price.

Can I bring in my own hat to be cleaned or reshaped?

Yes, third-party hat styling, cleaning, and reshaping services are offered, but they are strictly available Monday through Thursday only.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Maufrais in Austin

What to know

Maufrais is a premier custom hat maker located on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. Designed as a rustic shop, it is run by a group of creative designers dedicated to helping visitors create the bespoke hat of their dreams. Whether you are looking for a classic Texas look or a unique modern style, the shop offers an immersive, hands-on retail experience. At the heart of the shop is the "Hat Bar," which offers custom hat shaping every day. Visitors can choose between two distinct experiences. The first option features pre-shaped felt and straw hats ranging in price from $140 to $425. For those seeking a fully customized piece, the shop provides a top-to-bottom hand-shaping experience with hats ranging from $525 to $1500, with the custom shaping service fully included. Maufrais operates on a walk-in basis, making it highly accessible for travelers exploring the neighborhood. Because the custom hand-shaping process can take up to an hour, guests planning to get a hat shaped are advised to arrive at least one hour before closing. The shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Additionally, third-party hat styling, cleaning, and reshaping services are available exclusively from Monday through Thursday. The name Maufrais also carries deep historical significance in Austin. In 1893, a local business called Maufrais Brothers Concrete Contractors was established. Led by William Maufrais until his death in 1919, after which his son C.A. Maufrais took over, the company was responsible for pouring many of the Congress Avenue sidewalks shortly after 1900. Remarkably, these historic sidewalks are still in use today, allowing modern shoppers to walk on a piece of Maufrais history as they approach the boutique.

Visitor tips

Arrive at least one hour before closing if you want a custom hat shaped, as the process can take up to an hour.
Visit Monday through Thursday if you want a quieter experience or need third-party hat styling, cleaning, and reshaping services.
The shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Nearby context

Located on the vibrant South Congress Avenue, Maufrais sits in one of Austin's most iconic shopping and cultural districts. As you stroll down the avenue, you are literally walking on history; the sidewalks beneath your feet were poured shortly after 1900 by the original Maufrais Brothers Concrete Contractors. This makes the modern hat shop a fitting tribute to the neighborhood's historic craftsmanship, blending Austin's early industrial roots with its contemporary, creative boutique culture.