“Outside, it is 2008. In here, it is 1924.” So says Michael Harris of Paul’s Hat Works in San Francisco, one of a dying breed of hat makers. Sure you can still buy a decent hat at certain stores, and I’ll bet you can get a custom made hat in Texas and the southern states. Harris will measure your head with something called a “skull conformiture” (I found this photo of one in use) and go through 24 steps to provide you with a hat made just for your head. Harris used to visit Ecuador for genuine woven Panama hats that he’d custom shape for his customers. He’s not sure if he’ll sell or just close up shop soon, but he knows it’s not an ideal time to be a custom hatmaker.