How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and we do not charge a restocking fee. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

How can I shop more vintage hats like this?

Browse our full collection of vintage hats at Madge’s Hatbox. From structured sailors and pillboxes to whimsical fascinators and wide-brimmed beauties, each hat is one-of-a-kind and ready for its next grand outing.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

Join our list for $10 off your next purchase, plus first notice of new vintage finds, sales, and styling tips from Madge’s Hatbox.

Vintage 50s Cloche Hat, Purple Straw by Leslie James

Q: How to Find Your Hat Size

Pull a fabric tape measure or a length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head. Hold the tape firmly but not too tightly—you are measuring exactly where the hat will sit. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size. Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge! For more detail, see our Hat Sizing Chart.

Q: Who was Leslie James?

Leslie James was a California-based millinery label active from the mid-1930s through the 1970s. The company operated as a partnership between James Druce, who managed the business, and designer Leslie Masters, who created the hats. Known for exceptional quality and versatility, Leslie James produced a wide range of styles that reflected contemporary fashion trends while also offering enduring, classic designs. The label earned a reputation for fine materials, skilled construction, and broad stylistic range. Learn more in Madge’s blog post on this fascinating milliner.

This 50s cloche hat by Leslie James is so flattering. A very sophisticated look.

Cloche Hat Details

Stylish 50s cloche hat.
Purple straw with a flared brim.
Wide velvet hatband and bow ina darker tone of purple.
By Leslie James.

What is a Cloche Hat?

The cloche is a deep crowned, usually soft hat with little or no brim, worn pulled down over the ears and forehead, with the head band ending at the eyebrows. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the cloche was introduced by Lucie Hamar in 1917, but other cloches in the Met’s collection are attributed to earlier years, including one with a B. Altman label, which the Met says is circa 1912. Other sources say the French milliner Caroline Reboux was the creator.

Cloche-like hats began to appear in the U.S. as early as 1915, replacing the oversized Edwardian hat. They were most commonly associated with flappers during the 1920s, when they were widely popular and virtually eclipsed all other hat styles. Reboux’s 1925 helmet-shaped cloche became the dominant design for the rest of the decade. In the 1930s, cloches began exposing more of the forehead, sometimes by rolling up the brim. By the mid-1930s, the cloche had fallen out of fashion. The cloche was revived in the 1970s and has been popular in various forms ever since. From Hatatorium: An Essential Guide for Hat Collectors, 2nd Edition.

NOT SHIPPABLE TO ITALY due to Italian customs prohibition

VINTAGE CONDITION

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ABOUT LESLIE JAMES

Who was Leslie James?

Leslie James was a California based milliner active from the mid-1930s through the 1970s. The company was a partnership between James Druce who handled the business end and Leslie Masters who created the designs. Leslie James was adept at all types of hat styles. Leslie James hats were always of the finest quality. Their range of hats not only included the latest trends but also many timeless designs.

Madge has a fascinating blog post on this milliner.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAT SIZE

HOW TO FIND YOUR HAT SIZE

Pull a fabric tape measure or length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head.
Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. You are measuring your head exactly where the hat will sit in either inches or centimeters.
If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.
Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge

SEE OUR HAT SIZING CHART

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR VINTAGE HAT

Vintage Hat Care

Always handle vintage hats by the brim, not the crown. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in a hatbox or covered with acid-free tissue to prevent dust. Avoid using modern sprays or steam, as these can damage delicate materials and trims. For reshaping or cleaning, it’s best to consult a professional milliner experienced in vintage restoration.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.