FOUNDER OF FOREMOST HAT
Jeffrey Sun
Founder of Foremost Hat · Known as “Hat Brother”
From learning the craft at a master hatter’s workbench to building a global headwear business, Jeffrey Sun has devoted his career to one category: hats.
From Apprentice to Founder
After graduating from college, Jeffrey Sun spent eight years learning the hat trade under a master hatter in Nantong. The experience taught him that good headwear depends on disciplined craftsmanship, consistent construction, and a clear understanding of how a hat should look, feel, and perform.
In 1996, he founded Foremost Hat with a simple commitment: to focus on one category and make it well.
1988 — Learning the Craft
Jeffrey Sun entered the headwear industry and began learning under a master hatter in Nantong.
1996 — Founding Foremost
After eight years of learning the trade, he founded Foremost Hat.
2014 — Extending Headwear into Culture
Jeffrey founded the Foremost Hat Museum and initiated the first 920 Hat Festival.
2023 — Bringing the Work Together
Foremost moved into its Headwear Cultural & Creative Park in Nantong.
One Commitment, Three Forms
His work has grown from making hats into building an enterprise, preserving headwear heritage, and supporting the wider industry.
01 / FOUNDER & MAKER
Building Foremost
Jeffrey Sun founded Foremost in 1996 after eight years of learning the hat trade. What began at the workbench developed into a structured design and manufacturing business serving international brands, distributors, and retailers.
HEADWEAR DESIGN & MANUFACTURINGRead Our History
02 / COLLECTOR & CURATOR
Preserving Headwear Heritage
What began as a personal collection grew into the Foremost Hat Museum in Nantong. Through historic headwear, books, exhibitions, and research, the museum preserves knowledge that can inform a new generation of makers and designers.
COLLECTION · RESEARCH · EXHIBITIONVisit Our Museum
03 / INDUSTRY ADVOCATE
Bringing the Hat Community Together
Through the 920 Hat Festival and the China International Hat Design Competition, Jeffrey has created opportunities for designers, makers, suppliers, collectors, and hat enthusiasts to exchange ideas and celebrate the craft.
COMMUNITY · CULTURE · EXCHANGEExplore the 920 Hat FestivalWhat the Commitment Has Built
One Category, Fully Committed
In any niche, if one person or one company commits fully, perfecting their product, service, or culture for 10, 20, even 30 years, they will reshape the world.
— Jeffrey, Founder of Foremost
Still at Work
Today
- Returning to the workshop weekly, keeping the brand anchored in genuine craft.
- Overseeing key product reviews to ensure the physical products live up to his uncompromising standards.
- Serving as President of the National Hat Committee, helping guide the industry's development.