FEATURED IN THE HAT MAGAZINE · ISSUE 108 · FEBRUARY 2026
Foremost: Knowledge, Innovation and the Culture of Hats
The Hat Magazine visited Foremost to explore how manufacturing experience, design knowledge and hat culture come
together inside the company. The feature looks beyond production capacity—into our sample development, material archives, long-serving technical teams and commitment to preserving headwear knowledge.
A second report in the same issue introduced the Nantong Hat Museum, founded by Foremost Chairman Jeffrey Sun, as part of an international feature on institutions preserving the history and craft of hatmaking.
Recognition That Matters
Since 2010
Headwear Research & Development Center
Recognized by the China National Garment Association, the center strengthens our ability to turn brand concepts into production-ready headwear across materials, constructions and decoration techniques.
2018
Made in China “Hidden Champion”
The recognition highlighted Foremost’s focused expertise and long-term competitiveness in headwear manufacturing.
2019
Mayor’s Quality Award
The award recognized our performance in product quality, operational management and continuous improvement.
2023
China Apparel Industry Top 100
Foremost ranked No. 64 by operating-revenue profit margin, reflecting the financial discipline and operating consistency required to support long-term customer programs.
Three Decades Of Progress, Recognized Along The Way
2010
Headwear Research & Development Center established
2013
China Apparel Brand Annual Award
2015
Named among China’s Top 100 Apparel Enterprises
2018
Made in China “Hidden Champion”
2019
Quality and textile technology innovation recognition
2023
China Apparel Industry Top 100
2024
CHICMAX received the CHIC Brand Value Award
2025
Nantong straw-weaving craftsmanship recognized as municipal intangible cultural heritage
2026
Foremost and the Nantong Hat Museum featured in The Hat Magazine
BEYOND MANUFACTURING
Keeping Hat Knowledge in Motion
Headwear expertise grows through making, studying and sharing. Foremost supports the Nantong Hat Museum as a place where historic headwear, traditional techniques and contemporary design can inform a new generation of designers and makers.
The museum also serves as a practical source of inspiration for our creative teams—connecting historical forms and craftsmanship with the needs of modern brands.
Wider Media Coverage
Featured Across Business,Culture and Manufacturing Media
Foremost’s manufacturing development,
founder story and contribution to hat culture have also been reported by:
- People’s Daily Overseas Edition
- CCTV Discovery Journey
- CCTV’s County Champions
- Jiangsu Satellite TV
- Sino-Manager
- China Artists
- Shenzhou Nantong Window
Coverage includes company profiles, manufacturing documentaries, founder interviews and reports on the preservation of Chinese headwear culture.
Why Choose Us
Bring Your Next Headwear Program To An Experienced Team
From in-stock decoration to fully custom development, our team helps brands,
importers and trade partners move from product idea to reliable production.
Why Choose Us
Bring Your Next Headwear Program To An Experienced Team
From in-stock decoration to fully custom development, our team helps brands,
importers and trade partners move from product idea to reliable production.
