The Netherlands Hat Association (NHV) has been active since 2004. The association’s mission is to bring the hat back into fashion, to strengthen the professionalism of the millinery trade, and to support the professional development of hat makers.

This unique association connects around 300 members from diverse backgrounds: professionals working with all aspects of hat-making, hobby milliners, and hat enthusiasts. For all of them, the NHV serves primarily as a platform—offering opportunities for education, training, competitions, and social events.

One example is the annual NHV Hat Day, an event entirely dedicated to hats. Here, members and anyone interested in hats can exchange knowledge, skills, and ideas about hat design and craftsmanship. By organizing competitions and exhibitions, NHV aims to promote the hat and highlight its place within the fashion industry. Since 2006, the NHV has hosted a series of annual hat-making competitions.

The association also publishes Hatlines, a glossy magazine issued four times a year and distributed to all members. In Hatlines you’ll find reports on NHV activities, tips and techniques, interviews, photo spreads of hat events, and more.

At the Ambacht in Beeld Festival, the NHV will showcase the art of millinery and offer a behind-the-scenes look at hat-making. Visitors can see how measurements are taken, how hat blocks are used, and explore the variety of materials and finishes that go into creating a hat—culminating in a custom-made piece. Through demonstrations and conversations about wearing and making hats, the association hopes to inspire festival visitors to appreciate the hat as a true fashion accessory.