Established in 1915, founder William Gross had quite a journey before making Texas his home. Born in Hungary in 1885, Gross began working as an apprentice hatter in Budapest at the age of 13, where he learned the art of hat making from highly skilled craftsmen. In 1909, he immigrated to New York and continued honing his skills at some of the city's leading hat shops.

By 1914, Gross had been sent to Texas to serve as foreman of a newly established hat company. When that business met an early demise shortly after he relocated his family, he was encouraged to open a shop of his own. Thus, Standard Hat Works was born.

The business specialized in re-blocking and remodeling men's and women's hats, helping customers keep their favorite headwear in style while extending its life. Gross proudly advertised that he could make old hats new again, and his reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and quality quickly distinguished Standard Hat Works from competitors. Customers came not only from across Texas and the United States, but also from international markets.

In 1946, Gross sold the business to a former apprentice. Although ownership has changed hands several times over the decades, the name and commitment to quality that define Standard Hat Works have endured. Today, under the ownership of Cameron Morris, the company continues to honor a hat making tradition that has been passed from one generation to the next.