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Simply Pat's Hats & Things

"All Original Designs, Every Hat Is A One Of A Kind! Fedoras, Cloches And Much More."

About Us

Hats have power. Hats can change you into someone else.

World renown hats are designed and created right here in Paxton! Pat Milchuck, owner of Simply Pat's Hats & Things , has been creating clothing and hats most of her adult life. After returning from an Air Force stint in Germany, Milchuck and her late husband landed in Paxton. Pat opened a clothing store in downtown Paxton in the early 1980’s where she prided herself on not just selling clothing, but creating the entire outfit from head to toe. Her store moved to State Street Mall in the early 2000’s. Many of the clothing creations Pat designed and made were also shown in fashion shows in California.

Customers come to Simply Pat’s Hats from all over the country and wear her hats all over the world. Most walk through the doors of the quaint shop inside State Street Mall, but many repeat customers call or contact Pat via her Facebook page. Some customers describe what they want, some send photos and others invite full creative design from the expert herself. Simply Pat’s Hats customers purchase hats for a variety of events; many are for weddings and other special events, but a good portion of clients over the years have been those that show vintage automobiles and often create their hats to coordinate or match their cars. This past week Pat had a visit from her very first State Street customer— 17 years later.

Pat’s creative process begins with a design popping into her mind— she closes her eyes and can see the hat being built. During that building process she sees the color and the textures and makes it all come together. She uses a wide array of items to create such a vast assortment of styles including (but not limited to), feathers, ribbon, fabrics she sews into trims, netting, sparkles, and she has even used vintage watch faces, keys, chains and an occasional silver fox tail. Size and amount of detail all vary and when asked what she uses to guide the styles she makes and sells, she says she makes what she knows will sell. She creates custom men’s hats also. Walking through her workroom is a glimpse into the design mind of a truly gifted artist— each piece, in their varying stage of completion, is breathtaking at every turn.

A term Pat uses frequently when describing her hats and the customers that want them is “Hatitude”— she says that everyone wearing her hats has to have it. Whether you wear hats often or aren’t sure if hats are for you, Pat will assist you in finding the perfect one. She looks at your face shape and cheekbones to find the right style. Once you find “the one”, Pat will place the hat on you at just the right angle and suggest taking a photo so you can refer back to it for perfect placement when it’s time to wear your hat. When a customer isn’t familiar with wearing hats, she suggests purchasing what she calls a “starter hat” that can be simple, get used to that one then branch out and find one with more detail for your next hat. Currently the hot style in hats is “split brim” where a small notch is created to the side and trimmed with the rest of the hat.

Groups throughout Illinois invite Pat and her hats to be guests at events such as the Bloomington Country Club’s Symphony Tea, as a guest speaker for library or women’s church groups or other area events. Pat encourages her customers to be the leader, not a follower. Wear your hat whenever you want, don’t wait for a special occasion. Her lifetime of accomplishment is evident in the attention to detail that culminates in such stunning designs. Every hat also displays her custom tags. Stop into Simply Pat’s Hats to browse her hat designs and find your gorgeous hat. Gifts certificates are also available, give a custom hat to someone special!

Areas Served

Paxton, IL | Gibson City, IL | Champaign, IL | Bloomington, IL | Springfield, IL | Effingham, IL | Kankakee, IL | Danville, IL | Nationwide

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Our Products include:

Testimonials

On 9/13/2024 Ruth P. had this to say:
Wish I could make it 5 + stars. I love hats and a friend told me about this place. I was very lucky and had Pat’s help all to myself. Purchased 2 hats and plan to go back again. Testimonial written by Ruth P. on this site.

On 6/27/2024 Dianna McBride had this to say:
Great experience Everytime. Always find a perfect hat. Pat is a perfect assistant helping you find your best "Hat-a-tude"

On 6/22/2023 Shelly Rockwood had this to say:
My husband and I are new to the area. We stopped in Pat's Hats yesterday afternoon and it was a very pleasant experience. Pat gave us a tour of her shop and shared some history about the area as well. We each bought a hat and we LOVE them! We will definitely be back.

On 5/7/2023 Jeff Townsend had this to say:
This place is a Gem..! The hats are almost as wonderful as the lovely lady who makes them. Please stop in you wont be disappointed.

On 11/17/2022 Beth N had this to say:
Pat created a beautiful black bowler hat with the classic notch for me after I saw Hillary Clinton have on a similar hat at Princess Diana‘s funeral. Of course Pat’s creation was much elegant and classy. It is truly one of a kind. Pat is in a league of her own. She is very open to any suggestion, She wants you to be happy. I love to talk with her and be the first to view the newest creations Testimonial written by Beth N on this site.

Contact Us

Simply Pat's Hats & Things
201 E State St Paxton, IL 60957
Phone: (217) 781-0800

Located inside of a Mall

Where To Find Us

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Payment Types Accepted

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit Cards, Cash, Personal Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday: By Appointment Only

News

🎄✨ Get into the holiday spirit at the State Street Mall Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 11AM-4PM! 🛍️ Shop local and discover unique gifts at Simply Pat's Hats & Things. Don't miss out on the festive fun!

Check out the lovely article about Simply Pat's Hats & Things in PrairiePress! (written by Ruth Patchett)
Thanks, Ruth! 💗

Simply stunning, this attractive deep violet fur felt features creme-colored braid edging the brim and crown, handcut felt accents in creme and violet to dress the side, and a touch of veiling with a gorgeous cut glass centerpiece! - This hat has been sold!

Pat has done it again! Check out our Facebook page to stay tuned for more hats by Pat! In this photo we are featuring a side-drop brim with a gambler crown, this black wool felt makes quite the statement! Colorful organza edges the brim and wraps the band, while a sprig of plume feathers, handcut & wired petals in black & buttercream, and veiling centered with assorted jewels provide the side accent, adding an extra wow factor to this already stylish design.

Please call or message for pricing and availability. Gift certificates, shipping, and layaway are available. - Please note this hat has been sold!

Nancy and Meg, sporting their #SPH originals at the Pebble Beach car show with their hubbies. Looking good, ladies and gents!

Info

WCIA News Interview #1
WCIA News Interview #2
Meet The Owner

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