These are often one-person operations that design and produce hats to order for individuals, usually for special events such as weddings. In larger factories, hat making is often mechanised and those working in the factory tend to specialise on one aspect of putting the hat together, such as the design, stitching or styling of the hat. In millinery operations, the basic process of putting together a hat has changed little over the years, although each new design may require slightly different techniques. However, increasingly hat makers are having to create any accessories they put on their hats themselves, as there are no longer any companies that make these accessories. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for small millinery operations to find the necessary equipment to make hats.
Equipment is often second hand or has to be sourced from overseas, which is becoming more expensive.
This expense is making it more difficult for people to start millinery businesses. Turnover for hat makers is low among those who work in small millinery businesses because of the time it takes to learn millinery skills, establish a business and build up a reputation. Turnover can be moderately higher in factories as people develop new skills and move on to other positions. Millinery is quite specialised and hard to get into. There is not much demand for hats as people don't wear them all the time.