TONAK a.s. – Czech Hat and Cap Manufacturer

About TONAK

TONAK a.s. is a Czech producer of hats and caps, based in Nový Jičín and Strakonice. Since 1799, it has been one of the most important hat manufacturers in Europe.

The traditional brand Fezko Strakonice, famous for fezes, knitted berets, and caps, merged with the Nový Jičín factory in 2001. Together, they rank among the world’s largest hat-making companies, exporting 90% of their production worldwide. In Nový Jičín, they produce, for example, Jewish hats for America and Israel, fezes for Muslim countries, felt hats for Japan, and black bowler hats for indigenous women in Peru and Bolivia. They also manufacture berets and peaked caps for the army, police, prison service, and firefighters. In Strakonice, the company produces popular “zmijovky” for the African market, as well as fashion and military berets and other knitted headwear.

TONAK and the Czech Republic

TONAK prioritizes high-quality raw materials from the Czech Republic, and the entire production process—from processing to final product—takes place in Nový Jičín and Strakonice. They carefully preserve and continually develop traditional hat-making and knitting crafts. Despite globalization challenges, the company has maintained complete production in the Czech Republic.

TONAK and Global Markets

Today, TONAK exports products worldwide. Major recipients of felt and knitted headwear include African countries such as Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal. The company also supplies Australia, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Poland, the USA, and the UK.

In addition to finished, decorated hats—which make up a smaller part of production—TONAK primarily supplies semi-finished products to major hat brands, which further customize them as needed.