15 Years of Bedhead

15 Years of Bedhead Hats: Growing Up Sun-Safe 

Fifteen years doesn’t just happen all at once.

It happens one family at a time. One summer at a time. One little adventure after another.

Over the past 15 years, Bedhead Hats has grown alongside families who choose sun safety as part of everyday life outdoors. Together, that adds up to something pretty special.

From a single handmade hat for our little Ty to a global brand worn by children around the world, here’s a look back at the journey that got us here.

The Very First Hat

It all began with Ty. One hat became a few more for friends’ babies and our mothers’ group. Little did we know, this small start would spark a lifelong adventure.

Markets & Early Sales

Small production runs with sample machinists led to stalls at markets and fairs across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Northern Beaches. All while working part-time elsewhere, the dream slowly took shape.

Official Launch

This was the year we registered the business and trademark and began selling online through platforms like madeit.com.au (pre-Etsy days!). Each sale, each order, each happy customer added momentum.

First Wholesale Collection

We offered our first indent collection to wholesale. Our first bulk order was USD $10K (my life savings). All the chin straps arrived sewn backwards, and countless hours were spent at the dining table unpicking and reattaching them. Dinosaur and Shark novelty legionnaires made their debut alongside our plain cotton hats.

Packing in a Self-Storage Shed

Orders packed before daycare drop-offs, day jobs, then nights of admin. In August, we took a leap: resigned from our jobs, hit the road in a caravan, selling hats from a suitcase along the Queensland coast. Ruffles and the Ponytail Bucket debuted this year.

Backyard Warehouse & Originals Prints

Built our backyard warehouse, launched the first Originals print collection, including Tiger Toddler Buckets, and began developing school hats.

Growing the Team

With Ty starting kindergarten, there was finally space and time to bring on a packer, a graphic designer, and a saleswoman. Bedhead was officially becoming a team!

Swim Hats & Preschool Collection

Swim hats joined the line-up in plain colours, including Candy. Preschool hats were launched, photoshoots moved on location, and two staff members who joined this year are still with us today!!

Bundles & Initiatives

Swim prints expanded and the Protect the Potential initiative launched. The three-piece Essential Bundle was also introduced and is still a favourite today.

Bigger Space & More Designs

Moved to a bigger warehouse, expanded the team, and launched Heritage version 1 (stretch woven cotton), rash vests, wetbags, and the Kitty Toddler Bucket.

Dream Property & Cloud Business

Purchased our dream property, began the warehouse build, refined Heritage into a simpler, smarter design, and moved business operations to the cloud in preparation for remote working.

Pandemic Pivot

COVID-19 hit, but we were ready. Staff shifted to remote working, the new warehouse was completed, and Heritage launched in its current format, including Linen, Panelled Bucket, Bonnet, Flap Hat, Classic Bucket, and Ladies Sun Hat.

Global Expansion

Secured distribution contracts in China and launched our Tmall store. Heritage Sun Visor and Teddy Flap Hats joined the range. Online shopping surged thanks to lockdowns, and more children than ever wore our hats.

Ladies Swim Visors

Our first foray into ladies’ swim hats. Water-proof, stylish, and sun-safe.

Back to China

First trip since COVID to connect with our incredible team of women. Exhibited at CBME Shanghai, live-streamed with KOLs, and launched dog hats (flopped online but sold out at expos!)

Sold-Out Launches

Released five new character fleece beanies, the Ribbed Collection (sold out in a month!), and Heritage Bow Tie Caps...all loved by the Bedhead community.

Looking Ahead

Our biggest Spring season in China yet, with exciting new products and colours in development. Over 2 million hats have been worn by children worldwide... a number we see not as a milestone, but as proof of trust built slowly, season by season.

These numbers aren’t just milestones... they’re moments.

15 years of growing up sun-safe.
Over 2 million hats worn by children worldwide.
More than 141,000 newborn hats gifted through Protect the Potential.

As our birthday celebrations continue, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for every family who’s been part of the journey and excited for all the summers still ahead.

Thank you for being part of what 15 years makes possible.