The Little-Known Story Of The Stormy Kromer In Wisconsin And How It’s Made A Big Comeback

There’s a piece of apparel that you’ve probably seen in Wisconsin, and it's the opposite of fast fashion. The iconic Stormy Kromer hat, made across the border in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, can be spotted in all corners of the state these days. You'll see it in remote corners of the Northwoods, as well as urban places like the heart of Milwaukee. While this simple wool hat is made in Michigan, it’s a true Wisconsin classic, with a Dairy State history that stretches back more than a century. Here’s what you need to know about Wisconsin’s Stormy Kromer hat.

The Stormy Kromer hat has a rich history in Wisconsin, dating back to the early 1900s. The hat was created by George "Stormy" Kromer, a railroad engineer from Wisconsin.

Here’s Stormy top right, with a Chicago & Northwestern Railway crew.

Stormy was quite a guy – he was also semi-professional baseball player.

He played with a team in Kaukauna – here’s a group photo.

Stormy had deep roots in Wisconsin. His family also owned a Kaukauna hotel.

In 1903, Kromer's wife, Ida, made him a unique hat with a pull-down ear band to keep him warm during his work on the chilly trains.

The Kromers founded the Kromer Cap Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company initially produced the Stormy Kromer cap for railroad workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a warm and functional hat.

The Kromers operated the business for decades, before selling the company in 1965. Even bigger things were ahead for this iconic hat.

Even bigger than this giant Stormy Kromer hat in Minocqua!

The Stormy Kromer company is now headquartered in Ironwood, Michigan, and it still produces big quantities of the classic hat, along with many other high quality apparel items.

It operates an online business, and its products can be found in Wisconsin outdoor stores. Or visit its Ironwood headquarters in person!

I’m a fan of Stormy Kromer products. I like that the company employs a lot of American workers, and its products are very well made. On chilly days you’ll find me wearing one of the warm plaid coats. Now I just need one of the classic hats! Learn more about this true Wisconsin classic on the Stormy Kromer website, or pick up your own Stormy Kromer products at REI. It's a great way to show your roots while sporting a little Badger State history.