Bernard’s Hat & Clothing Shop: Chicago’s Home for the Well-Dressed Man

If you’ve ever admired the way Chicago men get clean, chances are the look started at Bernard’s Hat & Clothing Shop. Located on the South Side, Bernard’s has been dressing gentlemen for decades — from steppers and church-goers to community leaders and everyday men who take pride in how they present themselves.

Founded and still run by the Bernard family, the shop is more than a store — it’s a living archive of Chicago’s sharp-dressed tradition. Inside, you’ll find fedoras, brim hats, Stacy Adams shoes, custom suits, and accessories that define South Side elegance. Bernard’s clientele includes the city’s famed steppers set, men who move with grace and style, where every outfit is as polished as every dance move.

In a recent Instagram Reel, Bernard himself steps in front of the camera to share his story. He highlights decades of service, the relationships built over the counter, and the pride in knowing so many men walked out the door feeling like themselves for the first time in a long time. He emphasizes that the hat isn’t just an accessory—it’s the crown that completes a man’s posture and walk. He also gives a quick peek behind the scenes: selecting the right brim, measuring the rise of a shoe heel, matching the hat band to the suit lining—a testament to his commitment to detail and respect for the craft.

Bernard and his team know their customers by name. They don’t just sell clothes—they offer guidance, confidence, and continuity. This is where generations of fathers and sons have come to prepare for milestone moments: weddings, anniversaries, galas, and Sunday service.

In a world of fast fashion, Bernard’s remains loyal to craftsmanship, quality, and community. Supporting this family-owned business keeps Chicago’s cultural roots alive and ensures the next generation knows where to go when they want to truly get clean.

Bernard’s Hat & Clothing Shop

9017 SOUTH COMMERCIAL

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617

773.375.9708

[email protected]

Store hours: 
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday Noon - 3pm
Closed Monday

👉 Visit bernardswear.com or follow @bernardswear on Instagram to experience the legacy for yourself.