Hat Care

Storing a Hat

The hat box that ships with every hat is the best storage for your hat.

For non long term storage, you can hang your hat on a hat rack or peg. Make sure the peg or hook is wide enough to not create a dimple in the hat. If your hook seems too narrow, cut a slit in a tennis ball and slip it over the hook to create a wider platform. Do not store your hat on a peg for long periods of time as the force of gravity pulling on the hat can change its shape.

When putting your hat down on a flat surface, lay it upside down on its crown, not on its brim. Leaving it on its brim will cause it to flatten out and change shape.

If you plan on storing your hat for an extended period of time, then it’s best to place the hat in a cardboard hat box which supports both the brim and crown, and provides proper breath-ability,and dust protection for your hat. Store the box in a cool, dry place, as both heat and moisture can damage your hat.

Cleaning a Hat

Loose dirt and Dust. If your felt hat is looking tired and dirty, take a brush to it. Use a soft bristle brush, as those made with hard bristles can be too abrasive for felt. Gently brush your hat  in small, counter-clockwise motions.

Even when you can’t see the dirt, give your felt hat a regular brushing; it will prolong its life.

Hair and fuzz. If your hat is covered with pet hair or fuzz, wipe it gently with a piece of tape. Wrap it around your fingers, sticky side out, and sweep it gently across the hat.

 

Prolonging the Life of Your Hat

Handle it by the brim, not the crown. Too much pinching will misshape the crown and weaken  its ability to holds its shape or create a crease that can’t be fixed. Oils and dirt from your hand will also soil the hat. Take off or pick up your hat by grasping it at the front and back of the brim. Always handle your hat with clean hands to avoid transferring grime to it.

Allow wet hats to dry naturally. If you get caught in a rainstorm and your hat becomes soaked, allow it to dry naturally; artificial heat from a hair dryer or heater can shrink the hat. Turn the sweatband out and place the hat on its brim on a towel to avoid creating flat spots on the crown. You can also hang it on a peg or hat rack. Shape the hat to its proper form; a wet hat will dry in the shape you leave it in.

Never leave your hat in your hot car. Heat and sunlight can dry out and shrink your hat. So don’t leave it on your dashboard or in your trunk, or sitting in front of a window at home. If its needs to be in a car in the heat make sure its not in a bent position the heat will misshape it that way.

When your sweatband gets wet and oily, flip it down to let it dry out. This allows the perspiration to evaporate instead of soaking into your hat.