The Care and Feeding of Hats

The Care and Feeding of Hats

Note: The proper way to pick up and hold a hat is by the brim, holding it by both hands as you lif the hat upward and set it on your head. Grabbing a hat by the crown and pinching it with your thumb and index finger may be how many people put their hat on, but it will pinch and damage the material at the top of the crown. If you like a pinched look, fine. Otherwise, hold the hat by its brim.

100% Fur Felt and Structured Wool Hats

Brush the top and bottom counter-clockwise with a soft brush to clean
Set hat on its top or hang from a peg/hat hook to retain shape (otherwise, gravity wins and the brim shape becomes flat)
Scotchguard(TM) weather surfaces once a year to maintain water repellancy. Do one to three times a year if structured wool.
When hat gets wet, shake off excess water, let dry, then lightly brush
Use steam to shape and clean hat. Powdered cleaners may be used for heavier stains

Straw Hats:

Sponge lightly with a damp cloth. Heavier soil may be removed with window cleaner
Set hat on its top or hang from a peg/hat hook to retain shape (otherwise, gravity wins and the brim shape become flat)
Keep most straws from getting soaked with rain
Scotchguard(TM) may be used to add stain/water repellancy
Use steam for shaping the hat

Suede Leather Hats:

Brush hat clean with a slightly stiff brush
Set hat on its top or hang from a peg/hat hook to retain shape (otherwise, gravity winds and the brim shape becomes flat)
Scotchguard(TM) weather surfaces one to three times a year
When hat gets wet, shake off excess water, let dry, then brush
Use steam to clean off water spots or shape the hat

Smooth Leather Hats:

Use a leather conditioner such as neatsfoot oil, mink oil, or Lexol(TM)/Bick4(TM) once a year, sooner if the leather is looking dry. Avoid saddle soap as that can dry out the leather. Oiled leather hats may need attention less often. Once conditioned, you should be able to wear your hat in any weather
Avoid getting the hat wet and then placing near heat and avoid placing the hat in direct strong sunlight for extended periods. Such exposure can shrink the hat.

Crushable Wool Hats:

Brush clean with a slightly stiff brush (Masking tape roller brush works great too)
Scotchguard(TM) weather surfaces one to three times a year
When hat gets wet, shake off excess water, let dry, then brush
Use powdered cleaners for heavier stains

Cloth Hats:

If waxed or oiled cotton/canvas, simply hose off when dusty or dirty
If untreated cloth, use stiff brush to clean. Powdered cleaners may be used for heavier stains
Scotchguard(TM) weather surfaces one to three times a year to add water and stain repellancy