Hat & Cap Care Guide

2. Wool & Felt Hats (Cowboy, Wide-Brim & Classic Styles)

Cleaning

• Brush the surface with a wool brush using light, gentle strokes.
• Work in one direction to keep the fibres smooth and even.
• For deep cleaning, some specialist dry cleaners may be able to refresh wool hats.

Steaming & Reshaping

Steaming helps soften the hat and reactivate the stiffening inside, so you can reshape the crown and brim.

• Use a clothing steamer or the steam from an iron.
• Do not press the hot iron directly onto the hat – the steam alone is enough.
• Steam the underside of the brim first, then lightly steam the top.
• Place the hat on a clean, flat surface and use your hands to shape the brim.
• To flatten the brim, press down and let the hat dry naturally on a flat surface.

Over time, gentle steaming can bring structure back to wool hats by reactivating the original stiffening.

3. Caring for Straw Hats

• Dust off your hat with a dry cloth or soft brush after use.
• Avoid heavy moisture – straw can soften and lose its shape when wet.
• Keep away from direct heat sources like radiators or car dashboards.
• Store your straw hat in a cool, dry place to help it last longer.

4. Caps & Pocket Caps

Washing

• Hand wash gently in cold water if needed.
• Use a mild detergent and avoid soaking for long periods.
• Do not twist or wring the cap, as this can distort the shape.

Drying & Shape

• Air-dry only. Do not use a dryer.
• Place the cap on a rounded object (like a small bowl or towel) to help keep its shape.
• Avoid drying directly in strong sunlight to reduce colour fading.

5. How to Store Your Hat

• Store your hat on a flat surface or inside a hat box.
• Avoid hanging hats for long periods, as hooks can distort the crown shape.
• Keep hats away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• For travel, place soft clothing inside the crown to support the shape.

6. Protecting Your Hat

• Sun exposure: Long, direct sun can fade colours and weaken the brim over time.
• Rain & water: Try to keep your hat dry whenever possible.
• If your hat does get wet:
  • Pat gently with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Reshape the brim with your hands if needed.
  • Leave the hat to air-dry naturally, away from heaters or direct high heat.

7. Restoring the Shape

Wool & Felt Hats

• Use gentle steam to soften the brim and crown.
• Shape by hand, then let the hat dry on a flat, clean surface.

Straw Hats

• Use light steam from a distance if needed (avoid over-steaming).
• Carefully reshape with your hands while the straw is slightly flexible.
• Allow to dry fully before wearing again.

8. How to Use a Hat Filler

• Place the filler inside the sweatband of the hat.
• Adjust the position until the hat feels snug but comfortable.
• You can combine multiple filler pieces if you need a closer fit.

Hat fillers are ideal if you are between sizes or prefer a more secure fit on windy days.