Proper Hat Care

By: Julie Knapp

If you've decided to jump on the fashion hat trend with a retro fedora, for example, you'll need to know how to take care of your hat properly. Here are a few tips to keep your look in check.

Whenever you touch your hat, you should handle it by the front or back of the brim. Grabbing it carelessly can cause it to lose its shape. If you pick up a fedora by the pinch, you can misshape it, crack it or split it depending on its material. Also, if you're grabbing the hat all over, you could get it dirty or leave oils from your skin on it. So be sure to touch it only when your hands are clean and dry. Similarly, when you set your hat down, don't leave it on its brim; it'll flatten or lose its curve. If your hat ever gets any creases, you can use a steamer to remove them.

Even though your hat is there to cover and protect your head, it's best not to get your hat wet. But, because that's often not possible, you should treat your hat. Canvas, felt or straw hats can be made waterproof by using Scotchguard, though manufacturers frown upon that. Sun and humidity can cause your hat to lose its shape or for the color to fade. So store your hat away from the elements.

If you tend to sweat a lot when you wear your hat, the sweatband might soak up a lot and be damp when you take your hat off. If that's the case, turn up the sweatband so it's away from the hat. That way it can dry out. If you want to clean it, use a toothbrush and a gentle soap and water solution. Just make sure you don't get the rest of the hat wet because you'll leave a stain behind if you do.You need to store your hats properly, too. Before you put them away, brush them or clean them as appropriate. If you have hat boxes, that's the best way to store them. If not, stuff your hats with tissue paper, and place each one on its crown, keeping all the weight off the brim. You can also stack two or three hats on top of each other, as long as you place them all on their crowns and use a sheet of tissue paper in between.

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