The Keys to Keeping It Like New
A felt hat is much more than just a fashion accessory. It's a timeless piece that deserves careful care and proper storage to ensure its longevity. If you own a felt hat or are considering purchasing one, here's a comprehensive guide to caring for it and keeping it in perfect condition.
How to Handle Your Hat Properly: Always by the Brim
In movies, we often see characters grabbing their hats by the crown. While this may seem natural, this gesture is not recommended for felt or straw hats. Grabbing a hat by the crown can cause deformation and weaken its structure. To maintain its shape and durability, it is recommended to always handle a hat by the brim to avoid damage.
Storage and Tidying
Proper hat storage is essential for its longevity. Store your hat in a clean, dry, and dark place. If the brim is flat, it is recommended to lay it flat on a piece of furniture or hat stand. If you prefer to hang it, use a magnetic hat clip or a macramé hat rack, avoiding nails or hooks that could distort its structure. For long-term storage, a hat box is the best option for optimal protection.
When traveling or at a restaurant, you can hang your hat on a coat rack for a few hours. Alternatively, a magnetic hat clip can be used to attach it to a table. Avoid leaving a hat on the back shelf of a car, especially in hot weather or in direct sunlight, as this could cause irreversible damage.
Regular Cleaning of Your Hat
Regular cleaning of a felt hat is crucial to maintaining its appearance. Use a hat brush or sponge to remove dust and dirt, making sure to always brush in the same direction to avoid damaging the fibers. A lint roller or piece of sticky tape can also be used to remove small dirt particles. This simple step, performed regularly, will keep your hat clean and in good condition for longer.
For a Panama hat, humidity is essential to maintain the strength of the straw. It is recommended to spray a little water inside and outside the hat two to three times a year to prevent the straw from drying out and maintain its flexibility.
Cleaning a Stain
To remove a stain from a hat, the dry cleaning method is the most recommended. Use an absorbent powder such as Fuller's earth or cornstarch. Sprinkle the stain generously and let it sit for the powder to absorb grease and dirt. If necessary, lightly dampen the area before applying the powder. Once the resting time has elapsed, remove the excess powder with a soft brush. For stubborn stains, a fabric stain remover applied with a slightly damp cloth can be used, taking care to rinse thoroughly afterward. Use powders adapted to the color of the hat to avoid discoloration (bicarbonate for light hats, wheat germ for dark ones).
Hat and Rain
A felt hat is not waterproof. In the rain, it may become waterlogged and lose its shape. If your hat gets wet, shake it gently to remove excess water, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Then stuff the crown with tissue paper to maintain its shape and let it air dry flat. Avoid placing it in a hot environment or near a radiator, which could damage the felt.
Reshape a Felt Hat
If your hat has lost its shape, you can reshape it yourself using steam. Place the hat over the steam from a boiling kettle or saucepan, then gently manipulate the shape with your fingers to restore it to its original shape. If the brim of the hat needs to be flattened, use an iron on a low heat setting, making sure to protect the felt with a cloth to avoid dulling the surface.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your hats and ensure they always look impeccable. For any restoration work or in-depth maintenance of your headgear, do not hesitate to contact us .