Hat Care

From crown to brim, your hat needs to be handled with care. That is why the team at Fedoras.com compiled the top hat care tips for every hat owner. Touching the crown of your hat, resting it on its brim, or exposing it to too much sun or rain will leave it looking less than dapper. Read on for how to keep your hat as perfect as the day you bought it, and in tip-top shape for years to come.

The Hat Care Commandments

A few simple habits keep any hat looking its best:

• Handle it by the brim. Pick up and remove your hat by the front and back of the brim, not the crown. Pinching the crown weakens the felt and leaves marks.
• Rest it the right way. Set your hat upside down on its crown, or hang it on a peg, so the brim keeps its shape.
• Keep it dry. If your hat gets wet, let it air-dry naturally, brim-up, away from heat. Never dry a hat with a blow dryer or on a radiator.
• Store it cool and dark. Keep hats out of direct sunlight and heat, which fade and warp them.
• Brush regularly. A soft brush keeps felt free of dust, and a gentle wipe keeps straw fresh.

How to Store a Hat

For everyday use, a hat rack or peg works well. For long-term storage, place your hat upside down in a hat box, or lightly stuff the crown with tissue to help it hold its shape. Keep it somewhere cool, dry, and out of the sun.

Traveling With a Hat

To pack a hat, nest smaller items inside the crown and carry it crown-down. A structured hat travel case is the safest way to keep it in shape on the go.

Keep It Clean

Spills happen. When they do, see our hat cleaning guide for how to safely treat spots on felt, straw, and cloth hats, and shop hat care products to keep the right tools on hand.

Hat Care FAQ

How do you keep a hat in good shape?

Handle it by the brim, rest it upside down or on a peg, keep it out of heat and sun, brush it regularly, and store it in a hat box when not in use.

How should you store a hat?

Store hats upside down on the crown or in a hat box, in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. Lightly stuff the crown with tissue for long-term storage.

What should you not do with a hat?

Avoid handling your hat by the crown, resting it on its brim, or exposing it to excessive heat, sunlight, or moisture, all of which shorten its life.