Hat Storage
Store hats in a dry area away from direct sunlight. Be sure not to bend or crush the crown or brim when storing. Store curved brim hats upside down or hang vertically to maintain their curve. When traveling, pack hats in a hat box (hard-sided recommended for the most stability) or on a tote bag with built-in carrying straps to tuck each side of the brim under or with a magnetic hat holder which clips on your bag and magnetically clamps the brim.
Protect From The Elements
Unless your hat is specifically designed for use in rain and other harsh elements, protect hats from moisture and extreme heat. If your hat gets wet, air dry it as soon as possible, in a well-ventilated area and in a position that supports the original shape. Some hats, such as high-quality cowboy hats, are less likely to become malformed than others. Thinner felt hats and straw hats can be lightly stuffed with a towel or other material to gently support the interior shape of the crown. Dry curved brims upside down. Flat brims can be dried by setting right side up on a flat dry surface.
Cleaning Lint & Marks
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface marks and a lint roller for lint, avoiding delicate components. Peel off a sheet and fold to press into tight corners. Be careful to avoid delicate elements such as dried flowers and rabbit tails. Some tough stains can be removed with a hat specific cleaner appropriate for the color of your hat. Always check with the hat manufacturer for their recommended cleaning instructions first.
Reshaping Warped Hats
Warped hats can often be reshaped by steaming gently with a garment steamer or carefully using steam from a clothing iron and manipulating by hand. Some hats can be re-stiffened by using a fabric stiffener safe for the specific type of material. Always check with the hat manufacturer for their recommended re-shaping and stiffening instructions first.
Contact Us for Repairs
Anything else you can’t fix on your own? Contact us for help at info@feltonhatco.com. We may or may not be able to help but we’d be happy to take a look!