Proper storage and care will keep hats looking great for years, whether made of wool, felt, straw, or palm. Here’s how to store and care for your hats so they maintain their shape and style.
Best Practices for Hat Storage
Whether you’re storing a felt hat for the winter or keeping your favorite straw hat safe until summer, proper storage helps your hats keep their shape and stay ready for every season.
- Use structured hat boxes or hat racks: Boxes protect hats from dust, while racks help them maintain their shape.
M&F Western, Cowboy Hat Rest, 01031
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- Store in a cool, dry place: Heat and sunlight will warp and fade materials like wool and straw.
- Avoid stacking: Place each hat individually on a rack or inside its own box. If you must stack, consider using acid-free tissue paper to separate hats and prevent deformation.
- Seasonal storage: During off-seasons, clean them well before storing them, and check occasionally to make sure they remain dust-free and dry.
Caring for Wool Hats
Wool hats can last a lifetime with a bit of care. Here’s a guide to help you clean, maintain, and store your wool hat properly.
Justin, Men's 3X Wool Felt Hat, JF0342RDEO40
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How to Care for a Wool Hat
Remove Dust and Lint
Wool hats attract dust, so keep them looking fresh by brushing them gently with a soft-bristled brush.
- Brush in a circular motion to lift dust without damaging the wool fibers.
- A lint roller works wonders for smaller bits of lint.
Spot Clean for Stains
For minor stains, spot clean with a damp cloth, using water only.
- Gently blot the area to lift the stain rather than rubbing (which can spread the stain or wear down the fabric).
- If needed, use a wool-specific cleaner and follow the label’s instructions.
M&F Western Scout Felt Dark Hat Cleaner 6oz, 01047
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Protect Against Water
Wool hats and water don’t mix well. To help your hat withstand moisture, consider using a waterproofing spray designed for wool.
- Lightly mist the hat and let it dry completely before wearing it.
- If your wool hat gets caught in the rain, shake off excess water and reshape it with your hands. Then, let it air dry on a flat surface.
Maintaining Shape and Avoiding Shrinkage for Wool Hats
Handle Carefully to Retain the Shape
- Hold your hat by the brim rather than the crown to avoid bending or denting the structure when putting on or removing your hat. This simple habit helps keep the crown firm and the brim in line.
Prevent Shrinkage
- Avoid exposing your wool hat to high heat since heat combined with moisture will cause fibers to contract.
- Air dry it at room temperature if you need to dry your hat.
- Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or radiators since they will cause the wool to tighten and shrink.
Looking for a durable, shape-holding wool hat?
If you prefer a wool hat that’s more resilient to everyday wear, a crushable wool hat is the perfect fit.
Crushable hats are crafted to hold their shape through regular use and slight bending, so they’re great for active lifestyles.
Santa Ana Ladies' Crushable Wool Cowboy Hat, Brown
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Storing Wool Hats
Store in a Breathable Bag
Wool hats need to breathe to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.
- Store your hat in a cotton bag or pillowcase when not in use. This keeps dust away while allowing airflow to preserve the wool’s natural texture and prevent musty odors.
Use a Hat Rack for Shape
Consider storing your wool hat on a rack if you wear it frequently.
- A hat rack keeps the crown upright and maintains the shape. It’s a convenient option for quick access while preserving structure.
Is it okay for a wool hat to get wet?
Wool is naturally water-resistant to an extent, so if your hat gets caught in light rain, it should hold up fine.
However, for heavy rain or full saturation, it’s best to avoid getting your wool hat too wet since water will lead to misshaping or shrinkage over time.
If your wool hat gets wet, follow the instructions outlined above.
Caring for Felt Hats
Felt hats require a bit of care to maintain their texture and shape. But with these simple tips, your felt hat will stay looking fresh for years.
Justin, Men's 3X Felt Hat, JF0330DNT2XL
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How to Care for a Felt Hat
Dust with a Soft Brush
Felt collects dust, so keep your hat looking its best by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush.
- Brush in small, circular motions to lift dust and dirt without damaging the felt.
M&F Western Hat Cleaning Sponge, 01032
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- Use a handheld steamer to loosen dirt and restore the felt’s natural texture for an extra refresh.
Keep Away from Water
If your hat gets wet, avoid rubbing it with a cloth since it stretches or warps the felt.
Twister Vinyl Film Hat Protector Saver, 01080
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- Gently shake off excess water and let the hat air dry at room temperature and away from direct heat sources like heaters or radiators.
- Once dry, use your hands to reshape the crown and brim if needed.
Maintaining Shape and Avoiding Shrinkage for Felt Hats
Handle with Care
- When putting on or removing your hat, hold it by the brim rather than the crown to keep the shape intact. Over time, this will help preserve the firmness of the crown and prevent the brim from becoming misshapen.
Prevent Shrinkage
- Avoid exposing your hat to high heat or storing it in humid areas.
- If your hat needs drying, allow it to air dry and avoid direct sunlight.
Worried about your hat losing shape?
If you’re concerned about your hat not keeping its shape, consider a crushable felt hat.
These hats are designed to withstand frequent wear, light bending, and even packing, making them ideal for travel or everyday use.
Black Creek Men's Loden Felt Hat, BC2002
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Storing Felt Hats
Use Structured Hat Boxes for Long-Term Storage
Structured boxes protect the hat from dust and sunlight while keeping the crown and brim in shape.
- Place the hat inside the box with the crown facing up to avoid squishing it.
Hang on a Hat Form or Hook for Short-Term Storage
If you wear your felt hat frequently, consider hanging it on a hat form or a gentle hook that won’t leave indentations.
- Check that the hook or form supports the hat’s shape and doesn’t press into the felt.
Is it okay for a felt hat to get wet?
Yes, but felt is particularly sensitive to water. While a light sprinkle might not cause immediate damage, heavy rain or full saturation will alter the shape and texture of the felt.
If you plan on wearing your felt hat in unpredictable weather, consider applying a felt-safe waterproofing spray. Otherwise, if your felt hat gets wet, follow the above directions.
Scout Felt Hat Water Proof Protector Spray, 01046
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Caring for Straw Hats
Straw hats can be delicate, so here’s how to clean, handle, and store your straw hat for longevity.
Justin, Men's Salt Creek Ivory & Chocolate Hat, JS4730SLTC
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How to Care for Straw Hats
Dust and Spot Clean
Straw hats are prone to collecting dust, especially if you wear them outdoors.
- Use a soft bristle brush or a clean, dry cloth to gently dust the hat, working in circular motions.
- For small stains, dip a cloth in warm water with a bit of soap and gently dab the area. Be careful not to oversaturate since too much water will warp the straw.
Prevent Brittleness with Light Hydration
Straw can become brittle over time, especially in dry climates.
- To prevent the straw fibers from cracking, lightly mist your hat occasionally with water or apply a straw-friendly conditioner.
- Don’t soak the hat. Just a light spray will help maintain flexibility.
- If using conditioner, apply sparingly with a cloth and focus on dry areas.
Maintaining Shape and Avoiding Shrinkage for Straw Hats
Support the Brim and Crown
- Always hold your straw hat by the brim and the crown when picking up or adjusting it.
Prevent Shrinkage
- If you’re in a humid environment, try to keep your straw hat dry.
- If it does get wet, allow it to air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could cause shrinkage.
Restoring Shape
- Lightly mist it with water to make the fibers more flexible.
- Then, gently reshape the brim and crown by hand. Then allow it to dry in the desired form.
Storing Straw Hats
Store on Hat Racks or in Dedicated Boxes
Straw hats are best stored on hat racks or in dedicated boxes to avoid crushing or misshaping.
M&F Western Black Hat Container, 01500
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- If using a rack, make sure it supports the crown without pressing too hard to keep the hat’s shape intact.
- For long-term storage, a structured box works best to prevent accidental squishing and keep the hat free of dust.
How do you pack a straw hat for traveling without ruining it?
One option is to fill the crown with lightweight items (like socks or a scarf) to help it maintain structure. Place the hat upside down in your suitcase and pack clothes around it to provide gentle support without squishing it.
If you frequently travel with your hat, consider investing in a hat travel case. These cases are designed to protect the shape and are easy to carry.
Caring for Palm Leaf Hats
Palm leaf hats are often naturally water-resistant but still need specific care to keep them in top condition.
Justin, Men's Ivory 20X Brush Hog Hat, JS1956BRHG
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How to Care for Palm Leaf Hats
Clean with a Soft Cloth and Water
Palm leaf hats tend to attract dust and dirt from outdoor wear.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the hat gently.
- Avoid soaking the hat since excess water will weaken the fibers over time. A light wipe with water is enough to keep the natural fibers looking fresh without damaging the structure.
Stiffen if Needed
Over time, a palm leaf hat may lose its shape, especially if worn often.
- To restore stiffness, lightly spray the hat with water and let it dry naturally in the desired shape.
- You can also gently reshape the brim with your hands as it dries to encourage the hat to hold its original structure.
Maintaining Shape and Avoiding Shrinkage for Palm Leaf Hats
Handle with Care
- Support the hat by holding the brim and crown when you put it on or take it off. This balanced handling helps prevent warping or bending.
Prevent Skrinage
- Gently shake off excess water and allow it to air dry at room temperature.
- Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources since these will cause the palm fibers to shrink or warp.
- While drying, you can gently reshape the brim with your hands to help it maintain its original structure.
Storing Palm Leaf Hats
Use a Hat Rack or Box
To maintain the shape of your palm leaf hat, store it on a hat rack or in a structured hat box when not in use.
- A hat rack keeps the brim supported and the crown upright.
- For long-term storage, a box prevents dust buildup and keeps the hat free from bending or creasing.
Can a palm leaf hat get wet?
Yes, palm leaf hats are naturally more resistant to water than many other hat types.
However, it’s still best to avoid full saturation or prolonged exposure to water since excessive moisture will weaken the fibers over time.
Follow the information above if your palm leaf hat gets wet.
Keeping Your Hats Looking Their Best
Taking a little time to care for your wool, felt, straw, or palm leaf hat goes a long way in keeping it looking its best season after season.
