Hat Care Tips

Proper care is essential for extending the life of your hat. Your hat serves as the final touch to complete your outfit, and maintaining its original appearance will ensure years of enjoyment. As your hat collection grows in both quality and quantity, it becomes increasingly important to establish good hat-care habits. Here are some general tips for caring for your hats.

1) Never place the brim of a hat on a flat surface. This could cause the brim to flatten and lose its shape. Place upside down on its crown.  Store on a clean surface or in a Hat Box.

2) Never handle your hat by the crown. If your hands are dirty or oily, they will leave spots on the fabric. When putting on or removing your hat, pick it up by the brim. Try to adjust your hat by holding the front and back of the brim. Try to avoid handling the crown whenever possible.

3) Never leave your hat in a hot car, closet, or anywhere that is exceptionally hot. Heat causes the sweatband to shrink, and your hat will no longer fit.

4) Remove surface dust from a straw hat with a Miller Hat Brush, then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and other "stuff". Begin on the left side of your hat, and gently rub the dampened towel counterclockwise toward the back.

5) Remove surface dirt from a fur felt hat with a Miller Hat Brush. Use a dark-colored hat brush for dark hats and a light-colored hat brush for light hats.  Begin on the left side of your hat, gently move the hat brush counterclockwise towards the back.

6) Remove any lint remaining after brushing your hat, with 2" painter's tape (masking tape). Wrap the tape around all four of your fingers, with the sticky or adhesive side facing out. Gently pat your hat to remove any existing lint.

7) To keep the sweatband dry of perspiration and hairdressing, occasionally turn the sweatband down to dry. With the leather sweatband turned out, perspiration and hair oil will evaporate rather than soak into the hat. This applies to both felt and straw hats.