How to Clean and Store Your Hats Properly: A Complete Guide

Hats are more than just accessories—they’re investments in style, comfort, and self-expression. Whether you're sporting a felt fedora, a wool flat cap, or a chic straw sun hat, proper care will keep your favourite pieces looking sharp season after season.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and store your hats properly, so they stay fresh, hold their shape, and last for years.

Step 1: Know You Hat Material 

Before you reach for the cleaning supplies, always check the material. Different fabrics need different treatments:

  •          Wool & Felt Hats – Delicate, best cleaned with a soft brush or steam.
  •    Straw Hats – Lightweight, best wiped gently with a damp cloth.
  •    Cotton & Fabric Caps – More durable, often safe for handwashing.
  •    Leather & Suede – Require specialised cleaners and conditioners.

When in doubt, spot test any cleaning method on a hidden area first.

Step 1: How To Clean Your Hat

Wool & Felt Hats

  • Dust your hat often, with a soft-bristled brush.  We recommend a dark-coloured bristled brush for dark hats and a light coloured brush for light hats. A lint roller is also a good tool. 
  • For stains, gently dab with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) and mild soap.
  • Use steam from a kettle to freshen up and reshape. Let air dry.

Straw Hats

  •       Wipe clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe.
  • Avoid water soaking as it weakens straw fibres.
  • Let dry naturally—no hairdryers or heaters.

Cotton or Fabric Caps

  •       Mix warm water with a small amount of gentle detergent.
  • Hand wash only—avoid washing machines.
  • Rinse well and air dry, using a towel or bowl inside the crown to maintain shape.

Leather or Suede Hats

  • Use specialised leather/suede cleaners and conditioners.
  • Avoid water; it can damage finish and texture.
  • Store with silica gel packs to avoid moisture damage.

Steamers are often a great tool and investment, but if you don’t have one a kettle can work too. Steam will help revive any hat that has lost its shape, felt, cloth or straw.

Step 3: How To Handle Your Hat

One of the most important things, which is easily forgotten, is make sure you handle your hat correctly. Make sure your hands are clean, it’s not just dirt that can ruin your hat, but grease and oil from your fingertips also. If you can, pick your hat up from underneath and try to avoid grabbing your hat by the crown.

Step 4: How To Store Your Hat

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Here's how to keep your hats in tip-top shape between wears:

✅ DO:

  •       Use a hat box or breathable fabric bag.
  • Stuff the crown with tissue paper to maintain shape.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
  • Hang on a hat stand or hook if short on space (ideally with a wide brim support).

❌ DON’T:

  • Store hats in plastic bags (can trap moisture).
  • Stack hats on top of each other.
  • Keep hats near radiators or windows—heat warps materials.

What if my hat gets wet?

With our fine British weather, it’s inevitable you will get caught out in the rain. Most hats can withstand a small shower, but it is important to allow your hat to dry out properly and as quickly as possible after getting wet. Allow the hat to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from a direct heat source. Always try to dry a hat on a stand after gently blotting off the excess water with a towel. With structured hats, like fedoras you can also turn out the sweatband to allow it to dry fully. 

Keep Your Hats Looking Sharp

Taking a few minutes to clean and store your hats properly can dramatically extend their life—and keep you looking stylish all year round. Whether it’s your everyday cap or your showstopper for special occasions, your hat deserves a little care.

SHOP HERE for our range of hat care.

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