Advice

Caring for your hat

A well-kept hat lasts through the years. Here are our recommendations, material by material — cautious on principle: when in doubt, ask your hatter.

Felt

Wool or fur, felt likes regularity: gentle brushing, patient drying.

Brush regularly with a soft brush, in the direction of the nap.
After rain, shake gently then let dry in the open air, never on a radiator.
Hold the hat by the brim rather than pinching the crown, which would eventually mark.
For a stain or a major reshaping, entrust the piece to a hatter.

Panama

Hand-woven in paja toquilla, the Panama is more delicate than it looks.

Handle it by the brim: a crown pinched repeatedly ends up breaking the fibre.
Keep it away from rain and prolonged damp.
Never roll a Panama that is not expressly designed for it.
In summer, avoid the rear shelf of a car: dry heat warps the fibre.

Straw

Structured and airy, straw mostly asks to be protected from knocks and water.

Dust with a dry cloth or a very soft brush.
In light rain, dab without rubbing then let dry flat.
Smooth a soft brim with gentle steam, held at a distance.

Leather

Leather caps and trims develop a patina: that is their charm, to be looked after.

Dust with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Nourish occasionally with a suitable milk or balm, tested first on a discreet spot.
Keep away from direct heat sources, which dry out leather.

Linen

Breathable and textured, the linen of summer caps and bucket hats is easy to live with.

Prefer spot-cleaning with a damp sponge and mild soap.
Dry flat, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours.
Iron lightly on the reverse if needed.

Cotton

Cotton bucket hats and caps often accept more regular care.

Check the label: many bucket hats can take a gentle hand wash.
Do not wring; press gently in a towel.
Dry flat, reshaping the hat while it is still damp.