Hat Care Tips: Clean Leather & Wool Hats
GENERAL HAT CARE
(To learn specifics about your hat, please visit the Hat Care tab on the product page)
KEEPING YOUR HAT IN GOOD SHAPE
Many of our hats come with a wire in the brim so you can shape the hat to match your style. With a little practice, you can reshape your hat brim easily.
Western styles are generally worn with the brim turned up on the sides. Australian style hats look great with a dip in the front and the back.
If the crown and brim get out of shape on a wool, straw or cloth hat, you can use steam from a teakettle to reshape it. Hold the hat in the steam and allow it to soften. You can then reshape your hat to its original shape and then let it cool down before wearing.
*Always place a hat upside down on its crown if you do not have a hat rack for storage.
Cloth Hats
It’s best to spot clean all cloth hats with a damp cloth using cold water, or hand-wash in a sink if necessary. We recommend using plant-based soaps because regular detergents can be toxic for our waterways.
Always let your hat dry naturally. If your hat gets out of shape, you can use steam from a tea kettle to reshape it. Hold the hat in the steam and allow it to soften. You can then reshape your hat to its original shape and then let it cool down before wearing.
Another option to take out wrinkles on the brim is to place a clean rag or old T-shirt over the wrinkled area then iron the area.
How to Clean a Cloth Hat
How to Reshape a Cloth Hat
Straw Hats
Straw hats can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. We recommend using plant-based soaps because regular detergents can be toxic to our waterways.
Always let your hat dry naturally. If your hat gets out of shape, you can use steam from a tea kettle to reshape it. Hold the hat in the steam and allow it to soften. You can then reshape your hat to its original shape and then let it cool down before wearing. Always place a hat upside down on its crown if you do not have a hat rack for storage.
Many of our straw hats come with a wire in the brim so you can shape the hat to match your style. With a little practice you can reshape your hat brim easily. Western styles are generally worn with the brim turned up on the sides and Australian style hats look great with a dip in the front and the back.
How to Clean a Straw Hat
How to Steam and Reshape a Straw Hat
Leather Hats
Oily leather hats: If your hat is stained, a leather dressing can be applied to the outside of the hat. The leather dressing will darken the hat, mask the stain, and make the hat more waterproof. If you are just wanting to remove a small mark in the hat, sometimes rubbing the area firmly with your thumb can erase the mark. Also, you can try chalk that is a similar color to the hat. This can soak up an oil mark. Afterwards, rub the chalk off the hat.
How to Clean a Leather Hat
How to Shape and Stretch a Leather Hat
Suede Leather Hats
A light-grade sandpaper or soft cleaning brush can be used to take out marks on suede hats. We have even used clear, soft erasers. Make sure the eraser is not colored, as this can leave a mark. There are also many non-toxic, waterproof sprays available to give your hat added protection from stains and rain.
Wool Hats
Using a lint brush or the adhesive side of tape will remove dust and dirt on wool hats. If your wool hat gets out of shape, you can use steam from a tea kettle to reshape it. Hold the hat in the steam and allow it to soften. You can then reshape your hat to its original shape and then let it cool down before wearing. Always place a hat upside down on its crown if you do not have a hat rack for storage.
How to Clean a Felt Hat
How to Steam and Reshape a Felt Hat
The Difference Between Crushable and Packable
To find out if your hat is packable or crushable please refer to the product page.
Many of our cloth hats are packable, this means you could roll it up and put it in a bag and it will look fine after travel. We use the term “Crushable” for hats made from materials that can be accidentally crushed but not meant to be packed away for any amount of time. To travel with a crushable hat in a suitcase for example, you need to stuff the crown with t shirts and make sure the brim sits flat.
If your hat gets out of shape there are quite a few techniques to possibly fix it. Please contact customerservice@connerhats.com with photos, we will be happy to help you.
How to Waterproof your Hat
How to Stretch your Hat
How to pack your hat for travel