Do you know what is the clear indication of a signature style for the biggest names in the entertainment industry? It’s the Hats and Caps!
Did you know that in the United States alone, over 43 million baseball caps are sold annually? Whether it’s Enrique Iglesias making a hat his unmistakable trademark or Kim Kardashian acquiring Michael Jackson’s iconic Fedora for a staggering $56,000, hats carry stories and history with them!
In 2019, the hat industry saw a substantial market size of $1.6 billion, showcasing the significant role hats play in our lives beyond mere fashion. But let us face it, not all of us can afford to spend thousands on headgear, but that doesn’t mean we can’t cherish and protect the hats we own.
When you scroll hundreds of hats and invest in durable, fashion-centric yet usable hats it’s all the more important to safeguard these fashion statements. If you want to keep your prized possessions to last longer and give you head-turning compliments then you have got to learn the art of hat maintenance and ensure our favorite headpieces stand the test of time.
Caps and Hats are no longer side accessories that can be bought and thrown when worn out, especially considering the sustainability era that we live in, classic hats have to be guarded with utmost care. Hats and Caps are fashion accessories and there is an extensive range of caps in the premium segment waiting to be explored. If you are a hat connoisseur then we know you want to take specific care of your headgear and want to use them in every way possible to make that fashion statement.
Inherently the washing, storing, and maintaining part of a hat depends on these key factors
- Washing Instructions
- Fabric of the Hat/cap
- How to Store Your Caps/Hats To Keep Them Happy
- The Amount of Usage of the Cap/hat
The Secret Art of Washing Your Hat and Cap
1. Cold Soak
The washing technique that nobody wants you to know is the subtle way of using a cold soak!
- You have to just fill a basin with cold water and add a pinch of a really mild detergent or shampoo.
- Submerge your hat and then gently drown it in water until it is fully underwater
- Let the hat rest in water for approx.15-20 minutes.
The cold water prevents color bleeding and fabric distortion, while the mild detergent effectively lifts dirt.
2. Spot Cleaning
Another “A stitch in time, saves Nine” hack for stains that threaten to ruin your hat’s aesthetic, is to go for surgical with spot cleaning.
- Grab a soft toothbrush, dampen it with a mixture of cold water and a drop of detergent, and delicately scrub the affected area.
This targeted approach ensures that only the stain is tackled without subjecting the entire hat to unnecessary moisture.
3. Using a Pillowcase
You are not alone in being fearful about the agitator in your washing machine and what it can do to your hat! So here’s our very own hack.
- Place your hat inside a pillowcase and secure it with a rubber band.
- Toss this into the machine on a gentle cycle.
The pillowcase provides a protective barrier, preventing your hat from ruthless strokes in the washing machine and getting tossed around. Please do remember to read the wash care instructions to see if it is machine washable.
4. Shape your hat with Towel Molding
Want another foolproof way to make your hat as good as new? Try Towel molding
- In this, while the hat is still damp after washing, stuff the crown with a clean, dry towel.
- The best way to maintain shape of the hat is to mold the brim to your desired shape and let it air dry.
This simple yet effective method ensures your hat dries in the perfect silhouette!
5. Air Dry
Believe us when we say that air drying is your hat’s best friend!
- You have to find a well-ventilated spot, preferably not in direct sunlight, and let your hat be!
- Avoid using heaters or hairdryers as they can lead to fabric damage and deformation.
6. Aromatherapy for Your Hat
Hats capture odors! Now whoever has had a good day in the sun knows this quite well.
- Create a DIY hat refresh spray by mixing equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Spray the solution lightly inside the hat and let it air out.
- The vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving a lingering scent. Your hat not only looks fresh but smells like it too.
Be very careful about the fabric of the hats. Some fabrics have a tendency to show discoloration when used with vinegar, hence it’s important to have a clear idea of which fabric you use it on. You can use it as a safe and effective method for fabrics like cotton and polyester blends.
Fabric of the Hat/cap
The longevity of your favorite hat is dependent on the Fabric and each fabric has its own set of rules, and neglecting them could lead to irreversible damage.
1. Wool Hats
Who doesn’t get lured by the luxury and warmth of a woolen hat? However, treating it like your everyday clothing is a mistake that you can’t undo. As wool is very sensitive to both heat and agitation, tossing a wool fedora carelessly into the washing machine can lead to shrinkage and distortion. The best way to give some love to your woolen hat is by cleaning it with a damp cloth, focusing on the specific areas that need attention. This hack preserves the integrity of the wool & ensures that your cap retains its shape, color, and overall elegance for seasons to come.
2. Cotton Hats
You will seldom find a hat that is not made of cotton! From baseball caps to Bucket hats, from Ushanka to Cloche every hat has a cotton presence owing to its breathability and lightweight. The best thing about Cotton is that it can handle moisture better and that it can tolerate a machine wash, But avoid subjecting it to high heat, as this may lead to shrinkage, faded colors, misshapen brims, and an overall loss of the hat’s original charm.
3. Straw Hats
Straw hats have a timeless charm that keeps you hooked to its raw appeal. When it comes to cleaning the first rule of thumb is to never submerge a straw hat in water! Instead, opt for a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove dirt or stains. Investing in a hat box is the best investment that you can make for your straw hats as it prevents deformation.
4. Leather Hats
Leather is the most durable if handled with care and caution. Just use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any surface dirt and you are good to go. Our go-to hack to prevent discoloration and cracking in leather hats is to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Polyester Blend Hats
Polyester blends come next after cotton especially because of the durability and flexibility they provide. “Cold water and a mild detergent” is the mantra to go by when washing Polyester and Machine washing being often acceptable reduces the hassle of treating it like gold! Flaunt your style through the sharp lines and vivid colors of Polyester blends for years on end.
How to Store Your Caps/Hats To Keep Them Happy
1. Invest in a Hat Box
Last summer, when I joined my friends on a road trip with my favorite wide-brimmed sun hat in tow, I invested in a sturdy hat box. To my friends’s amazement, the hat emerged at each destination as new as when I left home. The structured box provided the necessary protection, preventing any accidental crushing or deformation during the journey. The admiring looks and compliments I received were not just for the hat but also for the thoughtful care in preserving its shape.
2. Cloth Padding
If you are not particularly inclined to make another investment in a hat box you can try out this foolproof hack of strategically placing your hat in soft clothing items, like scarves and T-shirts, inside the crown of the hat. This makeshift padding effectively shields it from the pressures of being in a tightly packed suitcase. You will need minor adjustments to regain its original form.
3. Hat Clips for Security
When you catch back-to-back flights with your Hat in the luggage you are sure to get a deformed & shaken hat that gives all signs of being in a war! The best way to prevent them from shifting and losing their shape is by using hat clips that secure the brim to the crown, maintaining the hat’s structure even in the midst of a chaotic travel day.
The Amount of Usage of the Cap/Hat
You can’t expect to see your Hats as fresh as a daisy if you wear it like your socks! The frequency with which you don your favorite cap or hat, coupled with the conditions it encounters, significantly influences its lifespan and overall appearance.
1. Give Your Hat some Rest
Allow your hat to rest! Just as our shoes need a day off, hats benefit from a rotation. Switching between different hats will maintain the newness in your hats and your Look!
2. Weather Effects
Harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or scorching sun call for extra care and love. If you are not a fan of color fading, material weakening, and an overall weathered appearance then go for waterproofing sprays for fabric hats and UV protectants for those with brims.
3. Sweat and Stains
Perspiration and dirt are inevitable companions, especially during warm weather! The sweatband accumulates all the oils and stains and spot cleaning with a mild detergent or using fabric-friendly wipes can refresh the hat’s interior, keeping it both hygienic and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Special Occasion Hats
Your seldom-used hats need special care. Don’t forget the hat that you used for Halloween. Take it out of the box and give it a breath of fresh air once in a while to avoid mold from developing. A neglected hat is the last thing you want after spending a good amount of money.
Things You Must NEVER Do After Buying a Cap or Hat!
So what is the first thing you do when you buy a hat or cap?
Just throw away the boxes, and instruction manual and cut the tag about wash care instructions right? Well, you are messing up with the number one rule in taking care of your Hat or cap!
After spending so much time analyzing and buying the cap the last thing that you want to do is forget about the maintenance part.
- Never throw away the tiny instruction manual that comes with the hat or cap. Always read through the instruction manual to know the fabrics used, the wash care instructions, and the general way of storage.
- Never take your Hat maintenance part for Granted! Hat/Cap manufacturers love their hats as much as you love wearing them, especially if you buy some premium products the brand specifically takes care to add instructions that can prolong the life and look of your hat or cap.
- Don’t toss it into the washing Machine! The biggest mistake you could make is putting a hat or cap in the washing machine when it’s specifically mentioned that the hat needs a Hand wash!
- Never throw away the boxes. There are so few storage accessories designed to store hats, it’s a good practice to keep the box that it comes with so that your prized possession doesn’t collect dust when it is not being used.
For us a hat is not just about style; it’s about honoring the legacy woven into each stitch, brim, and crown. Keep these carefully curated tips, anecdotes, and hacks handy to delve into a new fitness regime designed specifically for your hat! Join the community of hat connoisseurs who know how to appreciate their valued possession through this Art of Cap & Hat Care
Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.