THE FIELD GUIDE
Hat Care
A well-made hat can last decades. A little care goes a long way toward keeping it looking exactly the way it did the day you left the studio.
Store upside down or on a hat stand
Never rest your hat brim-side down for long. The brim will flatten and the crown will lose its shape. Upside down on the crown, or on a hat stand, preserves the silhouette.
Keep it out of the heat
Direct sunlight and enclosed spaces (like a hot car) will shrink felt and distort straw. Store in a cool, dry place away from windows.
Use a hat box for travel
A proper hat box is the safest way to travel with your hat. Stuff the crown gently with tissue to help it hold its shape on the road.
Give it room to breathe
Don't stack things on top of your hat. Even a few ounces of pressure over time will crease the brim in ways that are hard to fix.
Cleaning
Felt
Use a soft-bristle hat brush to remove dust and lint — always brush counterclockwise (left to right). For light stains, a slightly damp cloth dabbed gently can help. Never submerge a felt hat in water. For deeper cleaning, bring it in.
Straw
Wipe down with a dry cloth or soft brush. Avoid soaking straw — it weakens the fibers and can cause splitting or warping. Light stains can often be lifted with a barely-damp cloth. Let it air dry completely in an open space.
Sweatbands
The interior leather sweatband can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth and conditioned occasionally with a small amount of leather conditioner. If the sweatband has become heavily soiled or stiff, bring it in for a professional refresh.
Hat bands & trim
Ribbons and fabric bands can be spot-cleaned gently. Feathers and dried flowers should only be dusted — never wet. If your trim needs a refresh or replacement, that’s exactly what we’re here for.