5 Easy Ways to Care for Your Sun Hat

Sun hats are stylish, practical and necessary. They make sun protection look good, shielding you from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping you fashionable. With a wide enough brim, this hat diminishes the likelihood of premature aging, too. The must-have accessory also keeps your hair out of sight on days when it just falls flat. 

On vacation or in town on weekends, wearing your sun hat is as necessary as a pair of jeans. Because it does so much; wouldn’t you want your hat to last long?

Even when your collection consists mainly of crush-resistant, packable sun hats, they’ll still need love and care to stay in good condition.

1. Clean your sun hat.

Most sun hats are made from cotton or canvas. Here’s how to clean them:

• Step 1: Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or dust from the hat.
• Step 2: Dampen a cloth with lukewarm water. If your hat is heavily soiled, add a small amount of mild soap to the water.
• Step 3: Gently wipe the hat with a damp cloth. Be sure to wipe the entire hat, including the inside.
• Step 4: Rinse the cloth and wipe the hat again to remove any soap residue.
• Step 5: Let the hat air dry completely before storing it.

Don’t use harsh detergents or bleach because they can damage the material and fade the color. If your hat is heavily soiled, it may be best to take it to a professional cleaner.

Some cleaning items to have on hand are:

• Mild detergent

For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent instead of just plain soap.

• Baking soda

Baking soda also removes stains; mix a bit of water with some of this natural cleaning agent to make a paste, and use it as a spot cleaner.

• White vinegar

Like baking soda, white vinegar is a natural stain remover. But mix it with water and use it sparingly.

• Soft brush

Sand can get everywhere, including your hat. A soft brush is perfect for gently removing dirt and debris.

• Microfiber cloth

Microfiber cloth is gentle on hats and lifts stains on the surface. 

Some designers make their sun hats from natural fiber, such as raffia. For natural fibers, spot cleaning is ideal.

Different materials call for different cleaning instructions. Most hats, especially the pricier ones, will typically come with instructions on cleaning and storage, and it’s best to follow them.

2. Store your sun hat properly.

Proper storage can help maintain the shape and longevity of your sun hat. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Choose a cool, dry place for storage. Avoid areas with high humidity or direct sunlight, which can fade the color of your hat.
• Step 2: If possible, store your hat on a hat rack or in a box to maintain its shape.
• Step 3: Avoid stacking hats on top of each other, as this can cause them to lose shape.

But before putting away your sun hats for storage, make sure they’re dry.

3. Maintain the shape of your sun hat.

Designer hats for women need space and support to maintain their shape. Ideally, your sun hat will have come with a box when you bought it. A custom hat box is the perfect storage because it supports the brim, keeping it from distortion.

What if you don’t have a box? And you want your pretty sun hats on display?

You can get a hat stand, which allows your accessory to retain its shape while being visible. You can also try a wall-mounted rack for your hat collection, which works if you lack storage space. An option to a stand and a rack is placing your hat on a shelf with soft tissue paper in the crown to keep its shape.

 If your hat gets crushed, you can reshape it by following these steps:

• Step 1: Dampen the hat slightly with lukewarm water.
• Step 2: Reshape the hat with your hands. Be gentle to avoid damaging the material.
• Step 3: Let the hat air dry completely. While drying, you can stuff the hat with tissue paper to help it hold its shape.

4. Protect your sun hat from water damage.

Although some sun hats are designed to be water-resistant, others are not. If your hat gets wet, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Blot the hat with a dry towel to remove as much water as possible.
• Step 2: Let the hat air dry completely. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing it near a heater, which can cause the hat to shrink or warp.

5. Check your hat for signs of wear or damage.

Regularly inspect your sun hat for signs of wear and tear. If you notice loose threads or fraying, carefully trim them with scissors. If your hat has a wire brim, check for any kinks or bends in the wire that could affect the hat’s shape.

Packing your hats when traveling

Some sun hats are easy to put in your luggage because they’re soft and bounce back to their original shape. Other hats can be tricky owing to their material, size, and shape.

Here are some tips to help you pack your sun hat without damaging it:

• Fill the inside of the hat (the crown) with small items, like socks or underwear. This helps to maintain the shape of the hat during travel.
• Place the hat in your suitcase or bag and pack your clothes around it. This packing strategy provides cushioning for the hat and helps to keep it in place.
• Use a hat box to protect your hat, and maintain its shape and structure. Some hat boxes are even collapsible for easy packing.
• Consider carrying your sun hat with you instead of packing it; that is, if it’s doable. This is the best way to prevent any damage or misshaping from happening. 
• If your hat is made of a flexible material, like cotton or canvas, roll it up for packing. Be sure to roll it loosely to avoid creasing. Once you arrive at your destination, you can steam the hat to remove any wrinkles.

Every hat is unique, so be sure to consider the material and structure of your hat when deciding how to pack it.

Hats off to your sun hat TLC

With proper care, your sun hat can provide many seasons of sun protection and style. 

A well-cared-for sun hat not only looks great on its own but also protects you from the sun and makes you look fabulous.