A good hat is made to be worn, and with a little care, it can become something you keep for years. Felt naturally responds to moisture, pressure and wear over time, but most minor marks and changes in shape can be easily cared for at home.
Keep Your Hat Looking Its Best
The simplest way to care for your hat is to handle it by the brim rather than the crown, and store it somewhere dry and away from direct heat. When you're not wearing it, place it upside down on its crown or store it on a hat stand so the brim isn't bearing weight.
Removing Dust & Surface Marks
For everyday dust and loose dirt, gently brush your hat with a soft hat brush, working in one direction around the crown and brim. For light marks, use a clean, slightly damp cloth and gently dab the area rather than rubbing, which can disturb the surface of the felt.
If Your Hat Gets Wet
Our felt hats can handle a little rain, but if your hat becomes thoroughly wet, allow it to dry naturally at room temperature. Keep it away from radiators, heaters, hairdryers and direct sunlight, as rapid drying can cause the felt to shrink or the shape to change.
If the hat has become saturated, gently shake off any excess water and reshape the crown and brim with your hands while the felt is still slightly damp. Once you're happy with the shape, leave it somewhere well ventilated to dry completely.
Reshaping Your Brim
Over time, the brim can soften or lose some of its original shape, particularly with regular wear. Lightly mist the felt with steam from a kettle, steamer or iron — keeping the steam source away from the hat — then gently work the brim back into the shape you prefer with your hands.
Don't soak the felt. A little moisture and heat is enough to make the fibres pliable again, allowing you to gently restore the original curve.
Reshaping the Crown
Steam can also be used to restore a slightly misshapen crown. Hold the hat in the steam for a few seconds at a time, then gently work the felt back into shape with your hands.
Take your time and let the felt cool between adjustments. It's much easier to gradually reshape a hat than to try to correct too much at once.
When Your Hat Needs More Than a Little Care
For more significant damage, deep stains or a hat that has lost its shape entirely, we recommend bringing it to us rather than attempting a major restoration yourself. Felt can be remarkably forgiving, but the right techniques and equipment can make all the difference.
A Hat Worth Looking After
A little care goes a long way. With regular brushing, sensible storage and the occasional gentle reshaping, your Hills Hat can retain its character and shape for many years — and, like any well-loved object, only become better with time.
