Hat care guide
Built to
last decades.
Care for it
accordingly.
You bought something made to outlast fashion seasons. A little intentional care is all it takes to make sure it does. This guide covers everything — from daily handling to long-term storage.
25
Years lifetime repair included with every hat
Handle by brim
Never pinch the crown. Always pick up and place your hat by the brim to preserve its shape.
Store upright
Flat surface or hat stand. Never stacked brim-down — it deforms the crown over time.
Air dry only
If wet, let it dry naturally. No hair dryers, no heat sources, no direct sunlight for extended periods.
Repair, don't replace
Our 25-year repair program exists for a reason. Use it before deciding a hat is done.
01
Everyday handling
Always handle your straw hat by the brim — not the crown. Pinching the crown repeatedly creates pressure points that distort the shape over time. It sounds minor, but it's the single most common cause of preventable damage.
When setting down, place brim-up on a flat, clean surface. If you have a hat stand, use it.
02
Light moisture and humidity
Our straw hats can handle coastal air, light humidity, and a brief light drizzle without damage. They are not designed for sustained rain — if caught in heavy rain, get the hat under cover as quickly as possible.
If wet: gently reshape the hat to its original form with your hands, then let it air dry upside down on a clean surface so gravity doesn't distort the brim. Never use heat.
03
Cleaning the exterior
For dust and surface dirt: use a soft-bristle brush (a clean, dry toothbrush works well) and brush in the direction of the weave. Light circular motions for stubborn spots.
For more significant marks: a slightly damp cloth with cold water only. Blot — don't rub. Let air dry completely before storing.
Never use soap, detergent, or chemical cleaners on straw. These break down the natural fibers and can cause irreversible discoloration.
04
Sweat and the interior band
The inside band takes the most wear over time. Wipe it down periodically with a barely-damp cloth to remove salt buildup from sweat. Let it dry fully — a damp interior band can transfer moisture into the structure.
For persistent odor: set the hat in open air in a shaded spot for several hours. Fresh air is more effective than any spray.
05
Shape restoration
If your straw hat has lost its shape slightly, light steam can restore it. Hold the hat over a kettle or steamer at a safe distance — never directly in contact with steam. Gently work the brim and crown back to shape with your hands while still warm, then hold in position until it cools.
If the distortion is significant, contact us before attempting repair — our program covers reshaping.
Quick reference — straw hats
Do this
✓
Handle by the brim at all times✓
Air dry naturally, upside down if wet✓
Brush with a soft-bristle brush for dust✓
Use cool steam to reshape if needed✓
Store brim-up on a flat surface or stand✓
Contact us before assuming it's beyond repairNever do this
✕
Use a hair dryer, iron, or direct heat✕
Submerge in water or machine wash✕
Use soap, detergent, or chemical cleaners✕
Store brim-down or stacked✕
Leave in direct sunlight for extended periods✕
Crush or fold the brim for transport01
Breaking it in
A new wool fedora may feel snug. Wool fedora naturally conforms to your head shape with regular wear — give it a few sessions before deciding on fit. If the hat is uncomfortably tight, contact us about sizing before altering it yourself.
If sizing down, expect about two to four wears for the hat to settle comfortably.
02
Daily care and brushing
Use a hat brush or soft-bristle brush — always in a counter-clockwise direction for felt (this follows the natural direction of the fibers). A lint roller works for loose debris and surface lint between brushings.
Brush after each wear if worn in dusty or outdoor environments. Otherwise, a weekly brush is sufficient for everyday wear.
03
Handling moisture
Wool fedora handles light rain better than straw. If wet, shake off excess water gently, reshape with your hands, and air dry on a hat stand or upside down on a clean surface.
Never wring, compress, or store while damp. Wet felt is vulnerable to permanent distortion if left under pressure.
04
Removing stains
For dry debris: brush off immediately — do not rub, as this can work the stain deeper into the fibers.
For liquid stains: blot immediately with a clean dry cloth. Do not rub. Let air dry completely before any further cleaning.
For persistent stains: a clean cloth barely dampened with cold water only. Always test in a hidden area first. Do not use solvents, alcohol, or commercial cleaners on felt.
05
Reshaping with steam
Wool fedora responds beautifully to steam. Hold the affected area over a kettle or hand steamer at a safe distance — no direct contact. Once the felt softens slightly, gently work it back to shape with your hands and hold until it cools and sets.
This works for minor brim rolls, crown dents, and light distortion from storage. For significant damage, reach out to us — the repair program is designed for exactly this.
Quick reference — wool fedoras
Do this
✓
Brush counter-clockwise with a hat brush✓
Air dry on a hat stand, never compressed✓
Use steam to reshape crown and brim✓
Store in original box or breathable bag✓
Blot liquid spills immediately — don't rub✓
Let it conform to your head naturallyNever do this
✕
Machine wash or submerge in water✕
Use alcohol, solvents, or commercial cleaners✕
Store while damp or under pressure✕
Use a hair dryer or iron directly on felt✕
Rub stains — blot only✕
Stack hats directly on top of each other01
Always handle by the brim
Consistent pinching of the crown creates wear points that lead to distortion and eventually structural failure. Every time you pick up, adjust, or place your hat — use the brim. This single habit extends hat life more than anything else.
02
No heat — ever
Hair dryers, car dashboards, radiators, direct sunlight for extended periods — all of these cause irreversible material damage. Air dry only, always. If reshaping is needed, use cool steam at a safe distance, not heat.
03
Store intentionally
A hat left crown-down on a surface will develop a flat spot. A hat stored brim-down will roll. Use a hat stand or store in its original box. If traveling, pack with tissue paper inside the crown to maintain shape.
04
Repair before replacing
Our 25-year repair program exists because we believe most hat damage is reversible. Before deciding a hat is done — reach out. We've restored hats that looked beyond saving. It costs you shipping. We handle the rest.
Long-term storage
I
Use the original box
Our packaging is designed to protect the hat's structure during storage. *Only the Wool Fedoras come with a protective box. If you no longer have the box, a rigid hat box with tissue paper inside the crown is the next best option.
II
Breathable environments only
Natural materials need airflow. Never store in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers — this traps moisture and accelerates deterioration. A cotton dust bag is ideal for long-term storage.
III
Cool, dry, dark
Avoid attics (heat and temperature swings), basements (humidity), or any space with direct sunlight exposure. A closet shelf at room temperature is perfect.
IV
Never stacked
Stacking hats, even carefully, transfers weight to brims and crowns that were not designed for sustained pressure. Store each hat individually.
V
Travel with care
Pack with tissue paper or a small rolled cloth inside the crown to maintain shape. Place the hat in your bag crown-up, brims supported. Checked luggage is a risk — carry it on when possible.
VI
When in doubt, contact us
We've been asked questions about 10-year-old hats. We'd rather help you preserve something than have you guess. Our repair program and our contact line are both there for exactly this.
Something went wrong?
We've got it.
Every Left Turn hat comes with complimentary repairs for normal wear and manufacturer defects for up to 25 years. You cover shipping. We handle everything else.
What's covered
Normal wear, shape distortion, adornment reattachment, manufacturer defects, brim reshaping from regular use.
What's not covered
Pet damage, intentional misuse, third-party alterations, water saturation from submersion.
How to start
Contact us first with your order number and a description of the issue. We'll confirm and give you the shipping address.