Hat Care & Shaping Guide

Protecting your investment is key to enjoying your Mix Brown hat for years to come. Crafted from premium Australian materials, our hats require specific care. Follow our expert guide to cleaning, reshaping, and storing your wool felt and raffia straw hats.

Felt Cowboy Hat Care & Reshaping

Our felt cowboy hats are made from high-quality Australian wool, offering durability and water resistance. Proper care maintains their rich texture and shape.

1. Daily Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Routine Dusting: Use a soft-bristle hat brush or a lint roller. Always brush in a gentle, counter-clockwise motion (against the nap) to lift dust and lint.
  • Light Stains: For small marks, lightly rub the area with a clean, dry cloth or a soft white eraser. Always work from the outside of the stain inwards.

2. Expert Shaping: The Steam Method (E-E-A-T Experience)

If your crown or brim loses its form, steam is your best tool for restoring the original shape:

  1. Preparation: Use a garment steamer or the steam from a kettle of boiling water.
  2. Steam Exposure: Hold the hat approximately 4 inches from the steam source. Allow the steam to gently penetrate the wool felt for about 20 seconds. Do not saturate the felt.
  3. Reshaping: While the felt is warm and pliable, use your hands to carefully mold the crown and brim back into your desired shape (e.g., re-curling the edge of a cowboy hat).
  4. Drying: Place the hat on a clean, flat surface or a head form and let it cool and dry completely for at least 20 minutes before wearing. **Do not use a hairdryer.**

3. Handling Rain & Wet Felt

  • Do Not Dry with Heat: If your hat gets wet, gently shake off excess water.
  • Air Dry: Turn the hat upside down, resting on the crown (not the brim), and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area to air dry naturally. Avoid hanging the hat by the crown, as this can distort its shape.

Raffia Straw Hat Care & Restoration

Our imported Raffia straw hats are light, durable, and naturally flexible. Simple care ensures the natural fibers remain in excellent condition.

1. Cleaning & Spot Treatment

  • Dust & Debris: Use a clean, damp cloth (do not use soap) to gently wipe the straw fibers. For deep debris, a small, soft toothbrush can be used.
  • Dealing with Sweat: Clean the inner sweatband regularly. Use a cloth with a small amount of mild detergent (like gentle hand soap) and warm water. Rinse the sweatband area with a separate damp cloth and allow it to air dry quickly.

2. Brim Restoration: The Gentle Mist Technique

  • Rehydration: If the straw brim becomes warped, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the affected area with clean water. **Do NOT saturate the hat.**
  • Reshape: Once the fibers are slightly flexible, carefully reshape the brim by hand and place the hat on a flat surface or a round object (like a canister) to dry.
  • **Important:** Always air dry in the shade, as direct sunlight can make the natural raffia fibers brittle.

Long-Term Storage Tips

  • Avoid Pressure: Never stack items on top of your hat. Always store it in a hat box or a clean, protected area.
  • Temperature Control: Avoid storing your hats in extremely hot environments (like a car dashboard or attic), as high heat can shrink wool felt and dry out straw fibers.
  • Travel: When traveling, ensure the hat is placed upside down in a suitcase and the inside of the crown is filled with soft items (socks, scarves) to help maintain its form.

Mix Brown Quality Commitment: Our expertise ensures the longevity of your style. Contact our Hat Experts with any specific care questions.