Hat Care Guide

Learn how to properly clean, store and care for your American Hat Makers hat

How to store a hat

It's important to prop up the hat rather than leaving it flat for extended periods of time. You can use a hat cone, coffee can, or rolled paper towels to prop it up.

How to Clean a Suede Hat

Using coarse sandpaper, gently sand away any dirt and debris, being careful with the hat's threads. You can also use a suede stick to remove oil and stains without water.

How to Clean Sweat and Dirt from a Straw Hat

Our straw hats require the same care as any other hat. For easy stains, you can brush them off or pat dry with cornstarch or talcum powder. For stubborn stains, wipe with a damp cloth. For the most stubborn stains, carefully apply a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide.

How to Clean a Felt Hat

To extend the life of your hat, it's crucial to regularly brush it. To remove loose dirt, simply rub it gently with a hat brush. Avoid using nylon brushes, as they can be too rough and damage the hat. To remove dust from your hat, simply wipe it with a damp cloth (not too wet). To remove lint and hair, gently rub the hat with tape. For stubborn stains and dirt, use a specially formulated hat cleaner.

How to Clean a Finished Leather Hat

For your finished leather hat, we recommend using our Finished Leather Care Kit, which includes a bottle of Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner and a piece of high-quality sheepskin chamois leather. Simply apply a quarter-sized amount of leather conditioner to the sheepskin and then apply to all exterior leather surfaces of the hat. This leather conditioner will keep your hat looking as good as the day you bought it!