How to Care for a Cowboy Hat: The Complete Guide
A well-made cowboy hat is one of the few things you own that gets better with age, if you take care of it. A 5X wool felt hat that has been worn and maintained properly for ten years has a character that no new hat can match. Straw hats, cared for correctly, hold their shape and color through seasons of use.
The people who ruin hats are the ones who treat them like any other accessory. They are not.
A cowboy hat is an investment piece that demands respect and proper care. Here is what you need to know to make your hat last for years to come.
Handling Your Hat the Right Way
The oils from your hands are the number one enemy of a hat's brim and crown over time. Get into the habit of handling your hat by the brim, not the crown. Gripping the crown repeatedly will distort the shape faster than almost anything else.
Storing Your Hat
Storage matters more than most people realize. Here is how to do it right:
- Use a hat box or hat rack. A hat box protects against dust, light, and accidental crushing. A hat rack keeps the hat in shape and off surfaces.
- Never store a hat in a plastic bag.
