How to Care for Your Hats and Caps (So They Keep Their Shape)
A good hat should last for years, but most get ruined by one careless wash or a hot car. A few simple habits keep your caps, beanies, and bucket hats looking sharp.
Check the Label First
Cotton twill caps, polyester trucker caps, and knit beanies all need different care. Check the care label before you do anything. If there is no label, treat the hat as delicate and wash it by hand.
Washing Baseball Caps, Dad Hats and Snapbacks
Never put a structured cap in the washing machine. The heat and tumbling can bend the brim and warp the crown.
- Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Dab sweat marks and stains with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse with cool water and squeeze out the excess gently. Never wring it.
- Stuff the crown with a towel so it holds its shape while it dries.
Washing Beanies
Knit and all-over print beanies are easier. Hand wash them in cool water, press out the water in a clean towel, then lay them flat to dry. Hanging a wet beanie stretches it out.
Washing Bucket Hats and Visors
Soft bucket hats cope with a gentle hand wash in cool water. Visors should be spot cleaned only, as the brim and band are easily damaged by soaking.
Drying: Air Only
Never use a tumble dryer, radiator or hairdryer. Heat shrinks fabric, fades colour, and can crack printed designs. Dry hats away from direct sunlight, which also fades them.
Protecting Printed Designs
Prints last longest when you:
- Wash cool and avoid bleach or harsh stain removers
- Never scrub directly on the design
- Avoid ironing over the print. If you must, use a cloth between the iron and the hat
Storing Your Hats
- Hang caps on hooks or lay them on a shelf with space around them
- Do not stack heavy items on top
- Stuff beanies and bucket hats loosely with tissue if you are storing them for the season
- Keep hats out of damp places like car boots and gym bags
Reshaping a Squashed Cap
If a brim has flattened, curve it gently around a rolled towel or a mug and leave it overnight. Avoid steaming or soaking it.
Cluster Roundup
This guide finishes our hats and caps series. If you missed any, you can read about dad hats, trucker caps, bucket hats, beanies, snapbacks, visors, and 5-panel caps on the blog.
Ready for a new one? Browse our full range of hats and caps.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed and approved for publication by the editorial team at WhatUWant2Buy.
