Care and Storage of Blocked Hats
Care and Storage of Blocked Hats
A Note Before we Begin
Most damage to hats does not happen while they are being worn.
It happens afterward - through poor storage, rushed packing, excess heat, moisture or well-intentioned tidying up. Once a hat has been blocked and finished, its longevity depends almost entirely on how it is handled when it is not on the head.
Good care is not complicated. It is consistent.
General Principles of Hat Care
Regardless of material, there are a few rules that apply to all blocked hats:
Always handle hats with clean, dry hands.
Lift hats by the brim edge only when appropriate, never by trims.
Allow hats to fully dry after exposure to moisture or humidity.
Avoid unnecessary handling - repeated touching softens edges over time.
If a hat feels fragile, it usually is. Treat it accordingly.
Storage Fundamentals
Shape support.
A blocked hat must be supported in a way that preserves its intended form.
Crowns should not be compressed.
Brims should not be bent or folded.
Hats should never be stacked directly on top of one another without protection.
If a hat was blocked on a particular form, store it in a way that respects that shape.
Airflow Matters
Hats need to breathe.
Avoid airtight containers for long-term storage. Trapped moisture - even at low levels - can soften structure, encourage mould or dull finishes over time.
Care and storage by Material
Felt Hats
Felt is resilient but not indestructible.
Store felt hats away from heat sources.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Allow felt to dry naturally if damp - never force-dry.
For storage, felt hats do well:
On a hat stand that supports the crown.
In a box with crown support and breathable lining.
Crushing felt for extended periods will permanently distort the shape.
Straw Hats
Straw requires restraint and patience.
Straw dislikes moisture and sudden temperature changes
Never store straw hats in plastic.
Avoid bending or flexing dry straw.
Straw hats should be stored:
In a cool, dry environment.
With gentle support to prevent brim distortion.
If straw feels brittle, it is already under stress.
Straw hats should not be worn in the rain. Straw is a natural material that weakens when wet. Rain causes fibres to swell, soften and lose their structural memory. Even brief exposure can lead to distortion, cracking as the hat dries or long-term brittleness.
Sinamay and Fine Woven Materials
These materials are light but structurally complex.
Store away from dust and pressure.
Avoid stacking with heavier hats.
Protect from catching on rough surfaces.
Because these materials rely on stitching and layering, damage often begins invisibly before becoming obvious.
Trims, Embellishment and Decoration
Trims are often the most vulnerable part of a hat.
Feathers should not be compressed.
Flowers and sculptural elements need clearance.
Veiling should be supported to avoid creasing.
Never store a hat resting on its decoration. If necessary, create space around the trim rather than flattening it.
Long Term Storage for Hats not Worn Regularly
Store individually where possible.
Use acid-free tissue for light support.
Check periodically for signs of moisture or pests.
Hats forgotten in cupboards are more likely to be damaged than hats that are checked occasionally.
Travelling with Hats
Travel is one of the highest-risk moments for a hat.
Use a rigid hat box whenever possible.
Secure the hat so it cannot move inside the box.
Fill negative space gently - do not compress.
Soft bags, overhead lockers and car boots on hot days are common causes of irreversible damage.
Heat and Cars
Hats should never be left in a hot car.
Heat softens fibres, relaxes stitching, weakens adhesives, and permanently alters shape. Even short periods in a parked car can undo careful blocking work - particularly in summer.
If a hat has been left in a hot environment and appears unchanged, damage may still have occurred invisibly and reveal itself later.
When in doubt, take the hat with you.
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A Mentor’s Perspective
A well-made hat will last for years - even decades - if it is treated with care.
Care is not about perfection. It is about attention. When hats are respected between wears, they rarely need repair. When they are neglected, no amount of skill can fully restore them.
Looking after a hat is part of the craft.
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