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Hat Care Tips

Felt Hat

- Always handle your hat by the brim (Do not pinch the crown to pick it up as this can result in misshapen crowns and may split the felt.)

- Never rest your hat on its brim. Always turn it upside down and set it on the crown, so that the brim doesn’t flatten out.

- Clean your hat after each use using a soft bristle hat brush or a hat sponge. Brush counter clockwise with the nap, starting at the bow.  For the removal of lint, a Roll of Low tack painters tape works well.  Simply wrap a loop or two around four fingers, with the sticky side out.  Gently pat the hat to pick up the lint. Great horse show quick fix for a pre class polish!

- If you get caught in the rain, turn the sweatband out and let the hat stand on the crown until dry. 

- Never apply direct heat to your hat as this will cause it to shrink and/or lose it’s shape.

- Always store your hat in a hat box to help keep it clean and looking new.

Straw  or Sinamay Hat 

- Always handle your hat by it’s brim. Do not pinch the crown, this will result in cracked straw and misshapen crowns.

- Never rest your straw hat on it’s brim. Always turn it upside down and set it on the crown, so that the brim doesn’t flatten out.

- Dust your new straw hat with a soft bristled brush to keep it clean.

 - Keep your hat stored in a cool dry place, in a hat box to help it retain it’s shape and stay clean. .  We like to pack our hats with a sized piece of strong card stock, made into a  roll that is just long enough to have the brim stand off the table when placed down, then pack the middle lightly with acid free tissue paper, to help keep the top crown shape.  This has proved a very good way to pack away Sinamay Hats for the season.  

- Do not get your straw hat wet! This will cause the straw to swell and lose it’s shape.  If you do happen to get it wet, the best chance to help preserve it is to allow it to air dry.  Again packing lightly with acid free tissue paper, and replacing it when wet, will help draw out moisture, and help hold the shape of the hat.  Do not apply direct heat.  A good quality hat protecting spray, can help reduce the chances of a damage if in questionable weather!

Choosing the Right Hat

Note: for all, Generally speaking , never choose a hat that the crown is narrower than your cheek bones.

Oval Face

- Almost any hat can be worn!, however Hats with larger brims will be most flattering

- Wear the hat straight across the brow or hair line

Round Face

- Shaped or angles brims are best compared to straight.

- Asymmetrical lines are very helpful

- Square type lines are also best compared to rounded crowns

Square Face

 - Slant the brim of your hat, or simply tilt the hat

- Asymmetrical shapes are best.

-  a nice earring will also help add, and soften the look

Oblong Face

- Full brims are attractive

- Avoid tall and narrow hats

- Try best to balance your shoulder and rest of your body

Triangular Face

-Avoid upswept brims

-Avoid crowns that are angular or pointed

- Yet typically the same rules apply as and oval face and may hats will suit you

Copyright © 2006 Relhok Carriage Company Ltd.