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Proper Way to Store Your Hat
To keep a baseball hat in good condition, you need to store the hat properly. Many people will place their hats on a table, shelf, or in a drawer to store it. This will lead to bending of the brim, collapse of the crown, and in some cases, permanent deformation of the hat. The best way to store a baseball hat is to hang it on a hat rack, or keep it in a dedicated hat box. Hat racks allow the crowns to stay upright and keep the brim flat. If you prefer to keep your hats in a box, it is best to keep it in a box that has ventilation and has enough space so that it is not tight.
In my experience, hats that have been stored in an organized manner keep their shape 2 to 3 times longer than hats that have been stored in a disorganized way. For example, one customer who used a hat rack said that his baseball cap kept its shape for 2 years of frequent use, while another customer who stored his hats in a drawer said that his hat lost its brim shape in 6 months.
Handle With Care
How you handle your hats during your daily activities can dictate how long your hats keep their shape. Try not to grab the brim of the hat because the areas of the hat that are most important the the structures of the hats. The part of the brim that is enforced with cardboard or plastic can bend and crease whenever it is pulled or twisted. When you put on or take off your hat, be sure to use both hands and hold the sides of the crown at the same time to keep the pressure equal.
On top of that, while not wearing the hat, be careful where you put it. If put it upside down on a surface, the brim will touch the surface and the crown will be pressed in. Instead, use a flat and clean surface and put it right-side up. Professional hat manufacturers suggest that hats handle with care will dramatically reduce the wear and tear on a hat's stitching and structure, prolonging it's shape and life.
Clean Genty to Avoid Damage
Cleaning your hat is a great way to keep it fresh but can also be a cause of deformation is improper cleaning methods of your hat. First, check the care label on the hat because most blends of cotton or polyester in the baseball hats are required to be hand washed. Avoid putting your hat into a washing machine because the structure of your crown is likely to be damaged and the brim is likely to be warped.
To clean light stains, consider using a dampened cloth or soft-bristle brushes to clean the affected area. If the stains are more stubborn fill a container with cold water and a mild detergent. Submerge the hat being careful not to distort the shape and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. After the time is up, rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the hat is still damp reshape the crown and the brim. Allow it to dry air dry, but avoid direct sunlight and heat. Excess heat can cause the fabric to shrink and distort the shape. Textile care experts also say that air drying tends to be the best method to keep the original shape of the hat.
Protecting Against Extreme Conditions
Baseball caps can lose their shape from the combination of extreme humidity and heat. Leaving the hats in hot cars can cause the brim to shrink and lose reinforcements. On the other hand, Leaving hats in damp places like basements and bathrooms can lead to fabric stretching. In addition to that mold can grow on the hats.
If a hat gets wet, you should always reshape it and air-dry it in a place with good airflow. Never use a hair dryer or heater to try to dry it. This can ruin the material. For people who like to spend time outdoors, using a hat cover is a good idea to keep your baseball cap safe from dust, dirt, and moisture. Studies show that hats that spend extreme conditions are 30% more likely to deform than hats from stored from moderate conditions.
Reshape When Necessary
Good hat care doesn't guarantee that hats won't lose their shapes at some point. The good news is that some of the techniques are pretty simple to reshape your hat. If the brim gets bent, place a clean damp cloth over the brim. If the care label lets you, use a low-heat iron to press it flat. If the crown is collapsed, stuff the insides with tissues or a clean sock and leave it like that for a day or two.
If you want to reshape a hat, you could buy a hat shaper or form. A hat shaper is an insert that goes into the crown of the hat to help it keep its shape. Hat shapers are recommended by most hat professionals to help save the life of your baseball caps. A lot of hat collectors believe that regular reshaping helps keep a hat looking brand new.
When it comes to baseball hats, shape is an important factor to consider. The life of the hat can be greatly extended by following some tips. The hat’s structure can be preserved by shaping it, storing it properly, handling it gently, avoiding extreme conditions, and cleaning it with care. A baseball hat that is well maintained provides more comfort and style and can last a long time.
