Caring for Leather Hats

Leather hats are distinctive, hardwearing, and all-natural. Keep your leather hats soft and ready for whatever comes with our Leather Hat Care Tips!

Shop Hat Care Products

As far as hat care goes, there are 2 general types of leather finishes:

  1. Oily or Waxed Leather
  2. Suede or Nubuck

Make sure you select hat care products that are suited to your leather hat's finish!

Important things to avoid with all types of leather hats:

  • Alcohol-based products
    • e.g. applying perfume while wearing your hat
    • Alcohol dries and stains leather
  • Oily products
    • e.g. makeup or skin moisturizers, etc.
    • These can stain your leather hat
  •  Liquids
    • e.g. water or other
    • Liquids and water can stain, warp, and dry out leather
  • Sunlight or heat (over long exposures)
    • e.g. keeping your hat in a hot car, near a window, etc.
    • UV light and heat can dry out and damage leather
  • Embellishing your leather hat with pins, labels, badges yourself
    • These can easily damage the leather or leave unsightly holes and markings.
    • It is best to have these professionally applied. 

Handling

For both leather finishes:

  • Handle your leather hat with clean hands to avoid staining. 
  • Do not pinch, squeeze, or tug on your leather hat when placing it atop your head.
    • Leather is a natural product that can stretch or warp over time.
  • Instead, handle it gently by its brim, place atop your head, and use the palm of your hand to gently push the hat back, if needed. 

Storage

For both leather finishes:

  • Short-term Storage:
    • In order of preference:
      • Place your hat on a hat block/form
      • Hang your hat on a peg or hat tree
      • Place upside down on its crown
    • Whichever method you choose, make sure to keep away from direct sunlight or heat.
  • Long-term Storage:
    • Store your leather hat in a dedicated hat box with lid to keep dust and sunlight away. 
    • A hat box with hat cradle or form inside is best. Otherwise, a regular box with lid will do - simply stuff your hat's crown with tissue paper to avoid warping of its shape over time. 
    • Store the hat box in a cool, dry place. 

Cleaning

For oily or waxed leather finishes:

  • Dusting
    • Regularly worn leather hats should be dusted on a weekly basis.
    • To dust, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently dust in the direction of the grain. 
  • Cleaning
    • It is best to spot clean problem areas, when necessary. 
    • If using a professional cleaning product, ensure it is appropriate for your hat's specific leather finish and follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
    • For a homemade cleaning solution: mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water and pour into a clean spray bottle. 
      • Spray the affected area lightly and use a soft-bristled hat brush or hat sponge to work the solution into the leather. 
      • Do NOT saturate leather!
      • Let air dry completely before moving on to the conditioning step.
  • Conditioning
    • Select an appropriate leather conditioner for your hat and follow manufacturer's instructions. 
    • Keep in mind, most conditioners and repellent treatments will darken the leather. To be safe, spot treat the underside of the hat to get an idea of the color change and whether you wish to proceed.
    • Generalized conditioning instructions:
      • Apply a small amount of suitable leather conditioner and work into the leather in a circular motion. 
      • Give extra attention and care to any worn areas. 
      • Allow the conditioner to absorb for several hours or overnight for best results. 
      • Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently buff the hat's surface. This removes any excess conditioner. 
      • Repeat as needed, or at least once a year. 

For suede or nubuck leather:

  • Dusting
    • Use a soft-bristled hat brush to dust your hat at least once weekly.
    • Use a clockwise motion and gentle strokes. 
  • Cleaning
    • It is best to spot treat any stains or problem areas.
    • For matted surface stains:
      • Use sand paper to gently rub the stain off.
      • Work in gentle strokes, checking your progress often.
      • Use a soft-bristled brush to brush off any debris. 
    • For oily stains:
      • Dust the stain with cornstarch or talc powder to help absorb the oil. Leave for a couple hours, at least, for best results. 
      • Brush off with a soft-bristled brush. 
    • For larger or stubborn stains, a professional cleaning product might be best.
      • Select an appropriate cleaner for your leather type.
      • Follow manufacturer's instructions.
  • Conditioning & Protecting
    • Select an appropriate conditioner and/or protector product for your leather hat. 
    • Keep in mind, most conditioners and repellent treatments will darken the leather. To be safe, spot treat the underside of the hat to get an idea of the color change and whether you wish to proceed.

Stretching

Stretching leather hats is possible, but unlike other materials, heat and steam are to be avoided with leather. There are two ways to safely stretch a leather hat yourself:

  1. Using a dedicated hat stretcher.
  2. The knee method.

Using a hat stretcher:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results. 

Using the knee method:

  • Place the crown of your leather hat over your knee.
  • Gently tug on the hat, towards yourself, while rotating the hat.
  • After about two minutes, stop and check to see if the desired result has been achieved. 
  • Repeat as necessary. 

 

 By G. Realpe
Copywriter, Village Hat Shop

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