How to Store a Cowboy Hat: Tips to Keep Your Hat in Perfect Shape
Cowboy hats are more than just a piece of clothing—they’re an investment in style, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether you wear your hat every day or save it for special occasions, proper storage is essential to maintain its shape and quality. At Justin Boots, we know the importance of preserving the integrity of your cowboy hat, and we’re here to share the best practices for storing your hat to ensure it looks as good as the day you bought it.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Cowboy hats, whether made of felt or straw, are designed with a specific shape that gives them their iconic look. However, improper storage can cause the brim to flatten out, the crown to lose its shape, and the material to degrade over time. To prevent this, it’s crucial to store your cowboy hat the right way, especially if you won’t be wearing it for a while.
Always Store Your Hat on Its Crown
One of the most important tips for storing a cowboy hat is to always place it upside down on its crown. This might seem counterintuitive, but there’s a good reason for it. Storing your hat on its brim can cause the brim to flatten or warp over time, ruining the hat’s shape. By resting the hat on its crown, you keep the brim elevated and maintain its original curve.
If you don’t have a designated hat stand, a clean, flat surface will do the trick. Just make sure the crown is sturdy enough to support the weight of the hat without collapsing.
Never Place Your Hat Over Heat
Another critical tip is to never place your cowboy hat over a heat source, such as a lamp, stove, or heater. Heat can warp both felt and straw hats, causing the brim to curl or the crown to lose its shape. Excessive heat can also dry out the materials, making the hat brittle over time. Always keep your cowboy hat in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources.
Hanging Your Hat
You can hang your cowboy or cowgirl hat on hooks as long as it’s done carefully. Hanging it from the crown keeps the weight off the brim, helping to maintain its shape. Bonus: When hung on a hook, your hats are visible and accessible, making it easy to grab one before heading out.
When using hooks, be sure that the hook is wide enough to support the inside of the crown and doesn’t put too much pressure on any specific point. Also, make sure nothing else touches the brim while the hat is hanging, as this could cause warping or flattening over time.
Storing Your Hat on a Shelf
Another great option is to store your hat upside down on its crown on the top shelf of your closet. This method not only keeps the brim elevated but also keeps your hat safe from getting squished or damaged. Just like with hooks, avoid placing anything on top of the brim. Keeping your hat upside down ensures it maintains its iconic shape and style.
Use a Hat Box for Long-Term Storage
If you won’t be wearing your cowboy hat for an extended period, the best way to store it is in a hat box. Hat boxes are designed to protect your hat from dust, sunlight, and physical damage. When placing your hat in a box, make sure it’s resting on its crown with plenty of space around the brim. This will keep the brim from being squashed and help maintain the hat’s overall shape.
For extra protection, consider wrapping your hat in acid-free tissue paper before placing it in the box. This will help prevent moisture build-up and keep the hat’s material in top condition.
Keep Your Hat in a Cool, Dry Place
Temperature and humidity can have a big impact on the longevity of your cowboy hat. Felt hats, in particular, can be sensitive to moisture, which can cause them to lose their shape or develop mold. Straw hats can become brittle if exposed to excessive heat or dryness.
To prevent damage, store your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, such as basements or attics. A climate-controlled environment, like a closet or bedroom, is ideal for keeping your hat in pristine condition.
Regularly Check on Your Hat
Even when stored properly, it’s a good idea to check on your cowboy hat every few months, especially if it’s stored in a box. This will allow you to catch any potential issues, such as moisture build-up or changes in shape, before they become permanent. If you notice any signs of wear, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
Proper storage is key to preserving the shape, quality, and longevity of your cowboy hat. Whether you store your hat on its crown, hang it on a hook, or keep it in a protective box, following these tips will help ensure your hat stays in perfect condition for years to come. At Justin Boots, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your cowboy hat investment, so you can wear it with pride whenever the occasion calls for it.