The right-shaped hat is one of the most sought-after trends in fashion. In general, today’s cowboy hat is more defined, with exaggerated points and shapes that are the very definition of the historic era. Cowboy hats are one of the most recognizable pieces of western clothing. They fill the head and face cover role, but they also serve as accessories to dress up a real gentleman.
The elegant and impressive hair flow of a cowboy hat perfectly suits the image of the rough and respected cowboy. The cowboy hat is also used to protect their head from the sun, rain, or bad weather, which may cause problems for other parts of their body. This proves the importance of a right-shaped cowboy hat and why it is essential to keep your piece in good condition. Here are the five most crucial aspects that need to be considered for maintaining a hat shape.
Cleaning
The first thing you need to do to keep your hat in shape is clean it regularly. It’s important to know that harsh chemicals and detergents could damage the brim and crown of the hat. You should not just spray it off with a hose. The best way is to brush it gently with a soft bristle brush or hand wash using warm water, mild wool soap, and a sponge-like material or chamois cloth. Then, you can rinse out the soap thoroughly under running water until the soap residue disappears entirely and let it drip dry naturally.
Storage
After cleaning, never let your cowboy hat rest on top of your head or hang on a hook. Instead, you should place it in a hatbox or stand on a broad base with the hat’s crown down. Never lay your hat flat or on its side. The shape will be destroyed by gravity, and the weight from the crown and brim will be concentrated on one side or another. It may also cause damage to its smoothness, which is quite crucial for appearance. A good hat can last for generations, but proper storage is critical for long-term shape.
Repairs
If your cowboy hat has suffered from damage such as ripping, stretching, denting, or cracking due to rough handling, you must repair it immediately. You can do this by gluing a leather patch on the damaged spot, stitching it back together, or sewing it completely. Be very careful when sewing on a new piece; only use cloth and needles that are suitable for repairs and use materials that won’t scratch the surface of the hat. Also, there are many professionals out there who know how to reshape a hat and other repairs.
Conditioning
After years of wear, your cowboy hat will gradually start to lose shape. A badly beaten or faded hat will have wrinkles and creases that have made the surface uneven and rough. To solve this problem, you can condition your hat using a stiff brush or comb to work out all dirt, dust, lint, and dead hair from the surface. Then, you can apply a small amount of wax and rub it on the surface using a soft cloth. After that, you can polish the hat with a soft cloth to shine it.
Caring
You should never use your hat when doing heavy work such as ranching because your sweat and oil could ruin your hat. You should also avoid using it in dirty or dusty places because dirt particles could get stuck inside and cause permanent damage to its appearance. Never let your cowboy hat soak in water, either. Instead, stick with cleaning only with cold water and brush gently to remove dust and debris from its surface.
Mistakes That Can Affect Your Cowboy Hat’s Perfect Shape
Many mistakes can affect your cowboy hat’s shape, but all of them can be fixed. Here are some common mistakes that you should always avoid to keep your best in shape.
- Don’t leave the hat in a hot place or under direct sunlight for a long time, especially in the summer.
- You should not avoid bringing your hat to a local store or repair shop for cleaning and structuring when needed, as it will protect you from losing your cowboy hat’s perfect shape.
- You should also avoid hanging it on top of your head or leaving it on top of a hook while storing so that its shape won’t be affected by gravity.
- If you notice unusual wear and cracks on your cowboy hat, never use strong glue to solve the problem; instead, go to the nearest store or repair shop to help you solve this problem.
The right-shaped cowboy hat is one of the most charming accessories for modern-day gentlemen to wear. It’s an essential part of any western attire. In addition, you can use an oval brimmed hat with a side strap. If you wish to make your hat look dashing and give you more options when styling your outfit.