Hat Care Guide
A Lacerta custom felt hat is built to last decades, not seasons — if you treat it right. Fur felt, straw, and wool each ask for slightly different care. Here's how to keep yours looking its best for years to come.
Everyday Handling
• Always lift and set your hat down by the brim or crown edges — never squeeze or grip the crown itself, which can crush the shape.
• Store it crown-down on a flat, stable surface, or on a hat stand/rack when not in use. Never stack hats on top of one another.
• Avoid leaving it on car seats, dashboards, or anywhere it could get sat on or crushed.
Fur Felt Hats (Beaver, Coypu, Rabbit)
• Brush gently in a circular motion with a soft-bristle hat brush to lift dust and restore nap.
• Keep away from direct heat sources (radiators, car interiors in summer) — heat can warp the felt.
• If it gets caught in light rain, let it air dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct sun or heat. Never use a hairdryer.
• For deeper cleaning or reshaping, take it to a professional milliner or hat cleaner rather than attempting it at home.
Straw & Panama Hats
• Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth; avoid soaking.
• Store somewhere with stable humidity — very dry environments can make straw brittle; very humid ones can encourage mildew.
• Reshape gently by hand if the brim shifts; steam very lightly if needed (a professional can help with this).
Wool Felt Hats
• Brush with the nap using a soft brush.
• Spot-clean stains with a barely damp cloth — avoid saturating the wool.
• Air dry away from direct heat if it gets wet.
Sweatband & Ribbon Care
• Wipe the interior leather sweatband occasionally with a dry cloth to remove natural oils and sweat.
• Avoid excessive moisture near the ribbon trim, as vintage grosgrain can water-spot.
When in Doubt
Every Lacerta hat is handmade, which means it deserves handmade care. If you're ever unsure how to clean, store, or restore your hat, reach out to us.