Straw Hat - Cleaning and Maintenance

Handling the straw hat

• Avoid at all costs handling your hat by pinching the crown, as this will weaken the straw in this area, and will likely lead to cracking of the pointed part.
• It's important to know that our hands and fingers contain many natural oils that, over time, could cause the straw to dry out, leading to cracking of the crown. Of course, you can touch your hat to put it on, however make sure to grab it by the brim (much more sturdy and easier to clean).
• When you're not wearing your hat, simply place it on a flat surface upside down on the crown. Placing it on its brim can cause deformation. During winter, you can even store it in a hatbox filled with tissue paper to protect it from dust.

Straw hat maintenance

• Wipe with a cloth soaked in warm water mixed with a mild synthetic detergent, Marseille soap works best.
  - dirt : remove the stain by gently brushing with a cloth. If it doesn't come off, use a facial or baby wipe, they are usually quite effective.
  - grease stain: add a few drops of ammonia. This should be done especially for the inner part (fabric grosgrain).
  - large stains: rub with a cloth soaked in a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and talc or Fuller's earth. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before gently brushing with a soft brush to remove the paste.
• Then rinse with a cloth soaked in water.

Soft or flexible straws

• Soft straw hats can be stiffened by lightly brushing the straw with a layer of clear lacquer diluted with an equal amount of alcohol. Otherwise, there are now sprays available to stiffen them.
• To lighten the color and restore shine, rub the hat with a cloth soaked in dark alcohol, dilute the alcohol with one quarter of water, then gently polish it with a piece of dark velvet.
• You can also find our selection of hat care products on the Traclet shop

Our infographic to guide you