Can You Save a Soaked Felt Hat? (The Answer May Surprise You!)

Most felt hats, provided they are well stiffened, will survive a shower of rain, however if you get caught in torrential rain and your hat gets soaking wet you need to:

1 Dab off excess moisture with a clean towel

2. Place you hat in a warm place an airing cupboard is great or above a radiator, but not on it.

3. When you hat is nearly dry hold it at the front with your finger and thumb where the dents are and pinch it slightly and put your hat on your head. You can now adjust the brim.

4. Leave your hat to dry completely. If you felt hat is floppy and won’t hold it shape it probably needs re-stiffening.

Just a few pointers:

It is important not to wring your hat out when it is wet or pull it into shape, treat it gently.

Don’t use newspaper to pack out a hat, the newsprint could transfer to your hat and also push it out of shape.

Applying direct heat like a hair dryer or putting it in a tumble dyer can shrink your hat and damage it.

If your hat is polyester felt it will be very difficult to reshape it. Do not apply direct heat as this could separate the outer layer of the fabric.

When you hat is completely dry give it a good brush to bring out the nap. It can be stored in a hat box with tissue paper with the brim raised off the base or if in regular use store it on a hat peg to prevent the brim becoming misshapen.