Hat Care
Hats take sweat, rain and daily handling, and the wrong wash can ruin a peak or shrink a beanie. This hub sets out how to clean, dry and store caps and knitted hats by fabric so they keep their shape and colour for years.
Washing
Washing Caps
How to clean a structured cap without wrecking the peak.
How to do it
Spot-clean or hand-wash caps in cool water with a mild detergent, working gently around the sweatband and front panels.
Avoid
Avoid the washing machine and dishwasher for structured caps, as heat and agitation can warp the peak and crown.
Washing Beanies
Cleaning knitted hats by fibre to protect softness and shape.
How to do it
Hand-wash wool and cashmere beanies in cool water with a wool-safe detergent, then press out water without wringing.
Tip
Acrylic beanies tolerate a cool, gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag, but always check the care label first.
Sweat and Stain Care
Treating brow sweat marks and everyday stains on caps.
How to do it
Dab sweat marks with a mild detergent solution and a soft brush, focusing on the sweatband, then rinse gently.
Why it matters
Regular light cleaning of the sweatband stops salt marks setting in and keeps the cap fresh.
Drying and shaping
Drying
Air-drying headwear to prevent shrinkage and misshaping.
How to do it
Air-dry all hats away from direct heat; stuff a cap crown with a clean towel to hold its shape as it dries.
Avoid
Never tumble-dry or radiator-dry wool or structured hats, as heat shrinks knits and distorts crowns and peaks.
Reshaping
Restoring a cap crown or beanie to its intended form.
How to do it
While damp, gently reshape the crown and peak by hand, or dry a cap over a rounded object to reset the form.
Tip
Lay knitted beanies flat to dry in their natural shape rather than hanging, which stretches the fabric.
Peak Care
Keeping a curved or flat peak in its shape over time.
How to do it
Curve a peak gently by hand for a softer look, or store it flat to keep a straight brim; avoid forcing sharp bends.
Avoid
Do not soak a cardboard-cored peak, as older inserts can warp; modern plastic cores handle damp better.
Storage
Pilling Care
Removing bobbles from knitted hats to keep them looking new.
What it is
Pilling is the small balls of fibre that form on knits, most on acrylic and softer wools, from rubbing and wear.
How to fix
Remove pills with a fabric comb or de-bobbler, working lightly across the surface to lift them without cutting the knit.
Storage
Keeping hats in shape and moth-free between wears.
How to do it
Store caps stacked or on a peg by the crown, and keep knitted hats folded flat in a drawer away from damp.
Tip
Protect stored wool and cashmere from moths with a cedar block or lavender, and keep hats out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a cap in the washing machine?
It is best not to; structured caps can have their peak and crown warped by machine agitation and heat. Hand-wash or spot-clean in cool water, and only machine-wash soft, unstructured caps on a gentle cycle if the label allows.
How do I wash a wool beanie without shrinking it?
Hand-wash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent, do not wring it, press out water in a towel and dry it flat in shape; heat and agitation are what shrink wool.
How do I get bobbles off a knitted hat?
Use a fabric comb or battery de-bobbler, working gently across the surface to lift the pills without snagging or cutting the knit.