Different hats call for different modes of
care. Please choose a hat type from the list below.
Care of silk hats
If your silk hat is caught in a rain shower, most hats have a
gossamer shell that should keep you waterproof.
Allow the hat to dry naturally in a warm airy environment.
Even if it has not rained, allow the hat to dry naturally
after every use. Do not dry it over a fire or radiator as
this can deform the hat.
Clean the hat after each use by dusting off any particles
using a brim brush (available from Ascot Top Hats) to get
into the brim curve. Always brush in the direction of the
nap (anti-clockwise looking down on the top of the hat)
After drying and brushing, polish the hat using velvet pad
(available from Ascot Top Hats) that has been heated for a
couple of seconds through contact with an iron to give a gloss
finish.
Store you silk hat in a hatbox upside down, with the hat
supported by the brim. An Ascot Top Hats oval hatbox, or traditional
leather hat case (available from Ascot Top Hats) caters for
most sizes.
Do not store hats in humid condition in enclosed bags for
long periods as humidity can lead to mould. Make sure a small
packet of silica gel is stored with the hat, and it is stored
in acid-free issue paper. Cedar anti-moth balls can discourage
moths, though it is the actual moth larvae that eat the silk.
Care of felt hats
If your felt hat is caught in a rain shower, do not despair
as felt is a natural material and spends most of its time
outside.
Allow the hat to dry naturally in a warm airy environment.
Even if it has not rained, allow the hat to dry naturally
after every use.
Clean the hat after each use by dusting off any particles
using a brim brush (available from Ascot Top Hats) to get
into the brim curve. Always brush in the direction of the
nap (anti-clockwise looking down on the top of the hat)
Store you hat in a hatbox upside down, with the hat supported
by the brim. An Ascot Top Hats oval hatbox (available from
Ascot Top Hats) caters for most sizes.
Do not store hats in humid condition in enclosed bags for
long periods as humidity can lead to mould. Make sure a small
packet of silica gel is stored with the hat, and it is stored
in acid-free issue paper. Cedar anti-moth balls can discourage
moths, though it is the actual moth larvae damage hats.
If your hat is not worn for some time then we suggest using
a Hat stretcher to keep it shape whilst in storage
to prevent that hat from any small shrinkage.
Care of opera hats
If your opera hat is caught in a rain shower, shout loudly
for a cabbie! Seriously though water will not harm the hat.
Allow the hat to dry naturally in a warm airy environment.
Even if it has not rained, allow the hat to dry naturally
after every use. Do not dry it over a fire or radiator as
this can deform the hat.
After drying, clean the hat after each use by dusting off
any particles using a brim brush to get into the brim curve,
and a soft velvet pad on the crown (both available from Ascot
Top Hats).
Store you silk hat in a hatbox upside down, with the hat
supported by the brim. An Ascot Top Hats oval hatbox, or traditional
leather hat case (available from Ascot Top Hats) caters for
most sizes. Do not store the Opera hat for long periods closed
position, store it expanded.
Do not store hats in humid condition in enclosed bags for
long periods as humidity can lead to mould. Make sure a small
packet of silica gel is stored with the hat, and it is stored
in acid-free issue paper. Cedar anti-moth balls can discourage
moths, though it is the actual moth larvae that eat the silk.
How to open your opera hat properly:
• Hold the closed hat in your right hand by the front
of the brim.
• Flick it open firmly by hitting the back of the brim
against the palm of your left hand.
• A classic thwack! sound should be heard.
How to close your opera hat properly:
• Hold the open hat on both sides by the brim.
• Rest the top of the crown on your chest.
• Apply an inward pressure to close it evenly.
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