Suede hats are more than just a simple accessory; they are a blend of style, class, and durability. While they can upgrade any outfit instantly, the beauty of a suede hat is also in its longevity.
But like any quality piece of attire, it requires proper care and maintenance to retain its good looks.
If you're wondering "how to clean a suede hat," you're in the right place. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on maintaining your suede hat, preserving its aesthetics, and prolonging its lifespan.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Suede Hat
Suede, a product of split-grain animal hide, is beloved for its soft, nappy finish. However, its unique texture can easily absorb stains and dust.
Consequently, cleaning your suede hat regularly isn't just about keeping it looking fresh—it's also a crucial step in maintaining its quality and durability.
Types of Suede Used in Hats
Primarily, there are two types of natural suede used in hats:
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Suede: Derived from the soft underside of a split-grain animal hide, natural suede leather has a nappy finish that can be easily stained. Hence, there are specific cleaning steps necessary for suede hats.
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Nubuck: Although similar to suede in appearance, nubuck uses the top of the animal hide that is finely sanded and buffed to produce a velvety finish. Its cleaning techniques are akin to those of suede, but stain removal might require professional treatment.
Preventive Care for Suede Hats
Before we delve into the cleaning methods, remember that prevention is better than cure. Regular use of a spray-on suede and nubuck protector can repel rain and prevent excessive staining, making your cleaning task easier.
Daily Care Techniques for Suede Hats
To keep your suede hat at its prime, regularly remove loose dirt and dust using a soft bristle brush—usually found in suede cleaning kits. If areas of the hat appear matted, use an emery cloth to raise the nap.
Dealing with Oily Stains
Encountered an oily mishap? Don't panic. Dust the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. Then, brush away the powder and repeat until the oil stain is gone.
What to Do for Tough Stains
For stubborn stains, spot treat with a mild detergent-water mixture and wipe with a clean, white cloth dipped in water. Allow the hat to air dry and then brush it to restore the nap.
Avoiding Water Damage
It's best to avoid getting your suede hat excessively wet. However, if it does happen, shake off the excess water and let it air dry. If possible, use a hat form to prevent shrinking and misshaping. Once dry, brush the hat thoroughly to restore its nap.
Caring for Leather Hat Sweatbands
Whether fabric or leather, hat sweatbands in suede hats need frequent cleaning to prevent body oils and perspiration from staining the hat's exterior. We'll explore cleaning methods for these in detail later.
Proper Storage
Storing your hat correctly can prevent many potential issues. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid locations with excessive moisture.
For dust protection, use a hat box or cover it with a cloth garment bag. Avoid storing it in a plastic bag, as trapped moisture could cause mildew or yellowing.
What Makes American Hat Makers Unique
We proudly hand make our hats and hat bands in California using only the finest materials available. We guarantee our hats for a lifetime against defects in materials and workmanship.
We include our sizing system with your order. This allows your hat to be adjusted to three different sizes. Should you need a different size than this allows, we will gladly exchange your hat for a perfect fit.
Simply return the hat in the original box with a note as to what you need, and we will send you the appropriate replacement. By the same token, if the color of the hat is not what you expected, we will exchange for another of our standard colors at no extra charge.
Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee speaks for itself. Should the hat not meet up to any of your expectations, simply return the hat to us for a full refund (less shipping costs)……No questions asked. (Custom and special orders excepted)