Hats are a fun and stylish way to accessorize an outfit and protect yourself from the sun. However, hats can easily get crushed, bent out of shape, or dusty if not properly stored. Finding the right hat storage method is key to keeping your hats in pristine condition and ready to wear whenever you need them. In this article, we’ll explore different techniques for storing various types of hats so you can pick the solutions that work best for your personal hat collection.
Should you store hats in their boxes?
Many hats come in branded hat boxes from the manufacturer. While these boxes seem like a logical storage solution, they actually aren’t ideal for long-term hat storage for a few reasons:
- Rigid hat boxes don’t prevent creasing or indentations like soft materials do.
- The cardboard can attract pests and dust.
- Boxes take up a lot of precious closet space.
Hat boxes are fine for keeping hats protected during transport and displaying them in your home. But for general storage, opt for other methods that keep hats cushioned and prevent box wear and tear.
Storing baseball caps
Baseball caps are one of the most popular headwear choices worldwide. Their curved brims and adjustable straps make them prone to damage if not stored properly. Here are some baseball cap storage solutions:
Hat racks
Freestanding hat racks or racks that mount on the wall or hang over closet rods are ideal for storing baseball caps. Look for racks with thin, curved prongs spaced 2-3 inches apart to hold each cap by its crown. This prevents indentations on the brim and allows air circulation to prevent dust buildup.
Capped bust forms
Bust forms are stylized foam head-and-neck mannequins typically used for wig storage. For caps, look for forms with a slender neck and grooved crown designed to hold baseball caps. Positioning caps on a form keeps the shape of the crown and brim and allows you to stack multiple capped forms to save space.
Shelving
Install shelving in your closet specifically for your caps. Neatly line up caps side by side on the shelf with the brims facing forward so you can easily grab the one you want. For extra protection, place strips of foam, felt, or a cap shaper on the shelf before setting down your caps.
Storing cowboy hats
From wide brims to tall crowns, cowboy hats have a distinctive silhouette that requires special care. Here are some tips for maintaining their structure:
Hat stands
Invest in a freestanding hat stand designed to hold cowboy hats. Look for stands with rounded crowns to fill out the hat’s shape and padded brims to prevent creasing. Position stands away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Hat boxes
While regular cardboard hat boxes aren’t ideal for long-term storage, cowboy hats do well in rigid boxes specifically shaped to their crown and brim. Look for cylindrical hat tubes or specialty cowboy hat boxes. Pad the inside lightly with tissue or fabric to prevent rubbing.
Felt hat cones
Felt cones slide over the crown of your cowboy hat to help it hold its shape. Look for cones sized slightly smaller than your hat’s crown for a snug fit. Stuff extra tissue or fabric inside the cone for added support.
Storing winter hats
Knit hats, fleece lined hats, earmuffs and other winter gear need protection from moths, dust, and other damage when not in use:
Hat boxes
Winter hats can be stored nicely in hat boxes. Look for stackable boxes made of archival cardboard or acrylic to protect contents from pests and dust. Layer hats neatly inside, cushioning with acid-free tissue.
Underbed storage
Slide hat boxes or plastic storage bins of winter hats under the bed to keep them out of the way when not in season. This also protects them from light damage.
Garment bags
Store wool, cashmere, and other delicate winter hats in cotton or mesh garment bags. Hang bags in your closet for easy access. You can group hats in one bag or use individual bags.
Storing straw hats
Straw hats like wide brimmed sun hats and decorative visors require careful storage to prevent cracking, breaking, and losing their shape:
Hat stands
Display your favorite straw hats on circular hat stands so the brims stay supported. Place a piece of foam under the brim for added protection. Position away from direct sunlight, heaters, and AC vents to prevent drying.
Hat boxes
Pack folded or rollable straw hats neatly in archival hat boxes. Wrap tissue or fabric around the crown for support. Look for stackable hat boxes so you can store multiple folded straw hats together.
Padded hat cases
For frequent travelers, store straw hats in firm hat cases padded with foam or fleece. Look for cases in your hat’s shape with secure closures. The padding prevents damage when transporting hats.
Caring for vintage hats
Vintage and antique hats require extra diligence to keep the fragile materials preserved:
Absorbent materials
Line hat boxes with acid-free tissue paper to wick moisture away from vintage hats. You can also use archival fabric like washed cotton muslin. Change materials seasonally.
Climate control
Store vintage hats in a closet or room with good climate control. Keep humidity around 50% and temperature under 70°F. Avoid attics, basements and garages with extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Cleaning
Carefully hand wash or spot clean vintage hats when needed using mild soap and water. Reshape hats after washing and allow to fully air dry on a hat stand or form.
Protective storage
Never stack vintage hats as this can cause dents and damage. Instead, store each hat individually in its own archival hat box, adding extra padding inside the crown and around the brim for support.
Picking hat storage materials
The materials you store your hats in are just as important as the storage method. Look for storage solutions made from these protective materials:
Acid-free tissue and cardboard
Acid-free, lignin-free tissue paper and cardboard are chemically treated to be pH neutral. This helps preserve hats and prevent yellowing or deterioration over time.
Unbleached, washed cotton
Natural fibers like washed cotton muslin contain no chemicals and allow hats to “breathe.” Look for fabric with a tight weave to prevent dust and pests.
Foam
Foam strips and pads cradle the fragile contours of hats to prevent crushed crowns and bent brims during storage. Opt for closed-cell foam that won’t absorb moisture.
Felt
Use 100% wool felt pads or rolls to provide soft cushioning against the insides of hat boxes, on shelves, and under hat brims.
Acid-free plastic
Archival plastics like acrylic and polypropylene are inert, non-reactive materials ideal for hat boxes, hat forms, and other storage solutions. They resist warping and chemical breakdown.
Preventing common hat storage problems
In addition to choosing storage methods that protect hat shapes, also ensure your storage solutions prevent these common issues:
Dust
Dust can accumulate on hats in open shelving or crowded boxes. Choose enclosed boxes, bags, or closets with doors to limit exposure.
Pests
Fabric pests like moths can damage wool, felt, and other natural materials. Use cedar blocks or sachets as a deterrent.
Crushing
Don’t stack hats or allow them to dent each other. Wrap or pad each hat’s crown individually.
Light damage
Sunlight and bulb light can fade and weaken hat materials. Store hats in indirect light away from windows and light fixtures.
Moisture
Excess humidity can damage hats over time. Maintain temperatures under 70°F and stable humidity around 50%.
Caring for hats in storage
In addition to protective storage methods, integrate these care practices into your hat storage routine:
Seasonal storage
Rotate which hats are in active storage vs. long-term storage as seasons change. Store off-season hats with additional archival tissue or hat cones for support.
Periodic conditioning
Use hat conditioners formulated for your hat’s material to keep straw and felt pliable and leather and suede supple. Wipe crowns and brims with a clean, dry cloth after conditioning.
Moth prevention
Use cedar blocks, sachets, or pest control sprays approved for archival storage to guard against fabric pests like moths. Air out hats periodically.
Proper wrapping
Never place hats loosely in plastic bags, which can trap moisture. Always wrap in acid-free tissue within archival hat boxes.
Cleaning
Gently wipe hats with a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust before storing. Spot clean stains on wool, straw, felt, or leather using appropriate cleaners.
Best practices for hat storage
Follow these top tips for keeping your hat collection in great shape for years to come:
– Store felt, wool, and fabric hats in cool, dry conditions away from direct light.
– Use hat stands, blocks, and forms to retain hat shapes, never stack brimmed hats.
– Pad hat crowns with acid-free tissue to prevent creasing and dents.
– Look for breathable archival materials like acid-free tissue, unbleached cotton, and foam.
– Avoid plastic bags – use archival hat boxes or fabric hat bags instead.
– Keep rarely worn hats in additional hat cones or supports for structure.
– Integrate periodic hat conditioning, cleaning, and moth prevention into your storage routine.
Conclusion
Hats are stylish but delicate accessories that require proper storage methods to keep them looking their best for many years. By using archival hat boxes cushioned with acid-free tissue, storing hats on forms to retain their shape, and keeping them in a climate controlled environment, you can build a hat collection that stands the test of time. Implement hat care practices like seasonal rotation, cleaning, and pest prevention to give your hats the protection they need. With the right storage and care, your hats will remain a beautiful part of your wardrobe for generations to come.
