With proper care and storage, you will enjoy your HAT-A-TUDE Straw hat for years!
1. STORAGE: All HAT-A-TUDE Hats come in a Hat Box or Storage Bag (use for long-term storage). Hats have different brim and crown shapes and need to be supported accordingly. The softer the brim….the more forgiving. A flat brim hat should be stored FLAT. If stiff brim has a flare or swoop, support the interior of the crown so it doesn’t rest on the brim. The most delicate part of a Hat is the Crown! Always stuff the Hat crown with tissue for storage and DO NOT stack hats on top of one another! Of course Hat Boxes do stack! Do NOT ever hang a straw hat on a hook…hat will become so misshaped it will never be repaired! Do NOT leave in the car…the sun will bleach and dry the straw.
2. CLEANING: This really depends on the type of straw and type of spot. Often an alcohol wipe will take off lipstick or makeup. My white or ivory hats with the more flexible large brims, I spot clean with a terry cloth or soft toothbrush (only for sturdy straws) which I have dampened with mix 50/50 water and CLEAR dish detergent ( I like Dawn but hard to find the clear…don’t use the colored ones!) Be very careful with colored straws…they may not be colorfast.
3. DUST: The best secret I have found is the aerosol dust canisters (for electronics)! Point and blow the dust away is short bursts! Great for feathers, flowers and ribbon (also for any silk flower arrangements).
4. BENT BRIM: Soft flat brims….I put the hat on an ironing board, use an iron set on low and a damp paper towel and press out the crease. The steam does the job! If hat is a stiff Sinamay straw, use some steam from iron (don’t press!) or clothing steamer (what I use) and manipulate with your fingers to reshape. FYI: What makes Sinamay stiff is a “starch” so too much moisture will turn it a gummy mess! Always allow any hat to DRY NATURALLY before wearing. Never run under water directly!
5. A straw hat is NOT an umbrella! So please don't wear your hat in the rain. Many real silk flowers & dyed feathers are not colorfast and may water spot or bleed. Carry a light weight bag if you are going to the races or outdoor event…ask and I will include with your Hat purchase (will fold up in your handbag). Or in a pinch, use a dry cleaning bag. Hint: I have been caught in the rain on my bike (A lot in FL Summer downpours) and every bar/restaurant/stadium has light weight trash can liners…works perfectly! Drop hat in and knot! Wahoo….dry hat when I get home!
ENJOY! Kathi, Your Hat Designer!
http://www.hat-a-tude.com
(888)832-0630
