Caring for Your Panama Hat
Your Panama hat was handwoven by skilled artisans in Ecuador. A little care goes a long way in protecting their work.
Here's how to keep it in top shape:
Storing your hat
Always store your Panama hat upside down (resting on its crown) or with the brim lifted. Storing it upright can make the brim warp over time. A hat box or stand is perfect for keeping its shape intact.
Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. The straw can absorb moisture, which might alter its shape, and very dry conditions can cause it to crack.
All hats will fade a bit over time. Limiting light exposure when storing can help your hat keep its color for longer.
Cleaning
To clean your hat, just use a warm, damp cloth with a bit of mild soap, or even a baby wipe.
Avoid scrubbing too hard, which could damage the weave or make stains harder to remove. Try to stay away from harsh chemicals, they might weaken or discolour the straw.
Toquilla palm is naturally absorbent, so the sooner you tackle stains, the better.
Handling
Always lift your hat by the brim rather than the pinch (the top of the hat). Handling it by the pinch too often can weaken the fibers and eventually lead to tears. Most of our hats have reinforced pinches, but careful handling will keep yours in great shape longer.
Shaping & Steaming
For wrinkles, use a low-heat iron with a cloth between the iron and your hat to protect the straw.
For small adjustments in the crown, use steam from an iron or kettle and shape it back gently with your hands.
After wearing your Panama hat, we highly recommend putting a bit of steam into your hat - moisture is incredibly beneficial for a hat made from toquilla palm straw or any straw in that matter. Using steam from a kettle, iron, or even letting the hat hang somewhere close to a hot shower can work wonders. The added moisture helps keep the straw supple and prevents it from becoming brittle over time.
We are always happy to answer any questions you might have, please use the form on the contact page and one of the team will respond promptly.