How should I handle a hand-made hat?

Hold it by the brim or the base and never by the crown. The crown takes the shape of every grip, and a felt crown pinched repeatedly in the same place keeps that mark. On a straw hat the same habit cracks the weave along the fold.

How should I store a hat?

In its hatbox, away from sunlight and damp, with tissue inside the crown to hold the shape. If the brim curves, store the hat upside down on its crown so the brim is not resting on its edge. Sunlight fades colour slowly and unevenly and a faded hat cannot be brought back.

What should I do if my hat gets wet?

Shake it gently, reshape it by hand while it is still damp and let it dry naturally at room temperature away from heat. Never dry a hat on a radiator or with a hairdryer, because direct heat shrinks felt, makes straw brittle and sets a distortion permanently.

How to Care for a Felt or Straw Hat

Q: How do I clean a felt hat?

Brush lightly with a soft clothes brush in one direction, following the nap, to lift dust before it works into the fibre. For a mark, let it dry fully and then brush. Water and rubbing will felt the surface and leave a shine that does not come out.

Q: Can a hat be reshaped years later?

Yes. A hand-blocked piece can be steamed and reshaped and the ribbon can be replaced, so a hat that has softened with wear can be brought back close to how it left the atelier.

A hand-made hat keeps its line for years when it is kept well. A few habits are all it asks.

How should I handle a hat?

Hold it by the brim or the base, never by the crown. The crown takes the shape of every grip, and a felt crown pinched in the same place repeatedly will keep that mark. On a straw hat the same habit cracks the weave along the fold.

How should I store it?

In the hatbox it arrived in, away from sunlight and damp, with the tissue kept inside the crown to hold the shape. If a piece has a brim that curves, store it upside down on the crown so the brim is not resting on its edge for months. Sunlight is the quiet enemy: it fades colour slowly and unevenly, and a faded hat cannot be brought back.

What do I do if it gets wet?

Shake it gently, reshape it with your hands while it is still damp and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from any heat. Never dry a hat on a radiator or with a hairdryer. Direct heat shrinks felt, makes straw brittle and will set a distortion permanently.

How do I clean felt?

Brush lightly with a soft clothes brush, always in one direction, following the nap. Lift surface dust before it works into the fibre. For a mark, let it dry fully first, then brush. Water and rubbing will felt the surface and leave a shine that does not come out.

How do I look after straw?

Straw wants less handling than felt. Keep it out of prolonged direct sun, do not fold or pack it flat, and wipe the inner band occasionally where it meets the skin. Parasisal and Panama both hold a crisp edge, and both will crack if the brim is repeatedly bent against its blocked shape.

Can I travel with a hat?

Carry it rather than pack it. If it must travel in a case, fill the crown with soft tissue or a scarf so nothing collapses into it, and pack around the brim rather than on top of it. A hatbox in the boot of the car is worth the space it takes.

Can a hat be reshaped years later?

Yes. A hand-blocked piece can be steamed and reshaped, and the ribbon can be replaced, so a hat that has softened with wear can be brought back close to how it left the atelier. If a piece needs attention, write to mariamonicamilliner@gmail.com and we will tell you what is possible.

What about veils and crystals?

Handle a birdcage veil by the base rather than the net, and let it hang rather than folding it. Crystal and beaded work should never be cleaned with any solvent. Dust it with a dry, soft brush and nothing else.