To keep your hat’s shape, store it upright or on a hook instead of crushed in a bag, keep it away from heat, and never put it in the dryer. When it gets wet or after washing, dry it over something round so the crown holds its curve. Structured hats need the most care; soft dad hats are more forgiving.
Why hats lose their shape
- Crushing: sitting on it, stuffing it in a bag or stacking heavy things on top creases the front panels.
- Heat: dryers, dashboards in summer and radiators can warp the bill and shrink fabric.
- Water without support: a wet hat dried flat or folded will dry that way.
- Rough washing: a regular machine cycle bends the crown and bill.
How to keep your hat’s shape day to day
- Hang it or set it upright. A hook, a hat rack or a shelf where it can sit on its crown.
- Don’t stack structured hats tightly. If you nest them, keep the stack short and the crowns lined up.
- Keep it off the dashboard. A hot car can warp a hat fast.
- Pick it up by the bill gently. Grabbing the front panels over and over can crease them.
Traveling with a hat
Wear it if you can. If it has to go in a bag, stuff the crown with socks or a T-shirt and pack it on top, not under heavy items. Soft dad hats like the Yupoong 6245CM can fold more easily than structured caps.
Cleaning without losing shape
Spot clean when you can. For a full clean, hand wash in cold water with mild soap, gently scrub and rinse. Skip the regular machine cycle for structured hats. If you do use a machine, use cold water, the delicate cycle and a mesh laundry bag. Never use the dryer. Our FAQ has more care tips.
Drying a hat the right way
- Press out water with a towel. Don’t wring it.
- Set the hat over something round, like a bowl, a balloon or a rolled towel, so the crown keeps its curve.
- Smooth the front panels and shape the bill with your hands.
- Let it air dry away from heat and strong sun.
Fixing a hat that’s lost its shape
A slightly crushed crown often comes back if you dampen it lightly, stuff it with a towel to the shape you want and let it dry. Be gentle with the embroidered front, and don’t use high heat. A badly bent or warped bill may not fully recover, which is why prevention matters.
Does the embroidery affect the shape?
Embroidery adds a little firmness where it’s stitched, which helps the front hold its shape. Keep the embroidered area flat when drying and storing so the stitches stay smooth.
Quick answers
Should I curve the bill?
Many of our caps come with a pre-curved bill. If you want more curve, shape it gently with your hands a little at a time.
Which hats hold their shape best?
Structured hats like the Richardson 112 and Flexfit 6277 are built to hold a shape. They just need to be stored upright and kept away from heat.
Need a fresh one? Design a new custom hat.