Hat Care Guide
Crafted to Last. Cared for Generations.
A Larry Mahan hat is more than western headwear. It's a reflection of tradition, craftsmanship, and the stories you create along the way.
Made with time-honored techniques and attention to every detail, your hat is designed to stand the test of time. With proper care, it can become a treasured piece of your legacy, ready to be passed down to the next generation.
Follow these simple care instructions to preserve the shape, quality, and character of your Larry Mahan hat.
Fur Felt Hat Care
1. Store It Properly
When not in use, place your hat upside down on its crown on a clean, flat surface, or store it in a hat box. This helps preserve the shape of the brim.
2. Brush Away Dust and Dirt
Use a soft-bristled hat brush to gently remove dust and dirt. Start on the left side and brush counterclockwise around the crown and brim.
3. Protect It from Excessive Heat
Keep your hat away from heaters, radiators, direct heat, and hot vehicles. Excessive heat can cause the felt to shrink and the leather sweatband to lose its shape.
4. Let It Dry Naturally
If your hat gets wet, gently shake off excess water and allow it to air-dry at room temperature. Turn the leather sweatband outward to help it dry, and keep the brim from resting against a surface. Never use a hair dryer or direct heat.
5. Keep the Sweatband Dry
After extended wear, occasionally turn the leather sweatband outward to allow perspiration to evaporate before storing your hat.
6. Handle with Care
When putting on or removing your hat, hold the brim at the front and back rather than pinching the crown. This helps maintain its original shape.
7. Treat Stains Carefully
For light-colored felt hats, a small amount of cornstarch may help absorb fresh oil stains. Test on an inconspicuous area first, and gently brush away the powder. For stubborn stains, consult a professional hat cleaner.
Straw Hat Care
1. Store It Properly
Store your straw hat upside down on its crown or in a hat box to help protect its shape and prevent the brim from becoming distorted.
2. Clean Gently
Remove dust with a soft, dry brush or cloth. For minor marks, use a slightly damp cloth, testing on a hidden area first. Avoid soaking the straw or using harsh cleaning products.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat
Keep your hat away from direct heat, hot vehicles, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Heat can dry out the straw, cause brittleness, and shrink the sweatband.
4. Protect It from Moisture
Straw hats are best kept dry. If your hat becomes damp, gently blot excess moisture and allow it to air-dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid bending or reshaping the straw while wet.
5. Handle with Care
Always put on and remove your hat by holding the brim at the front and back. Avoid repeatedly pinching the crown, which can weaken the straw over time.
6. Preserve Its Shape
Avoid placing heavy objects on your hat or leaving it in tight spaces where the crown or brim could become bent or crushed.
How to Reshape Your Cowboy Hat
Over time, even the finest cowboy hats may lose some of their original shape. Whether from everyday wear, travel, or improper storage, a little care can help restore your hat's signature look.
Reshaping a Fur Felt Cowboy Hat
Fur felt is naturally flexible and can often be reshaped with gentle steam. Follow these steps to help restore your hat's original form.
1. Apply Gentle Steam
Using a garment steamer or a kettle producing a steady stream of steam, carefully expose the area you want to reshape to gentle steam. Keep the hat several inches away from the steam source and avoid saturating the felt.
2. Gently Reshape
Once the felt becomes slightly pliable, use clean hands to carefully adjust the brim or crown toward its original shape. Work gradually without pulling, stretching, or forcing the material.
3. Allow the Hat to Cool and Set
Hold the desired shape briefly, then allow the hat to cool and dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct heat or placing pressure on the reshaped areas.
4. Repeat if Necessary
For minor adjustments, you may repeat the process using short applications of steam. For significant reshaping, deep creases, or crown adjustments, we recommend visiting a professional hat shaper.
Reshaping a Straw Cowboy Hat
Straw hats require a more delicate approach. Unlike fur felt, straw can become brittle, crack, or lose its finish when exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
1. Assess the Shape
Identify the areas that need adjustment. Minor bends in the brim may sometimes be corrected, but sharp creases, cracked straw, or damage to the crown may require professional attention.
2. Make Gentle Adjustments
For minor brim distortions, use clean hands to carefully guide the brim toward its original shape. Apply light, even pressure without forcing or sharply bending the straw.
3. Avoid Excessive Steam and Water
Do not soak your straw hat or expose it to concentrated steam. Different straw materials, finishes, and internal supports respond differently to moisture and heat, and improper treatment may cause permanent damage.
4. Let the Hat Rest
Once adjusted, place the hat on a clean surface with the brim properly supported, or use an appropriately sized hat stand. Allow it to retain its shape without pressure from surrounding objects.
5. Seek Professional Reshaping When Needed
For more noticeable changes to the brim or crown, visit a professional hat shaper familiar with western straw hats. Professional reshaping is the safest option for preserving the hat's structure and finish.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Every Larry Mahan hat is crafted with a commitment to quality, authenticity, and western tradition.
With the right care, your hat can accompany you through countless adventures, gathering character and memories with every wear.
Made to be worn. Built to last. Worth passing down.