How to Clean and Care for your Panama Hat
12/10/2019 12:32 PM
Few things accessorize guayabera shirts better than Panama hats. In fact, you could say that one is synonymous with the other. And while they don’t require frequent deep cleanings, you do want to keep your hat crisp and clean. With this in mind, here are a few tips on caring for your Panama hat.
Cleaning Your Hat
Sometimes Panama hats do require cleaning due mainly to the fact that they are often worn in warm weather and are therefore exposed to sweat and oils from the wearer. If your hat does need cleaning, keep in mind that you should only use a mild cleaner. You can spot clean your hat using simple hand soap and a rag. If, however, your hat is deeply impacted with dirt and skin oils it may need to be serviced. To do this, the sweat band will have to be removed then placed into a bucket of cool water. Next, it will need to be scrubbed down by professionals to remove any stains that have accumulated. Finally, it may need to be re-blocked. Contact us if your hat needs this level of cleaning.
How to Wash a Panama Hat
Detergent Mild dishwashing detergent
Water Temperature Cool
Cycle Type Do not machine wash
Drying Cycle Type Do not machine dry
Special Treatments Spot Clean or Hand wash only
Iron Settings Steam any fabric pieces
Folding Your Panama Hat
Of course, Panama hats can be folded but be careful not to do so too often. Folding your hat too frequently can crack the straw. Other general care tips for your hat include:
Hang it from inside with a hook so that it retains its shape.
Never place the hat on its wing,
Avoid pinching or crushing the natural fiber from the crown
Do not pull the hat from the edge of the brim
Protect it from rain
As you can see, Panama hats are not indestructible. They require common sense care in order to keep them crisp and clean. And few things look cooler than a pristine Panama hat (except the guayabera shirt itself)! This style pairing - along with linen pants – has been around for centuries. You can add your own unique signature to this combo when you purchase one of our shirts and accessorize it with any number of add ons. We even have guayabera shirts for kids and both shirts and hats for women as well.