How to care for your Panama Hat

The Panama Hat is a handwoven work of art. Crafted in the homes of Ecuadorian Master Hatmakers, it will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Much like a linen suit, or fine Italian shoes they are made to be worn and will age elegantly producing a patina that tells the story of the places you have been.

Panama hats like a little moisture

• When you wear it, it absorbs moisture & stays supple & won't crack
• It is porous & absorbs moisture from your head - so sweat is very good for your Panama.
• Place your hat in a steamy bathroom or hold it over boiling water to moisten.
• The best thing you can do is wear your Panama and get a bit sweaty.
• If it gets very wet,  let it dry it on your head, or it will distort. When it is almost dry, sit it on a flat surface with the brim up to settle.

Clean your Panama

• Brush it gently to remove dust & dirt - flick the dirt out of the fibres
• A little mild soap and water for stains.
• A white eraser can also remove some stains.
• Beware, sunscreen and hair products will leech the colour & stain your hat.

Handle it Properly

• Never pinch the front of your hat; it will crack the straw. This is the major cause of tragic hat death. Instead, gently grip the top of the hat with an open hand or use the brim.
• Wear it - if you take your hat off, it can get lost or crushed. Wearing it also keeps it moist and supple
• To tune up the brim, gently sweep your fingers along the brim and slowly reshape it.
• Don't leave it in the sun - unless it is on your head.

Keep it in a box

• Avoid storing in direct sunlight, as it will dry out the straw.
• Don't leave it in the back of your car - it will dry it out like an oven, shrinking it and making the straw brittle.
• Using a box will extend its lifespan enormously - keeping it safe through winter, protecting it from getting squashed and preserving it for future generations. 
• Even if your Panama is rollable, never store it rolled up.
• If you are wearing it every day, then keep it on a hook.
• If it is a fino weave, then store it flat, ideally with the brim up, because they are as soft as cloth and will distort.

 

 

Sometimes your hat will get damaged, and healing this is easy. The following movies and articles will help:

 

How to shape the brim on your Panama

How to fix a broken Panama

What to do if your Panama gets wet?

 

 

ー保管方法パナマ帽の置き方で帽子の形を長く保つ事が出来ます。

つばの下がった帽子は常につばが下に直接付かない様にスポンジ等を入れて保管するか帽子を逆さ置いて保管して下さい。

絶対に折り畳まずに保管してください。

 

ーパナマ帽はあまり乾燥しすぎない様に。

パナマ帽は適度な湿気と風通しが必要ですが雨の日は使用しないで下さい型崩れします。

車の中に放置しないで下さい乾燥してパナマ帽が縮んで割れやすく成ります。

 

ークリーニング基本水洗いは出来ません。

ハットブラシをかける前にホコリを飛ばしてからブラシをしてください、ホコリがパナマ帽の目に詰まってしまいます。

汗の汚れがスベリやリボンに付いた時は水で浸した布をよく絞って軽く拭いてからカビが出ない様によく乾かしてから保管してください。

日焼け止めクリームなどは変色やシミの原因になりますのでご注意ください。

 

ーパナマ帽の扱い方帽子の上前方のとがっている部分を絶対に指先でつままない様にして下さい。

そこから割れてしまいます。軽く帽子の上全体を持つか、両手でつばを持ってご使用下さい。

パナマ帽を被ってご自分でつばを指先で好み角度に調節して個性を出しましょう。