Tumahy Felt Hat Repair & Care Guide

This guide helps you maintain the shape, finish, and longevity of your Tumahy felt hat. For best results, always follow any care instructions found on the label inside your hat.

1) Daily Handling (Prevent damage before it happens)

• Pick up by the crown, not the front dents. Repeatedly pinching the front can permanently reshape the crown and may weaken felt over time.
• If you must hold the brim, grip near the base of the crown, not at the outer edge, to reduce brim distortion.
• Avoid crushing your hat in bags or under heavy items.

2) Proper Storage (Shape protection)

• Store on a wide hook/peg that won’t create pressure marks.
• If storing on a shelf, place the hat upside down (resting on the crown) so the brim doesn’t flatten.
• For long-term storage, use a structured hatbox with support for both crown and brim. Keep away from dust, humidity, and direct sunlight.

3) Cleaning & Dust Removal

• Use a soft bristle hat brush for routine cleaning.
• Brush gently in short strokes (commonly with the nap direction, if applicable).
• For light surface marks, a clean soft cloth may help—avoid aggressive rubbing, which can fuzz or thin the felt.

4) Water & Drying (What to do if it gets wet)

Felt does not love heavy rain. If your hat gets wet:

1. Shake off excess water immediately.
2. Do not towel-rub (it can distort the felt surface).
3. Reshape lightly by hand and let it air-dry naturally at room temperature.
4. Keep away from hairdryers, radiators, heaters, and dryers—heat can shrink, warp, or the structure.
5. Once fully dry, brush gently to restore the finish.

5) Steam Repair (Dents, creases, and minor warping)

Steam is the safest way to reshape felt.

• Hold the hat near steam from a kettle or garment steamer for about 20–30 seconds (do not soak it).
• When the felt softens slightly, reshape with your fingers.
• Let it cool and dry completely to “set” the shape.
• Repeat in short sessions rather than using excessive steam at once.

Tip: For stubborn dents, steam first, reshape, then allow the hat to rest on a stable surface until fully dry.

6) Brim Flattening or Uneven Brim

• Lightly steam the brim area.
• Place the hat on a flat surface and hand-smooth the brim into position.
• Allow it to cool/dry fully before wearing.

If the brim has severe distortion, professional re-blocking may be needed.

7) Sweat, Odor & Inner Band Care

• After wearing, let the hat air out in a dry, shaded place.
• Avoid storing while damp from sweat or rain.
• If the sweatband is damp, let it dry naturally. Do not use high heat.

8) Grease Stains (Spot treatment)

• Apply dry cornstarch to the oily area and let it sit for several hours (or overnight).
• Gently brush away with a soft bristle brush.
• Repeat if needed. Avoid liquid stain removers unless approved by the care label.

9) When to Seek Professional Repair

Consider a professional hatter if you notice:

• Deep structural dents that won’t respond to steam
• Major brim warping
• Torn felt, holes, or cracking
• Significant shrinkage
• Loose trims or internal structure issues
  Professional re-blocking can restore shape and fit more safely than forceful DIY reshaping.

Quick Do / Don’t

DO: brush regularly, store properly, air-dry naturally, use gentle steam to reshape.
DON’T: pinch the front dents repeatedly, soak in water, machine wash, tumble dry, or use hairdryers/heaters.

If you’d like, tell me your felt type (wool felt vs. fur felt) and whether it’s a structured fedora, boater-style, etc.—I can tailor the guide wording to match your specific product line and care label tone.