The best way to store any hat is to hang it on a peg or stacked hooks. This will allow for air circulation so the felt doesn't grow mold and prevent any misshapen elements of the hat from being crushed against other hats in storage. An alternative method is to place it in a box if that's not practical. Be sure the box has small compartments for each hat component, with enough room between them all for ventilation. If you plan to keep your hats in long-term storage (more than six months), take care when storing paper items with them; either make sure they are wrapped securely or avoid including paper objects in the same container as your hats. Make sure there are no holes in the box.
The hat should not be left in sunlight for long periods, as this can damage the felt. If it's an older, fragile hat that spends a lot of time outdoors, it should be protected from inclement weather by being housed indoors when not in use.
Storage methods to use
Before using any storage method for straw fedora hat womens or other hats make sure there are no stains or marks on the hat. If there are any, they will only become more pronounced during storage. If you live in a particularly humid area, the hat might need to be brushed with a dry brush every so often to minimize mold growth on the brim. Ensure to store hats away from pets, and anyone who might want to play with them; carelessly handled items may suffer damage over time.
Use bags and boxes
You can use a bag for storing hats but use it only when your hat is not at risk of getting crushed by other clothing in the same storage space. Otherwise, a box or hook storage method is preferable. Ensure there are no stains or marks on the hat before storing it in a bag; you do not want any of these elements to become more pronounced during storage.
As with box storage, make sure the hat has enough room to breathe inside the bag. If it doesn't, then either create multiple compartments within the bag or wrap it securely. To prevent crushing, use packing material between items that will trap air if necessary. When using cloth bags for storage, especially older ones, check them carefully for holes, and make sure they're not too delicate to support the weight of your hat. If your hat is on the more delicate side, you may want to avoid using a cloth bag for storage altogether.
There are many ways to store hats, but this article will cover the most common ones. It can be wise to check hats before storing them for any stains or marks that might accentuate during storage. If possible, try to store it in a place with controlled humidity levels and away from pets and people who might want to play with it. As always, keep an eye on the weather conditions near where you keep hats; if there's a chance of inclement weather damaging them, they should be brought inside as needed. You may also wish to brush older hats regularly as part of active care.
Every hat is unique
It's important to note that every hat is different; the above methods are not universal and might not be suitable for all hats. If you're unsure how your hat should be stored, ask an expert or consult a professional before attempting anything yourself.