A well made hat can last you a lifetime. However, if it's one you reach for day in and day out at some point it will probably start to show signs of wear and tear. Damaged ribbons, decaying leather sweatbands, a grubby linings, and a layer of dust are all signs of a hat that's lived a life and been loved by the wearer. Even the most cherished hat occasionally needs some tlc to bring it back to looking its best, and this is where my experience as a hat maker comes in!
Restoring a Felt Hat
Last year a friend of a friend got in touch to see if I could help him. He was an avid hat wearer, and after 15 years of regular wear one of his much loved hats had seen better days, and he was keen to see if it could be restored.
In this case it would involve replacing the sweatband and lining, and a general freshen up of the felt, something I was more than happy to do.
Replacing the Inner Sweatband
A hat's sweatband plays a key role in comfort and durability. When it deteriorates, it can significantly affect the hat's fit and overall feel
Over time, the leather band in this hat had started to degrade and crumble, so it was definitly in need of replacemnt. I carefully removed the old sweatband, and hand-stitched in a new leather band.
Adding a New Hat Lining
The lining has also seen better days, so this was also removed. Linings aren't just funcational, as they are a lovely change to add a little hidden personaliy to a hat and can come in a range of materials. In this case, my client opted for a gorgous wine satin, which will also help to hide the marks over years of wear to come.
This new lining was hand-sewn into place, and together with the sweatband ensured that the interior of the hat looked as good as new.
Giving the Band and Felt a Clean
When it came to the outside of the hat, my client was keen to keep as much of the original hat's feel as possible. Thankfully the band was in good condition, so only minor adjustments were made to get it sitting correctly again.
When you wear a hat for years, your hand tweaks the shape to reflect how you wear and handle it, which adds a charm an uniqueness that my client and I keen to maintain.
A slow and gentle clean ensured that the felt was refreshed but the shape of the hat was maintained.
A Restored Hat Ready for Many More Years of Wear
Once my work on the hat was completed, I shared photos the restored hat with the client to ensure he was happy with the results before safely boxing it up to be returned to him. Normally clients visit my studio in Kent but thanks to technology this whole process was able to done without him having to travel across the country.
Before:
After:
Tips for Looking After Your Hat
Prevention is better than cure, so here are some of my top tips for looking after your hat:
Store them Properly: Keep your hat in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Consider using a hat box for added protection from dust and light.
Regular Light Cleaning: A lightly brush can freshen up your felt hat. Just be careful to following the grain of the fur. It's worth asking for advice when you pick up your new or restored hat.
Watch the Water: Perhaps easier said than done, especially here in the UK! Some felts cope better with rain than others (something to consider when choosing your hat), and like shoes, allow your wet hat to dry slowly and naturally, and rest it on something that won't distort the shape.
Hopefully your hat will look fabulous for years to come, but if it does need any repairs get in touch via info@MissAvasMillinery.com or book an appointment to visit my studio in Chatham, and we can have a chat about what I can do to bring it back to its best for you.
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