How to Care for a Tilly Hat

A washable Tilley hat can be cleaned in a hotel sink.

Tilley hats come in dozens of shapes to suit activities ranging from outdoor adventures to city shopping. Alex Tilley, a Canadian, developed the prototype in 1980. A Tilley hat resists shrinkage, keeps its shape and lasts for years. Tilley hats made with nylon, cotton or hemp clean easily. Wash the hat regularly to minimize deterioration from perspiration and skin oils. For example, if you wear the hat daily, wash the hat once a week.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent
• Scrub brush (optional)

Instructions

Washable Hats

1. Remove the contents from the secret pocket. A new Tilley hat comes with a plastic bag and a “Brag Tag” in the hidden compartment in the crown. If your hat contains a foam insert, remove this from the pocket as well. Remove any pins or other hat decorations.

2. Set the washing machine to a warm or cool temperature setting. You can also wash by hand. Pour in detergent. Do not use bleach or detergents that may contain bleach.

3. Remove the damp, clean hat. Smooth the hat with your hands. Reshape the hat, if necessary.

4. Air dry your Tilley hat. Some hat owners set the hat on a table or hang the hat on a door knob. Do not dry in a dryer.

5. Re-stretch the dry hat. Insert your knee in the hat’s crown. Grasp the hat firmly with your hands and pull in the opposite direction. Stretching can loosen a snug hat band.

Smooth Wrinkles from a Tilley Hat

1. Remove the contents of the hat’s secret pocket.

2. Bring the hat to a sink. Fill the crown with warm water. Swoosh the water around. Wet the outside of the crown.

3. Dump out the water.

4. Shape the hat with your hands.

5. Air dry the hat.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the hat separately.

• Gently scrub with a scrub brush, if necessary.

• Every washable hat contains an "Owner's Manual."

• Do not wash a felt or wool hat.

References

• Tilley: Tilley, Owner’s Manual for the Tilley Hat
• Tilley Western: Tilley Hats