How to Clean a Leather Cowboy Hat

Take good care of your leather cowboy hat and it will survive years of wear.

Purchasing a new leather cowboy hat is an exciting and sometimes taxing experience as you try to find the perfect fit for your head size and shape. They are a seemingly timeless accessory and staple of many people's wardrobes. Keeping a hat in good shape requires attention to detail and care. Leather cowboy hats are typically made of thin, delicate leather that requires careful handling, storage and cleaning for it to retain its shape and condition.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristled brush
• Lint-free cloths
• Cowboy hat box
• Linseed oil

Instructions

1. Remove lint and dry particulates from the leather hat by using a normal vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment and a soft-bristled garment brush. Brush the surface of your leather hat with the soft-bristled brush, working in small circles. This will help expose any dust or lint stuck to the leather. Lightly sweep the hat with the vacuum's brush attachment while the vacuum is on the lightest setting (if it has one).

2. Soak a soft lint-free towel in water and wring it out until it is just slightly damp. Wipe down the surface of your leather hat using the towel, starting with the brim and working your way up to the pinch (the top of the hat with a dent in it). Use light pressure to avoid harming the leather. Dry the leather hat with a clean lint-free towel after wiping it down.

3. Apply a small amount of linseed oil to a lint-free cloth and rub it onto your leather cowboy hat in small circular motions, beginning with the pinch of the hat and moving down to the brim. Turn your hat upside down and leave it on a clean surface to soak in overnight. Leaving your hat on a flat surface brim-side down will flatten it out and may affect the fit, so always store it upside down on a clean surface (or in a hat box made specifically for cowboy hats).

Tips & Warnings

• Eventually nearly every cowboy hat reaches a point where it will become unwearable, whether due to extensive damage or soiling. If you find a cowboy hat style or brand that is a perfect fit (both in size and style), consider purchasing a second of the same exact model. Having a backup will allow you to wear your hat without fear of being unable to find another one as comfortable.

References

• Franky Fashion: Leather and Suede Hat Care
• The Free Library: Caring for Leather Cowboy Hats
• Cowboy Hat Store: Proper Cowboy Hat Care