How to Care for and Clean a Fedora Hat

A Lock & Co. fedora is built to last, with proper care, it can serve for decades. Whether crafted from fine wool felt, luxurious fur felt, or lightweight straw, each hat benefits from thoughtful maintenance and gentle cleaning.

Here's how to care for your fedora and ensure it retains its shape, finish and style over time.

How to Clean a Fedora Hat at Home

Depending on the material, light maintenance can be carried out at home.

For Wool or Fur Felt Fedoras:

• Dust & lint: Use a hat brush or lint roller (gently) to remove debris.
  
• Stains: Spot clean with a barely damp cloth or hat sponge — never soak.
  
• Grease marks: Apply a small amount of cornstarch to absorb oil, then brush away.
  
• Rain: Allow to air-dry naturally on a flat surface; reshape gently if needed.
  

For Straw Fedoras:

• Dust: Use a clean, dry cloth or soft brush.
  
• Marks: Wipe with a lightly dampened cloth - do not over-wet the straw.
  
• Humidity: Always store in a hat box or shaded area, away from humidity.
  

If your hat is badly stained or misshapen, we recommend a professional clean, visit us in-store for advice.

Will my Fedora Keep Its Shape?

A well-made fedora, particularly those crafted from fur felt, is designed to hold its shape for years — but environmental factors, frequent handling, or improper storage can cause warping.

To preserve the shape:

• Use a hat box or supportive head block when storing.
  
• Avoid gripping the crown (pinching it can lead to permanent creases).
  
• Gently steam and reshape if the brim starts to curve or flatten or bring it in for a reblocking.
  

Explore our full guide to folding, packing, and transporting a fedora →

Daily Fedora Care Tips

Think of your hat like tailored clothing — it needs care between wears. Follow these simple practices:

Rest on it's crown (not brim) when not in ue to preserve shape.

Avoid hanging on hooks, which can distort the structure over time.

Brush regularly with a soft hat brush (clockwise direction) to remove surface dust.

Keep away from heat - avoid leaving your fedora near radiators or in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Learn more about Fedoras

What is a fedora?

How to measure a fedora

How should a fedora fit?