How to Care for and Clean a Panama Hat

A summer sartorial staple, a Lock & Co. Panama hat is timeless. Each Panama is hand-woven from toquilla palm, using generations-old techniques by artisans in Ecuadorian villages. Our highest-grade Panama hat, the Superfino Montecristi, can take up to nine months to create.

General Panama Hat Care

Always handle your Panama Hat by the brim to avoid distorting the crown.
Avoid wearing a Panama in the rain. Dry with a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge if it gets wet.
Panama hats are best stored in a hat box, away from direct sunlight.
When travelling, use a proper hat box or travel tube to prevent creasing.

How to Clean your Panama Hat

Keeping your Panama hat clean preserves its elegance. Here’s how to handle common issues:

Sweat stains:

Begin by brushing your hat to remove any loose dirt.
Gently dab the affected area with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap.
Avoid soaking the straw and let it air dry naturally.
For stubborn stains, the safest option is to bring your hat into our store, where we can replace the sweatband with a fresh leather one.

Oil stains:

Lightly sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the affected area to absorb the oil. Leave it for several hours, then gently brush it off using a soft bristle brush.
Avoid rubbing or using harsh cleaners, as these can damage the delicate straw.
For stubborn or larger stains, bring the hat to us, and our Hatters will safely clean it without risking any harm to your Panama.

Mould:

Use a dry brush to carefully remove surface mould. Then allow the hat to air in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Avoid direct sunlight or moisture, which can worsen the problem.
For severe cases, bring the hat to us for professional cleaning.

Dirt:

Light dirt and dust can be removed with a soft bristle brush or a lint-free cloth.
Steam can also help lift particles gently without damaging the weave.

Spills:

For liquid spills, blot immediately with a clean absorbent cloth, then allow the hat to dry naturally.
Avoid rubbing, as this can push the liquid deeper into the straw.