How to Fold, Pack, Store and Transport a Fedora Hat?

A Lock & Co. fedora is made to travel, whether it's across town or across continents. With proper care and packing, your hat can arrive at your destination in pristine condition. Below, we share expert advice on storing, folding (where appropriate), and travelling with your fedora.

Men's Fedoras & Homburgs Men's Fedoras & Homburgs

Women's Fedoras, Trilbies & Cloches Women's Fedoras, Trilbies & Cloches

Can You Fold a Fedora?

Felt fedoras - including those made from wool or fur felt - are not designed to be folded, and doing so may permanently distort the crown or brim.

However, some lightweight travel styles are made with foldable materials and unstructured construction. These are the only fedoras that can be safely rolled for short periods.

General rule: If it holds its shape on a block, it should not be folded.

If you're unsure whether your fedora is foldable, speak with our team or explore our travel hat collection →

How to Pack a Fedora for Travel

If you're using a suitcase:

Fill the crown with soft clothing (e.g. socks, t-shirts) to support its shape.
Lay the hat flat, brim-up, in the centre of your case.
Pack surrounding items gently around the crown and brim for added protection.
Avoid placing pressure on the brim edges.

For extra peace of mind:

Travel with your fedora in a Lock & Co. hat box. These are ideal for plane journeys, wedding travel, or longer trips.

Men's khaki Beaver & Mink Fur Felt Fedora hat with a brown grosgrain band and bow

Storing at Home

When not in use, a fedora should be stored properly to maintain its shape and finish:

Store in a hat box with acid-free tissue to support the crown and brim.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Keep away from humidity and heat, which can warp felt or straw.
Do not hang your fedora on pegs, this puts pressure on the band and risks misshaping the crown.

Dark green rollable wool felt, drop-brim hat with a Nappa leather band.

Reshaping After Travel

If your hat has flattened or lost its shape slightly during transit:

Use gentle steam to relax the felt (e.g. from a kettle), then reshape carefully with your hands.
Never over-steam or soak - steam should soften, not saturate.
Allow to cool and dry naturally, away from heat.

Need professional reshaping or reblocking? We offer this service in our London shop.