Look after your Wild Halo hat and it will look after you for years. Our hats are handcrafted from four premium, natural materials such as Sisal, Panama (toquilla straw), Raffia, and Paper Yarn, each with its own character. This guide shows you exactly how to clean, reshape, store, and travel with your hat while respecting the fibres and craftsmanship.

Care at a Glance

Do

  • Handle by the brim, not the crown
  • Brush off dust regularly with a soft brush or clean cloth
  • Spot‑clean (don’t soak) using a little cool water + mild soap
  • Blot moisture, reshape gently, and air‑dry away from heat & direct sun
  • Store in a hat box or on a stand, cool & dry, sweatband flipped out after wear

Don’t

  • Don’t wear natural straw in heavy rain or soak it in water
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing
  • Don’t leave in a hot car/window (heat can warp straw & shrink bands)
  • Don’t rest the hat on its brim for long periods

Everyday Handling

  • Pick up by the brim. Pinching the front crown puts stress on the weave and can lead to cracks.
  • After wear, flip out the sweatband so moisture can evaporate.
  • Let sunscreen, hairspray, and perfumes dry before putting on your hat (these can stain fibres).

Cleaning & Stain Care

1) Quick refresh (weekly)

  • Use a soft, dry brush or lint‑free cloth to lift dust and sand. Follow the direction of the weave.

2) Spot‑clean (as needed)

  • Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in cool water.
  • Lightly dampen a clean cloth and dab the mark (don’t rub). Keep moisture minimal.
  • Blot dry with a towel; allow to air‑dry fully.

Tip: For light‑coloured straw, a little hydrogen peroxide diluted 1:1 with water can help with stubborn organic stains. Test inside the sweatband first.

3) Sweatband freshen‑up

  • Turn the sweatband outward.
  • Wipe with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water; avoid soaking the straw.
  • Pat dry; leave the band flipped out to fully air‑dry before storing.

4) Oil/Make‑up marks

  • Sprinkle starch or cosmetic/absorbing clay (e.g., talc, cosmetic clay) on the spot; let sit 15–30 minutes to draw out oils, then brush off.
  • If a mark persists or the weave is delicate, see a professional hat cleaner.

If Your Hat Gets Wet

  • Panama / Sisal / Raffia / Paper Yarn: Gently blot (don’t wipe) with a clean towel.
  • Reshape with hands; avoid pulling or bending aggressively.
  • Air‑dry on a stand or upside‑down on the crown, away from heaters, radiators, or direct sun.
  • Do not use hairdryers or radiators; heat can make fibres brittle or cause shrinkage.

Reshaping & Steam

  • Use steam sparingly and only when necessary.
  • Panama: A little warm steam can relax the weave for light reshaping. Keep the hat 25–30 cm above the steam, work slowly, and let it cool/set naturally.
  • Raffia: Usually pliable; try reshaping by hand first. If needed, minimal steam on the brim only.
  • Sisal: Avoid steam where possible; use dry reshaping and gentle hand pressure.
  • Paper Yarn: Light, brief steam may help with small dents; avoid over‑softening.
  • When in doubt, opt for professional cleaning/reshaping.

Storage (Daily & Long‑Term)

  • Support the shape: Rest upside‑down on the crown or on a hat stand; avoid long rests on the brim.
  • Cool, dry, dark: Keep away from direct sunlight (prevents fading/brittleness) and from humidity.
  • Hat box + tissue: For long‑term storage, use a box, loosely stuff the crown with acid‑free tissue, and keep silica gel sachets nearby in humid climates.

Travel Tips

  • Best: Wear your hat, or carry it in a dedicated hat box.
  • Packing in luggage (only for non‑crushable straws with caution):
  • Lightly stuff the crown with soft clothing to support the shape.
  • Place it brim‑up in the case; surround with soft garments. Avoid weight on top.

Material‑Specific Guidance

Sisal (Refined Elegance)

  • Nature: Firm, fine, slightly glossy; can be sensitive to moisture and colour fade.
  • Care: Prefer dry cleaning methods (brush/cloth). Spot‑clean sparingly; avoid soaking and avoid steam when possible.
  • Sunlight: Prolonged direct sun can fade dyed sisal, store in shade.

Panama / Toquilla Straw (Heritage Craftsmanship)

  • Nature: Hand‑woven; light and breathable.
  • Care: Keep dry; avoid rain/soaking. For dust and light marks, a touch of steam can help, followed by gentle brushing. Spot‑clean minimally.
  • Drying: If splashed, blot and air‑dry at room temperature away from heat.

Raffia (Natural Beauty)

  • Nature: Soft, pliable, durable; great everyday wear.
  • Care: Spot‑clean the brim only with a soft cloth, cold water, and mild detergent; air‑dry naturally. Reshape gently by hand as it dries.

Paper Yarn (Modern Innovation)

  • Nature: Paper braid/toyo; lightweight and often treated for better durability.
  • Care: Spot‑clean with minimal moisture; avoid soaking. Brief, low steam can help with small dents. You may apply a straw‑safe water‑repellent lightly if needed.
  • Note: Water resistance varies by style/finishing. Always follow the specific care note on your product page or label.

Warranty‑Friendly Care

Our warranty covers workmanship defects, not damage from improper care. When unsure, contact Wild Halo Customer Care with photos and we’re happy to advise or recommend a specialist cleaner.