We adore our hats but one must admit, they’re fair weather friends. Even the most well made hat can be damaged by windy or rainy weather. This became evident in the days following the Kentucky Derby. Polly began receiving questions about reviving hats which, on a blustery Derby Day, had had too much of a good thing. One of our favorite customers, a lady of excellent taste and fine humor remarked of her own Derby experience, “It was as if the hat had a betting mind of it own!”
It must be remembered that it is an unkindness to wear a nice hat in inclement weather. Large brimmed hats, The English Lady, for example fare especially poorly in high winds. A smaller, close fitting hat, something along the lines of Churchill Mist or Lady Caroline is a better choice on a windy day.
If your hat does get rained on or buffeted by the wind here are a few first aid measures.
If the hat is wet, even damp, stuff the crown lightly with white tissue paper or, in a pinch, paper towels, which will provide support as it dries. Because of printing ink, newspaper should never be used to stuff a hat.
Place the hat on a flat surface smoothing the brim into a sembance of the original shape, large brimmed designs such as the Simply Elegant or hats with a bell shaped brim such as the Blithe Spirit may need some tissue paper support beneath the brim as well.
If it’s very breezey and your hat is catching the wind, give it up, take it off. There’s nothing to be gained by holding a hat onto your head by force. Clamping it to your head with hair pins will only tear the straw. Often, dis-hatting may be the better part of valor.
If there is mud or anything splashed on the straw (Hey, it happens.), sponge the area gently as soon as possible with water or club soda. The longer a stain has to set the less likely you will be to remove it.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call for Polly’s advice on the unfortunate hat. Believe me, she’s heard it all.
A few reminders about hat care in general:
Store your hat out of the direct sun. Many hats have been bleached and ruined by the sun, and once faded, they’re difficult to repair. Oddly enough this is true for white hats as well. Sun damage can leave a white hat yellowed. Obviously, one wears summer hats in the sun, but when not wearing your hat, display and keep it out of the sun.
Try to keep your hat in a box. This keeps the dust and light off the hat.
Never wear foundation make-up on your forehead. Many hats get make-up stains on the inner band. Once a hat is stained, it’s hard to fix.
Hats are not toys. Often people have their hats ruined by allowing small children or rowdy adults to play with them.
Hats should be picked up by the brim. Never pick up a hat by the crown.
If shipping a hat, pack it carefully in a hat box, then pack the hat box carefully inside a sturdy cardboard box.
Be careful with hair spray as it can leave a residue that stains.
Our hats are made with care of the highest quality materials, we want you to enjoy them for many many years. While it may not be the dernier cri in fashion, when the weather is filthy, a sou’ester may the wisest choice. Think of your treasured hats as kittens, beguiling but best kept inside on intemperate days.
by Jan Masters Yon
