Store your hat upside down on its crown or on a hat rack, somewhere cool and dry. For long stretches, use a hat box so it keeps its shape and stays free of dust. Avoid attics, garages and car trunks.

Use a soft horsehair brush. Work counter-clockwise around the hat, following the nap of the felt. Use a lighter brush for light felts and a darker one for dark felts so bristles don't transfer color.

Brush first. For light marks, a dry felt sponge or hat cleaning sponge lifts most dirt. Don't use water, soap or household cleaners on felt. For stains that won't move, bring it to a hat maker.

Let the sweatband dry naturally after every hard day. Turn the band out and let it air dry, away from direct heat. Over time, sweat stains on the outside of the felt are best handled by professional cleaning.

Felt handles a light rain. When you get inside, shake off the water, turn the sweatband out, and rest the hat upside down to dry at room temperature. Don't use a hair dryer or heater. If the brim curls, a hat maker can reset it.

Pick it up by the brim, not the crown. Set it down on its crown. If the crease starts to soften, light steam and a hat maker's hands will bring it back.

Never set your hat brim-down on a flat surface for long. Heat, humidity and weight all flatten or warp a brim. Hat racks and hat boxes are your friends.

Steam softens felt so it can be reshaped. It's best left to someone who has done it before. Too much steam or heat can shrink the sweatband or damage the finish.

Use a hat box or travel case. In the car, keep it out of the back window and off the dashboard. On a plane, ask about overhead storage and set it crown-down.

If the hat no longer fits right, the shape has dropped, the brim has warped, or there's a stain you can't move, it's time for a hat maker. Find Tailor at a retail partner or at our next event.

Don't leave it in a hot car. Don't wash it. Don't grab it by the crown. Don't store it flat on its brim. Don't try to stretch it with heat at home.