How to Clean and Care for Your GUNNER Hat: Tips for Long-Lasting Wear

Quick Answer

To clean your GUNNER hat, start by spot-cleaning with a mild detergent and a soft brush, then hand-wash in cool water and air-dry. Avoid the washing machine and dryer to prevent shrinking and misshaping. With regular care, your hat will keep its fit and look for years.

Your GUNNER hat is more than just a accessory—it's a daily companion that takes on sweat, dirt, and weather. Whether you're out in the field, on the water, or just running errands, your hat works hard. But to keep it looking great and fitting well, it needs a little attention. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to clean and care for your GUNNER hat, so it stays in top condition for the long haul.

Cleaning a hat can feel tricky, especially if you're worried about ruining the shape or the fabric. But with the right techniques, you can keep your hat fresh without causing damage. We'll cover everything from daily maintenance to deep cleaning, and we'll point out common mistakes to avoid along the way.

Understanding Your Hat's Material

Before you start cleaning, it's important to know what your hat is made of. GUNNER hats come in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. Each fabric has its own care needs. For example, cotton hats are durable but can shrink if washed in hot water, while polyester hats are more resistant to shrinking and can handle a bit more abrasion.

Check the care label inside your hat for specific instructions. If there's no label, or if you're unsure, treat the hat gently: use cool water, mild detergent, and avoid heat. When in doubt, spot-clean first and test an inconspicuous area to see how the fabric reacts.

• Always check the care label before washing.
• When in doubt, hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent.

Daily Maintenance and Spot Cleaning

The best way to keep your hat looking new is to address dirt and stains as soon as you notice them. Use a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to gently remove loose dirt and debris. For sweat stains or small spots, mix a tiny amount of mild detergent with water, dip a clean cloth in the solution, and blot the area. Avoid rubbing too hard, as that can damage the fabric.

For tough stains, you can use a stain remover, but test it on a hidden area first. Let the hat air dry after spot cleaning, and never use a hair dryer or place it near a heat source, as that can cause shrinkage or warping.

• Keep a soft brush handy for quick cleanups.
• Blot stains instead of rubbing to protect the fabric.

Hand Washing Your Hat

Every few weeks, or whenever your hat needs a deeper clean, hand washing is the safest method. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the hat and gently swirl it around, paying extra attention to the sweatband and any stained areas. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring or twist the hat, as that can distort its shape. To dry, place the hat on a clean towel and reshape it with your hands. Let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Use cool water and a mild detergent—never hot water.
• Reshape the hat while it's damp to maintain its form.

Avoiding the Washing Machine and Dryer

It might be tempting to toss your hat in the washing machine, but that's a surefire way to ruin it. The agitation can cause the hat to lose its shape, and the spin cycle can create creases that are hard to fix. Similarly, the heat of a dryer can shrink the fabric and warp the brim.

If your hat has a structured crown or a stiff brim, machine washing is especially risky. The same goes for hats with embroidery or patches—the friction can cause threads to loosen. Stick to hand washing and air drying for the best results.

• Never put your hat in the washing machine or dryer.
• Air dry only—heat is the enemy of hat shape.

Storing Your Hat Properly

How you store your hat when you're not wearing it plays a big role in how long it lasts. The best way to store a hat is on a hat rack or a hook that supports the crown, not the brim. This helps maintain the hat's shape and prevents the brim from getting bent or creased.

If you're packing your hat for travel, use a hat box or place it in a suitcase with the crown filled with soft items like socks or a t-shirt to keep its shape. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your hat, as that can crush it.

• Store hats on a hat rack or hook to preserve shape.
• When traveling, fill the crown with soft items to prevent crushing.

Step-by-Step Hat Cleaning Process

1. Brush off loose dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust and debris from the entire hat, including the crown and brim. This prevents dirt from grinding into the fabric during washing. Checkpoint: The hat looks clean of loose dirt before moving on.
2. Spot-treat stains: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot any stains or sweat marks. Avoid rubbing to prevent damaging the fabric. Checkpoint: Stains are visibly lighter or gone, and the fabric isn't damaged.
3. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a tiny amount of mild detergent. Submerge the hat and gently swirl it for a few minutes. Let it soak for up to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Checkpoint: The water runs clear after rinsing, and no soap residue remains.
4. Reshape and air dry: Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Place the hat on a clean towel and reshape the crown and brim with your hands. Let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Checkpoint: The hat holds its shape and is completely dry before wearing or storing.

GUNNER Hat Care Essentials

• OG HOODIE: The same heavyweight hoodie we send our crew out in, available for you to rep too. Part of the GUNNER limited-edition Saskatoon collection. Pair your GUNNER hat with the OG Hoodie for a complete look that's built to last. The hoodie's heavyweight fabric is designed for durability, just like your hat.
• BOTTOMLAND TEE: A triblend t-shirt to celebrate Mossy Oak's 34-year-old pattern. Washed-out wear for a lived-in look. The BOTTOMLAND TEE's washed-out style is meant to look lived-in, but your hat should stay crisp. Use the care tips to keep your hat looking sharp while your tee gets better with age.

Caring for your GUNNER hat doesn't have to be complicated. With regular brushing, spot cleaning, and the occasional hand wash, you can keep it looking fresh and fitting well for years. Remember to avoid heat and machine washing, and store it properly when not in use. Follow these simple steps, and your hat will stay a reliable part of your everyday gear.