The need to travel with a hat often presents a dilemma, as headwear is easily misshapen by the confined space of luggage. Avoiding damage requires understanding the hat’s construction and applying tailored packing methods. The flexibility of the material dictates the approach: soft hats allow for folding, while structured hats require a protective cocoon within the suitcase. Using specific techniques ensures the crown and brim retain their intended form upon arrival.
Packing Methods for Soft and Crushable Hats
Hats made from flexible materials like wool felt, cotton, nylon, or certain raffia are often labeled as “crushable” or “packable” because their fibers are resilient to compression. These materials are forgiving and do not require the structural support necessary for stiff hats. The simplest method for these hats is the roll technique, which minimizes the hat’s footprint.
To execute the roll, fold the hat in half along the center crease of the crown. Gently roll the hat from the crown to the brim, creating a compact cone shape. Place this rolled hat at the top of your suitcase, surrounded by soft clothing, to prevent flattening. Alternatively, soft beanies and bucket hats can be folded flat and tucked into a shoe or pocket, as their lack of rigid structure prevents permanent creasing.
Techniques for Structured and Wide-Brimmed Hats
Hats with rigid crowns and brims, such as stiff felt fedoras, Panama hats, or cowboy hats, require a deliberate packing strategy. The primary technique involves supporting the crown internally and externally to prevent vertical pressure from causing a permanent dent or crease. This method, sometimes called “nesting” or “stuffing,” cradles the hat within your luggage.
Begin by placing the hat upside down in the suitcase, ideally toward the bottom layer of clothing. Fill the crown completely with soft, rolled-up items like socks, underwear, or t-shirts. These items act as a firm internal mold to maintain the crown’s shape. Avoid overstuffing, as this can stretch the material and cause permanent distortion.
Once the crown is supported, build a protective barrier around the brim to keep it level and prevent bending. Achieve this by carefully packing additional clothing around the exterior of the crown. Ensure the brim is not touching the sides of the suitcase or being forced upward or downward. The clothing should create a cushion flush with the brim, forming a stable surface so heavy items cannot be placed directly on the hat.
Baseball caps require attention to their stiff, curved bills. Fold the back of the cap inward toward the bill, creating a half-moon shape. Lightly stuff the crown with socks to maintain its dome structure. This compact shape can be nested in the luggage with soft cushioning placed under the curved bill to preserve its shape and prevent the insert from snapping.
Protecting and Reshaping Hats After Travel
Once the hat is secured, organize surrounding items to prevent shifting and crushing during transit. Place heavier, less flexible items, such as shoes or toiletry bags, on the opposite side of the suitcase from the hat to minimize localized pressure. Position the hat near the top of the packed items, rather than buried under layers, to reduce the risk of compression.
Upon arrival, remove the hat immediately, as prolonged pressure can set creases and distort the material. If a felt or straw hat has minor dents or wrinkles, a light application of steam can help restore its shape. The steam temporarily softens the hat’s fibers, allowing you to gently mold the brim or crown back into its original form using your fingers.
To apply steam, use a handheld garment steamer or the steam from a tea kettle or hot shower. Hold the hat six to eight inches away from the steam source, letting the moisture permeate the material without saturation. Once the material is warm and pliable, reshape it by hand. Then, set the hat on a clean, flat surface to dry completely in the desired position.