A good branded cap is an investment. Whether it’s a flexfit your team wears on site every day or a bucket hat handed out at your last event, a little care goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your headwear looking sharp — logo and all.

The golden rule: never put a cap in the washing machine

It seems obvious once you know, but it catches a lot of people out. The agitation cycle distorts the brim, shrinks the crown, and can pull embroidery threads loose. The same goes for the dryer — heat warps structured panels and sets creases that won’t come out.

Hand washing: the right method by fabric type

Cotton and cotton-blend caps

Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent — nothing with bleach or optical brighteners. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) to work the detergent into soiled areas, paying attention to the sweatband and the underside of the brim. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.

Wool and felt caps

Use a wool-safe detergent and handle gently — wool fibres felt (mat together permanently) when agitated or exposed to temperature changes. Pat rather than scrub. Rinse carefully and reshape immediately.

Polyester and performance fabric caps

These are the most forgiving. Cold water, mild detergent, light scrub. Polyester dries quickly and holds its shape well.

Protecting the embroidery

Embroidery is more durable than most people expect, but it does have weak points. Avoid soaking embroidered areas for extended periods — prolonged water exposure can loosen the backing material and cause threads to pucker. When scrubbing near a logo, work around it rather than across it. If you’re spot-cleaning, dab — don’t rub.

Pro tip: for heavily soiled caps with embroidery, a targeted spot clean is always better than a full soak.

Drying your cap correctly

Shape matters most here. After washing, gently reshape the crown while the cap is still damp and place it over a rounded object — a small bowl, a balloon, or a purpose-made cap form all work well. Allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time. Never peg a cap by the brim — it will leave a crease.

Storing your caps

Stack structured caps brim-up, never brim-down. Crushing the brim under the weight of other caps will flatten it over time. For long-term storage, a hat box or a shelf where caps can sit undisturbed is ideal. Avoid storing in plastic bags — moisture can build up and cause mildew on the sweatband.

When to replace, not restore

Even well-cared-for caps have a lifespan. If the sweatband is permanently stained, the brim has lost its curve, or the embroidery has started to fray, it’s time for a new order. The good news — reordering branded headwear with an existing logo file is quick and straightforward.

A quick-reference guide

✓ Cold water only
✓ Mild detergent, no bleach
✓ Soft brush, gentle scrubbing
✓ Reshape while damp, air dry
✓ Store brim-up, away from sunlight
✗ No washing machine
✗ No dryer
✗ No direct sunlight while drying
✗ No soaking embroidery