Barmah Hat Leather Care Guide
Leather is a very different material to plastic or other synthetics. As it is an organic material, it needs to be cared for in a way that reflects the fact that it is made up of organic cells. Just as you would use water and creams to cleanse and hydrate your skin, so too should you use special products and techniques to care for leather accessories. Fortunately, when it is well looked after, leather will improve with age. It will develop a deep, rich shine known as a patina which looks very special. These tips on storing, cleaning and repairing your Barmah leather hat will ensure that it looks its best at all times.
How to store your leather hat
It is crucial not to crush or crumple your hat. Storing it in a sturdy hat box with rigid edges, or hanging it on a hat peg will help it to keep its natural shape. Placing it on its own shelf in your wardrobe is fine, but do not pile other items on top of it to avoid the leather developing cracks and creases that can become discoloured and unsightly. Another option is to purchase a stylish hat stand for your home: this will show off your hat to its best advantage, even when you are not wearing it. Exercise the same care not to crease or crumple the hat when putting it on and taking it off: hold it carefully and do not pinch it. Keep the hat in a cool, dry place to avoid it getting damp - a shelf inside a wardrobe is perfect. When travelling with the hat, it is a good idea to keep it in a rigid box of its own to avoid it getting crushed in the cargo hold of a plane or the suitcase rack of a train.
Cleaning and nourishing the leather
Most patches of dirt or dust can be wiped away using a soft cloth moistened with warm water. Resist the urge to scratch the leather as this will only make matters worse. Do not allow the leather to become impregnated with water, though, and allow it to dry quickly in a warm place with low humidity levels. Damp leather can foster mould spores and in severe cases can start to rot. Using hydrating and nourishing creams on your hat will keep the leather supple, glossy and crack free. The skin cells in leather respond to moisturising creams in a similar way to living skin, becoming softer and more radiant and wrinkle free. An extra level of protection will be provided by using this waxing and conditioning spray. Barmah Hats' waterproofing spray keeps your leather and suede accessories safe in wet or humid weather as well as providing extra conditioning. Use this spray at regular intervals (for instance every two months, or as needed) to keep levels of protection high. Another advantage of this product is the fact that it does not change the appearance of the leather when it is applied - other waterproofing products create dark patches when sprayed onto leather.
Repairing tears in your hat
Barmah leather hats are designed to be very robust and durable. Nevertheless, they may sustain the occasional rip or tear to the leather due to the rough and tumble of life. Small tears can usually be repaired effectively with superglue or specialised leather glue. You can do this yourself - just be very careful to not to smear any glue on other parts of the hat as this will change its appearance. When gluing two flaps of leather together, make sure to line up the grain of one flap with the grain of the other so that the repair will be imperceptible. Gluing a leather accessory is usually preferable to stitching it up in the event of a breakage, as stitches can be much more visible to the naked eye. Moreover, you should always clean the surface to be glued gently with a cloth and some warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly before attempting a repair. This is because any particles of dust or dirt on the leather will make the glue less effective. Dealing with small repairs instantly is highly advisable: a small puncture can become a large tear if left to its own devices. If the tear is large, your beloved hat can still be saved. It is best to get a professional to deal with large tears: anyone skilled in leather work (such as a cobbler) will be able to help you out here. In sum, there is absolutely no reason to throw away your coveted Barmah hat away simply because it has experienced a rip or perforation.
Now you are ready to keep your hat in top condition
The above tips on Barmah leather hat care are very easy to follow. Establishing a hat care routine involves very little hassle, and soon storing, cleaning and repairing your hat will become effortless. Purchasing some hat creams and protectors now is a good idea, as is having a soft and clean cloth in a safe place ready to hand in case you need to clean your hat at any time. A small tube of superglue is an inexpensive purchase, and yet it will instantly sort out rips in the leather. Your hat will stay looking its best for years to come.