HAT Rules & CARE
1. Do not leave you hat in a confined space or exposed to heat, and do not store your hat when wet as this will cause shrinkage and distort the shape of your hat.
2. Always handle your hat by the brim - never pinch your hat, or handle by the crown. This will prevent your hat becoming dirty, damaged and losing its shape.
3. When placing your hat down, always place it on a clean surface, and rest it upside down, on its crown - never flat on its brim. This will cause your brim to lose its shape and flatten.
4. When not wearing your hat, always place it upside down - on its crown, resting on a hat stand, or stored safely in a hatbox.
5. If you get caught in bad weather, and your hat gets wet - or of the sweatband becomes saturated with perspiration; always turn out the sweat band and rest it appropriately to dry naturally. Never try to assist your hat in drying or force dry. This will cause your hat to shrink and its shape to distort.
6. When cleaning your hat, always use a light-coloured brush, and brush the hat gently, in an anti-clockwise direction, towards the back, to remove loose dust and dirt. To remove light stains, use a clean, damp cloth - in more extreme cases, use a very light (320 grit or higher) sandpaper [on fur felt hats only*] - and gently rub, in an anti-clockwise motion, towards the back. When cleaning the underside of the brim, practice the same methods in a clockwise motion.
7. To clean the lining, first remove it from the hat, and lightly hand wash with a non-abrasive soap and leave to air dry.
8. Hatbands and trimmings are not a permanent aspect of the hat and can be customised or replaced.
9. The tradition of tipping one’s hat is rooted in the act bowing to show respect. Traditionally, a gentleman will tip his hat to a lady. Tipping ones hat to another gentleman, however, is considered poor manners and can even be taken as an insult.
10. It is traditional for a man to remove his hat indoors, in private places. Hotel lobbies and hallways, however, are considered public. One unique distinction is inside a lift, as it is considered a private space - this goes back to the days of lift operators - and, as such, you would consider it their office.
11. A gentleman should always remove their hat once seated at a table, however, the bar is considered a public space and does not require one to do so.
12. If you’re in transit, your hat should remain on regardless of the method or openness of transportation.
13. Never place your hat on a bed as it is believed it will bring you bad luck. Furthermore; never rest your hat brim-side down, as it is said all of your luck will run out.
14. Women mustn't abide by the same rules as men, and can wear their hat as they please.
15. Never leave the house without your hat!