Quality leather bush hats are a
great all-weather hat. They will keep you comfortable come rain or shine and
will stand up to any amount of abuse. However, here are a few tips to keep your
leather bush hat looking as new as the day you bought it.
Take care how you put it
on
Make sure you don’t squeeze the
front of your hat when putting it on. This will push your hat out of shape,
causing a sharp point in the leather and exposing it to damage. Tugging the brim
to make sure your hat is secure will also change the distinct Aussie shaped
style of the brim.
Take care how you store
it
We recommend storing your hat on
a peg or resting upside down on the crown to avoid it being pushed out of shape.
Also, make sure that it is kept out of any direct sunlight. Just as overexposure
to ultraviolet rays can be harmful to our skin, leather is also susceptible to
damage. Extreme sunlight can cause the surface to become fragile and crack or
the colour to fade. By all means, wear your hat in hot and sunny weather. That
is after all what it was made for but do not leave it out on a sun lounger or on
the dashboard of your car for example.
Keep your hat
clean
Although your hat will have been
treated, it may still stain if you are not careful and these stains can be quite
difficult to remove. Try to keep your hat away from makeup food or any oil-based
products. If you do accidentally spill something on your hat wipe it with a soft
damp cloth. If a stain is particularly persistent you could try a leather
cleanser. This is readily available from your local shoe shop or department
store. After using a leather cleanser, we recommend replenishing your hat’s
protective layer with an additional leather protector spray. This is also
readily available from shoe shops and department stores. If your hat does become
soaked through, leave it to dry naturally. If you use heat to dry it, the
leather may shrink and the hat might not fit you anymore!
Repair any
tears
Scratches are the most frequent
kind of damage found on leather bush hats. You can cover them up with a leather
dye if they are light. However, you might see these as a feature of the hat,
adding a certain rustic worn-in edge. To repair any tears you will need a
leather repair kit. These typically contain a liquid adhesive in several
colours. Give your hat a through clean with a leather cleanser and allow it to
dry. This is necessary because any dirt or oil on the surface may prevent the
glue from sticking properly. Choose a glue in an appropriate colour and apply it
to the area where the leather is torn. You may need someone to hold the leather
taught while you apply the glue. When the glue has dried, take a piece of fine
sandpaper and remove any excess glue. You will need to be very careful when
doing this; otherwise you may scratch the leather. Clean the area again with a
leather cleanser to ensure all excess glue has been removed then allow to
dry.
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