Hat Care Guide: Henri Henri’s Complete Video Tutorials

Hat Care Guide: Henri Henri’s Complete Video Tutorials

Caring for your hat may seem complicated, but with the right tools and techniques, you can extend the life of your favorite headwear. At Henri Henri, we’ve created a series of practical video tutorials to show you step by step how to clean, maintain, and transport your hats and caps safely.

All of these videos are also available on the Henri Henri YouTube channel.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Measure your head size properly with a soft measuring tape.
• Brush a felt hat without damaging it.
• Stretch a hat or cap with a Hat Jack.
• Shrink a hat that fits too loosely.
• Handle a hat without deforming it.
• Travel with your hat in a suitcase or carry-on.
• Use a hat box for daily transport and protection.
• Shape the brim crease of a fedora.
• Roll a soft felt hat without damage.
• Stretch the opening of a beret without tearing it.
• Discover the history of Henri Henri, Canada’s oldest hat store, since 1932.

How to Measure Your Head Size with a Measuring Tape

1. Use a flexible measuring tape.

2. Place the measuring tape one finger above your ears, around the back of your head at its widest point (the occipital bone), and back across your forehead above the eyebrows.

3. Note the measurement in centimeters.

If your measurement is, for example, 59.5 cm, round up to 60 cm. Then, check our Hat Size Guide for conversions across international sizing systems.

Keep in mind: each brand fits differently. Hat shape, felt stiffness, and personal preferences also affect fit. We strongly recommend trying on your hats in-store for the best adjustment. If you order online, exchanges are available according to our store policy.

We also offer free in-store head measurements.

Want to learn more? See: How do I Measure My Head Size

Looking to get a cowboy hat? Read How to Measure my Cowboy Hat Size

How to Brush a Felt Hat

• Use a horsehair hat brush.

• Brush counterclockwise (the same direction the felt is pressed during blocking). This smooths the surface and removes dust and light marks.

• For small stains, gently rub in circles or back and forth, using a little steam if needed. Always finish by brushing counterclockwise.

• If stains are still there, you can consult us for more precise information or leave your hat in our care! You can consult our different options of Hat cleaning and restoration services. Our workshop is in-store. Feel free to come by when the hatter is present. Other wise you can send us pictures and a description of your case at [email protected]

Use a black brush for dark hats, and a beige brush for light hats, to avoid colour transfer.

Why horsehair? It’s soft, flexible, and durable—perfect for felt cleaning without damage.

Hat brushes are available directly at Henri Henri in store and online.

Want to learn more about cleaning Felt Hats (Wool and Fur Felt)? See: How to Clean a Felt Hat

Want to clean a White Hat? See: How to Clean a White Hat Step-by-Step Guide

Practical Guide to Clean a White Hat

Want to wash a Cap? See: How to Wash a Cap

Want to clean a Tilley Hat? See: Maintaining a Hat: How to clean your Tilley

Want to clean a Panama (Straw): How to clean an authentic Panama Hat

How to Stretch a Hat or Cap

Use a hat stretcher (Hat Jack):

• Dry method: for small adjustments.

• With steam: for larger expansions.

In-store, we provide free professional stretching service using our specialized tools—no appointment needed.

How to Shrink a Hat That’s Too Large

• We provide free fitting with reduction strips at the time of purchase.

• No glue needed: simply slide the strips under the sweatband inside the hat. If you do not have bands, you can put anything that will add thickness under the sweatband like folded fabric, foam, scott towels,etc.

How to Handle a Hat Properly

• Always handle your hat by the brim, not the crown.

• Avoid pinching straw hats at the front pinch—it weakens and can break the straw.

• Handling by the brim prevents stains, cracks, and deformation.

How to Travel with a Hat

• Choose a hard-shell suitcase for protection.

• Fragile hats (e.g., Panama) should be stored in a hat box or worn and carried in a cabin bag.

• Never store your hat in an overhead bin or under a seat. Ask flight attendants to place it in the fragile storage compartment if available.

Daily Hat Storage and Transport

Protect your hat’s shape and shield it from dust with a proper hat box, available online and in-store.

How to Shape a Fedora Brim

To get the classic Fedora shape:

Fold the brim crease at eyebrow level.

• • Smooth the fold with your fingers.

  • Many fedoras come with the brim up; it may take a little time to shape it down.

  • Pro tip: Create the crease on the side of your dominant eye (right for right-handed, left for left-handed) to add subtle character.

How to Roll a Soft Felt Hat

• Only roll hats specifically labeled as rollable.

• Never roll when damp, and avoid keeping the hat rolled for more than a few hours, otherwise, the felt may crease permanently.

How to Stretch a Beret

• Use the warmth of your hands, or light steam for more expansion.

• Work the beret by gently pulling and turning it with your hands or over your knee.

• Stretch gradually to avoid tearing.

• Keep it away from direct heat sources to prevent shrinkage.

Henri Henri: Our Story

Depuis plus de 90 ans, Henri Henri transmet son savoir-faire en chapellerie et propose des services uniques : vente, restauration, nettoyage et ajustement de chapeaux. 

Découvrez-en plus sur l'histoire de notre chapellerie depuis 1932 ainsi que notre rôle dans la popularisation du « tour du chapeau » au hockey!

For over 90 years, Henri Henri has been Canada’s leading hat store, offering unique services such as sales, cleaning, resizing, and restoration. Learn more about our story here!

Founded in 1932, Henri Henri also played a role in popularizing the “hat trick” in hockey culture! Learn more about the "hat trick" here!

Hat Size Guide & Restoration Services

Visit our Hat Care & Size Guide section to learn more about: 

• International hat sizes

• Our cleaning, reblocking, and restoration services

For questions, contact us at [email protected].