The Modern Guide for Straw Hats
Learn the basics any hat lover needs to know, from materials and care techniques, to how to choose the right fit and style. Fashion accessories are more than just decoration and serve a purpose for the wearer.
These classic, timeless, smart buy pieces are the items that have outlasted trends and provide a future-proof foundation for everyday chic during the summer months.
This summer choose quality when you are opting for a straw hat to ensure your maximum protection from the damaging sun rays while showing your unique style.
When it comes to achieving elegant and incredible looks during the hotter months, a hat becomes more than just an accessory. It becomes an item that every woman needs in her wardrobe.
The lightness and the easy-going feeling of the straw hats have created a fan club, and once you are in, you will never leave the house without one.
Today, being modern is about showing your individuality through the accessories you choose.
Materials Matter
When choosing a straw hat, it is essential to have a closer look at the straws used to produce the hat, but equally important is the weave of the straws. The denser the weave and the more even they are, the better the quality of the hat.
To protect you from the sun rays is recommended a tighter, narrower weave. This way of weaving makes the straw hats more flexible and lighter. The small spaces between the straws are essential to allow for the air to circulate and keep your head refreshed while in the sun. Besides wearing a quality hat, remember to apply SPF products for both your face and body to protect your skin from sun damage.
Most straw hats are made from natural fibres and in general, the more identical and even coloured the straws, the better the quality of the hat. The straws can be the classic very light colour (white-ish) or for a modern effect choose a hat made of coloured straws.
Choosing the Right Hat
When choosing a straw hat look for comfort as the hat will look best when it is properly fitted. The hat should fit comfortably and not move around your head as the faintest of breezes will blow it away.
Straw hats are designed to reflect your personality and look fabulous with coloured and patterned ribbons, a scarf or even accessories such as flowers and brooches. You can create your style effortlessly and match it with your outfits for a classic look.
Show your unique style by changing the hat's band at home or the local hat blocker (depending on the complexity of the hat).
Wear your classic straw hat on holiday with coordinating neutral shades for a full Italian Riviera look. The wider the brim of the hat, the better you will be shielded when dining al fresco. If the brim is rather small, the hat will only shield your face from the sun. If the brim is broader, then it will ensure your head, neck and shoulders are also protected from the sun's harsh rays.
Look for hats that have a stowaway elasticated chin strap or a ribbon (it could very well be replaced with your favourite twill) in case of an unexpected breeze. For a chic look tie the band around your low ponytail or bun, and the ribbon will be concealed. Also, look if the straw hat has a discreet adjustable strap on the inside of the hat's crown, which will ensure a seamless fit.
Make Your Hat Last
Like all good things in life, we want to make our straw hats last, which means learning how to care for them. The best way to protect your hat when you are not wearing it is to place it comfortably in a hatbox.
When storing the straw hat, stuff the crown with tissue paper to help maintain the shape of the crown.
As the colour and consistency of the straw will change with prolonged sun exposure, it is best to avoid damaging the hat by storing it away from direct sunlight. Exposing the hat to long periods of sunshine will dry the straws and cause breakage.
Since accidents can happen even to the best of us, use a dampened cloth with water and mild detergent to rapidly clean the area before the straws are stained. Always test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.
Check out our article on scarves for more tips on how to accessorise your hat to show your unique style. We are also sharing the method to fold your scarf as a ribbon and to use it to replace your hat's band.
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