How to Care for Your Cap: The Ultimate Guide | New Era

DISCOVER

Cap Care: Keep Your
Favourite Cap Looking Fresh

A well-worn cap says a lot about you, but there’s a fine line between broken-in and broken down.

Whether it’s your go-to trucker cap, a vintage snapback, or a limited-edition drop, proper baseball cap care keeps your headwear looking crisp and comfortable. From stain removal to storage dos and don'ts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your must-have cap last longer.

SHOP CAP CARE

Why Cap Care Matters

Your cap isn't just an accessory, it’s an extension of your style. But wear it enough and it collects sweat, dirt, and dust. Over time, that can dull colours, warp the shape, and even cause odour. Taking the time to care for your cap protects the materials and structure, whether it’s mesh-backed like a trucker or built from wool, cotton, or polyester blends.

Preserving your cap means keeping it sharp and wearable season after season. The better you care for it, the longer it keeps turning heads.

Cleaning 101:
How to Clean Your Cap

Spot Clean First.
Use a soft cloth, gentle soap, and lukewarm water to dab away stains. Avoid soaking the cap completely, especially if it has a structured crown or cardboard brim.
Use a Soft Brush.
For dirt and sweat marks around the brim and inner band, a toothbrush or soft-bristle hat brush works wonders.
Avoid the Washing Machine.
High-speed cycles can ruin the shape. Instead, clean by hand with care.
Dealing With Sweat Stains.
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and gently apply to the inner band. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse gently with a cloth.
Dry Naturally.
Always air dry your cap. Place it on an upturned bowl or a cap shaper to maintain the silhouette while drying.

SHOP CAP CARE

Storing Your Cap Right

Caps need space to breathe. Avoid stacking them where they can get crushed or bent out of shape.

Try these storage tips:

- Use a cap rack or wall hanger for easy access and airflow.

- Keep your caps in a cool, dry place, humidity and heat can warp materials.

- For collector’s pieces, consider a cap display case to keep them dust-free and photo-ready.

- Travelling? Pack your cap in your carry-on and fill it with socks or soft tees to hold the shape.

Preserving Shape & Fit

The crown, brim, and overall structure define your cap's aesthetic—especially when it comes to styles like the trucker cap or 9FORTY. Keep that integrity by:

- Never folding or crushing your cap.

- Avoiding heavy items on top during storage.

- Letting your cap rest between wears to avoid sweat build-up and material fatigue.

- For structured caps, tools like cap cages or shapers help preserve form when not in use or during cleaning.

Material-Specific Tips

Knowing your material helps extend the lifespan of your cap.

COTTON

Easy to clean but can fade. Use colour-safe detergent and never bleach.
WOOL

Spot clean only. Avoid heat and keep away from water to prevent shrinkage.
POLYESTER

Durable and moisture-wicking. Still, skip the machine wash to avoid deforming.
MESH

Focus on gentle hand washing and avoid snagging the weave.

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Our Tips and Tools

We've been in the cap game for over a century, and we know a thing or two about keeping your favourites fresh.

Cap Carriers: Hard-shell travel cases to protect your cap in transit.

Cap Brushes: Specially designed to clean without damaging fabric.

Cap Cages: Great for shape maintenance during cleaning or drying.

Whether you're caring for your everyday 9FIFTY Snapback or a trucker cap straight from the latest New Era drop, our care tools are designed to keep your fit on point.