Panama hats are a beautiful hat that is made in Ecuador in South America. A panama hat is known for it’s quality and fine weave, and is worn by celebrities including Johnny Depp and Madonna.
Here is Why Panama Hats Are Not Completely Waterproof:
A panama hat can withstand light rain, but it will not work in heavier rain as it will cause damage to the weave of the panama hat.
So it is not a good idea to wear your panama hat out if it is raining heavily as you would then have to Dry and Reshape your hat.
In this article we are going to talk about panama hats and waterproofing, and how to fix your panama if it does get wet.
Thanks and I am sure this will give you the answers you are looking for.
Are Panama Hats Waterproof?
To begin with, Panama hats are not waterproof. They are made of natural fibers that absorb water. Depending on the quality of the hat will depend on whether or not it has any kind of waterproofing treatment applied to it.
There are generally 3 levels of hats in regards to water resistance:
On the most basic level, these hats can withstand light rain without causing damage but do not hold up in a storm.
The second level, these hats can withstand light rain without causing damage but do not hold up in a storm.
These are the best Panama hats in terms of water resistance. They will withstand a medium to heavy rainstorm before showing any signs of water penetration.
It is important to note that hats are generally made of natural fibers, these types of materials stretch when wet which will leave the hat stretched out over time.
For this reason, you should not wear your Panama hat in the rain on a daily basis as it will cause the brim to stretch out over time. It may also result in some leakage.
Can You Wear A Panama Hat In The Rain?
To answer the question, it is possible to wear a Panama hat in the rain.
However, you should not do it on a regular basis as this will cause your brim to stretch. It’s also a great idea to keep a felt or straw hat on hand for rainy days if you plan on wearing hats often.
You should avoid getting your Panama hat wet for this reason since you may not know the quality of the hat’s brim or any waterproofing treatment.
Water may also leak through your hat which could leave you with a soggy hat. Although, if the hat is high-quality and has had water-resistant treatments applied to it, your hat should be safe in most rainstorms.
What Happens If A Panama Hat Gets Wet?
If your Panama hat gets wet, depending on the quality of the hat will depend on whether or not it has any kind of waterproofing treatment applied to it. If a hat has been waterproofed it should be fine in light rain.
However, if the hat is not made of high-quality or does not have any kind of waterproof treatment applied to it, water can penetrate the hat over time which will affect its shape and may leave you with a soggy Panama hat.
How Do You Fix A Wet Panama Hat?
If you have a Panama hat that has been left out in the rain for too long, you should try to reshape it as quickly as possible by using steam or warm water. However, if any part of the hat is wet this is subject to stretching which will leave your hat stretched out over time.
Here are tips to fix a wet Panama hat:
1. Use a Brush To Reshape The Hat
If the Panama hat is made of high-quality material it may be saved after being left out in the rain. However, if any part of your hat is wet you will want to try and reshape it by using a brush or steam.
2. Use A Steamer To Reshape The Hat
Steam is one of the best ways to reshape a hat. However, if you do not have access to a steamer you can also use warm water which will take longer.
3. Blow Dry The Hat
Blow drying is one of the best ways to dry your Panama hat as quickly as possible, however, this may only work with high-quality hats that have been waterproofed.
4. Put Newspaper Inside The Hat To Absorb Water
One of the best ways to dry a hat is to put newspaper inside it which will help absorb any moisture that may be left in your hat. You can also let the newspaper sit inside the hat overnight.
5. Leave The Hat Out In Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is one of the fastest ways to dry a hat. If there are any wet spots inside your hat, this method may also help heat up these spots which will make the Panama hat more malleable.
6. Put The Hat In A Hat Box To Help Dry
If you have a hatbox, leave your wet Panama in it overnight. This will help absorb any moisture that is left in your hat and provide a better structure for it.
7. Use A Blow Dryer To Reshape The Hat
If you do not have access to steam or sunlight, you can also use a blow dryer to reshape the hat. However, this may only work with high-quality hats that have been waterproofed.
8. Use Newspaper To Absorb The Water
If you are in a hurry to reshape your hat, you can try placing newspaper inside the hat which will absorb any moisture left inside the Panama hat. This is one of the best ways to prevent water from leaking through your hat or getting it wetter.
9. Use A Hat Brush To Reshape The Brim
One of the best ways to reshape a hat is to use a brush to help bring it back into shape. You can work your way around the brim to make this easier and reshape any parts of the hat which may be bent out of place.
10. Hire A Professional To Reshape The Hat
If you are in a pinch and need your hat to look great again, the best thing you can do is hire a professional to reshape it for you. Depending on how wet your hat is, this may be expensive however if you do not have time on your side this will help save your hat.
Depending on how well your hat is made, it may be able to hold up in most light rain. However, if water gets inside the hat or is left in an area for too long it can damage the material of your Panama hat which will not come out looking the same again.
For best results, try reshaping your hat as quickly as possible by using steam or letting it air dry outside in the sunlight.
Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Panama Hat
1. Do Not Let The Hat Get Wet
One of the best ways to take care of your hat is to avoid letting it get wet no matter what. If water gets inside the hat for too long this can damage the material which will affect your hat’s shape and colour over time.
2. Store The Hat In A Hat Box
If you do not have a hatbox, try storing the Panama hat in a dry place where it will not get wet. This is one of the best ways to preserve your hat and prevent damage from occurring when you are not wearing it.
3. Use A Brush To Straighten The Shape Of Your Hat
One of the best ways to take care of your hat is to use a brush when you are not wearing it. If you have a Panama hat with a particularly unique shape, using a brush should help straighten out the material from being too bent or warped.
4. Spot Clean The Hat By Hitting Soiled Areas With A Wet Cloth
If your hat does become soiled, or if you accidentally leave it out in the rain, try using a wet cloth to spot clean the parts which are dirty. This will help prevent any cleaning spots on your hat and keep it looking stylish even when not wearing it.
5. Find A Shaped Hat Box To Match Your Panama Hat
There are various types of hat boxes available to help fit your specific type of hat. If you have a particularly shaped Panama hat, look for a box with the same shape so you can easily place it inside without worrying about its form being compromised or bent out of place.
6. Use A Blow Dryer To Reshape The Hat
If you do not have access to steam or sunlight, you can use a blow dryer to reshape the hat. However, this may only work with high-quality hats that have been waterproofed.
7. Hire A Professional To Reshape The Hat
If you do not have time to shape your hat, or if it is too expensive, one of the best ways to reshape the hat is to hire a professional. This will help prevent any damage to your wet hat and make it easier for them to reshape it depending on how wet the material of the hat maybe.
8. Store The Hat In A Hat Box
If you do not have a box, try placing your Panama hat in a dry place where it will not get wet. This is one of the best ways to preserve your hat and prevent damage from occurring when you are not wearing it.
9. Use A Brush To Straighten The Shape Of Your Hat
One of the best ways to take care of your hat is to use a brush when you are not wearing it. If you have a Panama hat with a particularly unique shape, using a brush should help straighten out the material from being too bent or warped.
