How to Care for Your 90s-Inspired Athletic Hats
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How to Care for Your 90s-Inspired Athletic Hats
Whether you're playing pickleball in the heat or kicking back in a hammock post-match, your hat is going through it with you. At Maxwell Sharkey, our 90s-inspired hats are made to perform—but even performance gear needs a little care to keep its shape and color bold.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly care for polyester and cotton hats, extend their life, and keep that retro style crisp and sweat-free for every serve, spike, and swing.
Why Hat Care Matters (Even for High-Performance Fabric)
Our collection includes 100% polyester athletic hats designed for breathability, sweat-wicking, and quick drying—plus one classic cotton cap for chill weekends. While polyester is durable and low-maintenance, it still needs proper care to maintain its structure, embroidery, and color over time.
- Extend its life
- Maintain its shape and structure
- Prevent odor and sweat stains
- Preserve the vibrancy of embroidery and rope details
Washing Your Hat: Polyester vs. Cotton
How to Wash Polyester Hats (The Majority of Maxwell Sharkey Hats)
Our performance hats like The Dangerous '93 and The Sharkey Cruiser are made from 100% polyester. Here's how to wash them:
-
Spot Clean First
Use a soft cloth or brush with a mix of cold water and mild detergent. Scrub gently—especially around sweatbands and brims. -
Hand Wash if Needed
Fill a bowl with cold water and gentle detergent. Soak your hat for 10–15 minutes, then lightly agitate to loosen dirt. -
Rinse & Reshape
Rinse with cold water, pat dry with a towel, and gently reshape the crown and brim while damp. -
Air Dry
Air dry on a bowl or hat stand out of direct sunlight. Avoid using dryers or heat.
⚠️ Never machine wash or dry polyester hats—it can destroy the structure and embroidery.
How to Wash the Cotton Hat (If You Own That One)
If you have the rare cotton style in the collection, follow similar steps, but be extra gentle when scrubbing and avoid soaking too long. Cotton absorbs water differently and can shrink or lose shape if mishandled.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hat?
- Everyday wear – Spot clean as needed, deep clean once a month
- Heavy use – Spot clean weekly, deep clean every 2–3 weeks
- Beach or pool – Rinse with cool water immediately after use
Storing Your Hat the Right Way
Proper storage keeps your hat structured and display-ready:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Use a hat hook or form to preserve shape
- Stuff the crown with soft tissue to prevent crushing
Protect the embroidery and iconic retro rope features of styles like The Sunset Slasher ‘93 or The Dangerous ‘93 by keeping them in top condition.
Bonus: UV, Sweat & Outdoor Protection
- Use sweatbands under hats during workouts
- Avoid applying sunscreen directly to your hat’s sweatband
- Rinse after saltwater or pool exposure to remove residue
Take Care, Play Bold
Our hats are made to be worn loud and proud. Whether you’re out grinding on the pickleball court, hitting the range, or just chasing the weekend, a little hat care goes a long way.
🧼 Keep it clean
🧢 Keep it sharp
🔥 Keep it Maxwell Sharkey
Ready for More Bold Moves?
Explore our full collection of 90s-inspired athletic hats built for action, sweat, and serious style.
