The proper care and handling of your cedar bark, your hat or basket will give it a long life. If handled improperly your bark may crack or loose its shape.
Store hats in hatbox, on a hook, or on the top shelf of your closet. Make sure you stuff the crown with tissue paper or set them on a head form, this will ensure your hat retains its original shape. Also make sure your hat is dry when storing it. Dry it out thoroughly and never place in a plastic bag, wet, as it may mould and dye the bark black.
Watch out for too much sun... it will dry out your hat and cause it to break.
To clean your hat, use a mild detergent and warm water. Wipe the hat quickly, then use a dry cloth to press it dry.
Collecting vintage hats? Take care - hair oils, moisture in the air and handling can damage the hat. True collectors never wear their vintage hats.
Clean hats with a soft brush. Hard bristles will damage the surface. Dust it every week at least so that the dust does not permanently damage the hat. You can also use a damp towel with a slight nap to dust you hat. Use a quick circular counterclockwise motion.
Avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes.
Keep out of direct sunlight--the darker, the better.
Keep dust free, either in a case or by gentle vacuuming through a mesh material.
Handle carefully and Enjoy!
Quick Hat Tips
Always pick up your hat by the brim - never handle your hat by the crown. When placing your hat on your head, adjust it by gently tugging on the front and back of the brim.
Want to keep your hat in good shape? Wear it! Your hat belongs on your head. But, should you remove it, take care not to set it on its brim.
Beware of excess heat. The back window of your car on a hot summer day is the perfect place to ruin your hat.
Can't avoid a downpour? Gently remove your hat and let the hat air dry. If the hat is drenched, consider blotting it with a soft towel - but do not handle it excessively.
Whether you wear your hat regularly or not, gently wipe it with a damp sponge once a week to remove the dust.
Hat Size
To save you some searching time here is a quick guide to sizing your hat's head band when ordering a custom sized Haida Hat.
How to determine your Head Size for a hat or headband
Hat head band size is based on the circumference of the head. In order to determine the proper hat size, you must take a measurement of your head.
1. Measure circumference of head usually about 3/4" above ear Valley, where hat is worn. Using a tape measure, or a piece of string, measure your head about one-half inch above your eyebrows where your hat will rest. Be certain that the tape measure is straight, not twisted. If you are not certain about size, or are between sizes, buy the larger size.
2. Measure tight to 1/4" for accuracy.
X Small = 21 inches
Small = 21 1/2 inches
Medium = 22 1/2 inches
Large = 23 3/4 inches
X Large = 24 1/2 inches
For hats that are round, like the stove pipe top hat, and similar styles, can also be measured by the diameter of the hat. So
6 3/4 inch Diameter = 21 1/2 inch Circumference or size Small
7 inch D. = 22" inch C. or size Medium
7.5 inch = 23 1/2 inch or size Large
8 inch = 25" inch or size Xtra Large