How to Care for Your Alter Ego Running Hat: Tips & Tricks

As avid runners, we understand the importance of quality gear that enhances performance and provides comfort. One often overlooked piece of gear that deserves attention is the running hat.
Whether it's shielding you from the sun's rays or keeping sweat out of your eyes, it’s important to know how to wash a hat the right way so it stays clean and performs well every time.

How to Care for Your Alter Ego Running Hat: Tips & Tricks

To ensure your hat stays in top condition and continues to provide the functionality you need, proper care is essential. In this blog post, we'll share some valuable tips and tricks on how to care for your running hat.

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Tip #1: Never machine wash your hats

Tip #1: Never machine wash your hats

When it comes to caring for your beloved running hat, there's one golden rule you should always abide by: never machine wash your hat. While it might be tempting to toss it in with your laundry, the agitation and heat from a washing machine can wreak havoc on the delicate fabrics and construction of your hat. The harsh spinning motion can distort its shape, causing it to lose its form and fit. Additionally, the high temperatures in the washing machine can cause shrinkage or damage to any specialized features or technologies incorporated into the hat. To preserve the integrity and longevity of your hat, opt for gentle hand washing instead. Your hat will thank you by maintaining its performance and style for many miles to come.

Tip #2: Hand wash with cold water (and light soap if needed)

Hand washing your running hat with cold water is a simple yet effective way to keep it clean and well-maintained. Start by filling a sink or basin with cold water, ensuring it's deep enough to fully submerge the hat. If your hat has stubborn stains or odors, you can add a small amount of mild soap specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Gently agitate the hat in the soapy water, paying extra attention to any soiled areas. Use your fingertips to lightly scrub any stains. Remember to be gentle to avoid damaging the hat's materials or construction. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness, rinse the hat thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Following this simple hand washing method helps maintain the hat's performance features while keeping it fresh and ready for your next run.

Tip #3: Hang dry indoors

When it comes to drying your running hat, air drying is the way to go. Avoid the temptation to throw it in the dryer, as the high heat and tumbling action can lead to shrinkage, warping, or even complete ruin of your favorite hat. Allowing it to air dry naturally helps to maintain its shape, fabric integrity, and overall quality. This method not only preserves the hat's fit but also prevents any potential damage that could occur from the intense heat of a dryer. Patience pays off, as you'll be rewarded with a perfectly dried hat that's ready to accompany you on your next run, protecting you from the elements and ensuring optimal comfort.

By implementing these essential tips and tricks, you can effectively care for your Alter Ego running hat, ensuring its durability, functionality, and style are preserved. From hand washing with cold water and gentle soap to air drying and avoiding machine drying, these practices will help maintain the hat's shape, fabric quality, and overall performance. By prioritizing proper care, your Alter Ego running hat will continue to be your trusted companion on countless adventures, providing the protection and comfort you need while reflecting your unique personality. So, give your running hat the care it deserves and enjoy the miles ahead with confidence.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q1: Can you wash a hat in the washing machine?
A: You can, but it’s risky - especially for performance or structured caps. Always use a delicate setting with cold water and avoid dryers. For more on what to do and what to avoid, check out The Do's and Don'ts of Running Hat Care.

Q2: How do I clean a white running hat?
A: A quick hand rinse in cold water, with a drop of mild soap if needed. 

Q3: What’s the best way to wash fitted hats?
A:
Hand wash only in cold water

  • Use mild soap if needed
  • Air dry indoors, no heat
  • Rinse regularly, deep clean occasionally
  • Store smart, don’t crush the crown

Q4: How do you clean a hat without ruining it?
A: Don’t Use the Dryer. High heat is a hat’s worst enemy. Tossing your Alter Ego hat into the dryer can shrink fabric, weaken coatings, and destroy shape.

Q5: What is the Best Way to Wash a Running Hat?
A:
A quick hand rinse in cold water, with a drop of mild soap if needed. Our hats are built for low-maintenance care: wear, sweat, hand rinse cold, repeat.

Q6: How to dry a hat fast?
A:  Air Dry Your Hat Indoors

  • Hang it on a hook or let it sit crown-up so the structure stays sharp. 
  • Air drying protects the fabric's integrity and keeps those ultra-lightweight builds feather-soft. 
  • Patience pays off, you’ll have a fresh hat that still fits like day one.


Q7: How to wash a beanie hat?
A:
Same as regular running hats,  a quick hand rinse in cold water, with a drop of mild soap if needed. Our hats are built for low-maintenance care: wear, sweat, hand rinse cold, repeat. Hang dry, and you’re good to go. 

Q8: How to get a sweat stain out of a hat?
A:
Alter Ego hats are made with HyperPoly+™ fabric, designed to resist white sweat stains, but if you ever need to clean your hat, the process is simple. Gently hand wash it in cold water, add a small amount of mild soap if needed, and rinse. Our performance hats are built for easy care: wear, sweat, quick hand wash, repeat.

Q9: How to hand-wash a hat?
A:
To hand-wash a hat, fill a sink or bowl with cold water and add a small amount of mild soap. Gently submerge the hat, lightly agitate it, and rinse thoroughly with clean cold water. A quick cold-water rinse is usually all you need to keep them fresh and ready for your next run.