The Do’s and Don’ts of Running Hat Care
Your running hat does a lot more than keep the sun out of your eyes. It’s there for every interval, every long run, every sweaty grind. At Alter Ego, we pack our hats with features like Splash water repellent technology (so water beads right off), HyperPoly+ fabric (no white sweat stains), and even a Hidden AER Pocket in select styles. But even the most durable hats need proper care to last.
So if you’ve ever Googled “how to wash a hat” or wondered “can you wash a hat in the washer machine?”, this one’s for you. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean a hat and keep it looking (and performing) like day one.
Don’t: Toss It in the Washing Machine
Let’s clear this up first: can you wash a hat in the washer machine? Technically, yes, but you really shouldn’t. The spinning, heat, and agitation will warp the brim, shrink the fabric, and ruin sweat-wicking tech.
Do: Learn how to wash a hat the right way:
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a quick hand rinse in cold water, with a drop of mild soap if needed.
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Our hats are built for low-maintenance care: wear, sweat, hand rinse cold, repeat.
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.
Do: Air Dry Your Hat Indoors
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Hang it on a hook or let it sit crown-up so the structure stays sharp.
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Air drying protects the fabric's integrity and keeps those ultra-lightweight builds feather-soft.
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Patience pays off, you’ll have a fresh hat that still fits like day one.
Don’t: Over-Wash
Your Alter Ego hat doesn’t need a deep clean after every run. Too much scrubbing wears down the fibers unnecessarily.
Do: Take advantage of built-in features like :
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Extreme sweat-wicking material and HyperPoly+ stain prevention.
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Most days, a cold rinse is enough to reset.
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Save the full soap session for when your hat really needs it.
Don’t: Crush It
Performance gear deserves performance care. If you ball it up at the bottom of your gym bag, you’ll flatten the brims and shorten the life of the fabric.
Do: Respect the build and Store it Smart
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Store it crown-up, strap-hanging, or flat.
Our maximum-durability dyes and fabrics are designed to hold color and shape when you treat them right.
Quick Guide Recap
If you’re still wondering how to wash a hat without ruining it, here’s the formula:
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Hand wash only in cold water
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Use mild soap if needed
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Air dry indoors, no heat
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Rinse regularly, deep clean occasionally
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Store smart, don’t crush the crown
Why It Matters
Every Alter Ego hat is engineered to perform, from sweat control to water resistance to long-lasting durability. But performance gear only works if you care for it. Understanding how to clean a hat correctly ensures it keeps its shape, its color, and its ability to go the distance.
If you’re looking for more ways to keep your Alter Ego running hat in great condition, check out our full guide on proper hat care for additional tips and tricks!
