Antique hats are often one of a kind, and as such are irreplaceable. Because of this, their care is crucial for continued preservation. The following suggestions are based on information from Vintage Hats and Bonnets 1770-1970 . Storing Vintage Hats Wearing Vintage Hats Repairing Hats Cleaning Hats Storing Vintage Hats Hats should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment. Avoid excessive heat or cold.
Heat can cause some trims to melt and cold can cause some to become brittle.
Keep the hat in dry conditions to avoid mold. Change the paper at least once a year. Wear them and enjoy them. The problem with protecting hats for future generations is that to be truly conscientious, you should never wear the hat or let the hat stand in electric light or daylight. As a compromise, you could display rather than wear hats that are more than 50 years old.