Wash your suede cap

Suede leather has great patina properties, and a distinct look. We often use it for the brim or other details of the cap. We often use suede leather for the bill of the cap, or for details.

The hat store Wilgart also sells flatcaps and other caps where the entire cap is sewn in suede.

Suede material properties

Suede is made from the underside of an animal skin. It is characterized by a rough, dry but soft surface and thus a matte appearance. Suede should be brushed regularly.

Positive

Flexible
Strength
Durable

Negative

The colour is broken down by the sun’s rays, and caps are easy exposed to sunlight.
Sensitive to grease stains
Must be continuously treated to maintain grace and flexibility

A great way to maintain a leather cap is by brushing the suede. This will remove dust and grime from the surface. At the same time, the brush re-raises the natural fibers of the suede so that they stand out in the air rather than lie down. If you do not maintain the cap by brushing, the dust and grime will stick to the leather, and collect other dirt which makes the surface more greasy.

Washing a cap that has a fabric pull, but a suede brim, is difficult. Because the dye from suede usually infect on the fabric close to it, when getting wet. Be extra cautious and try not to get the suede brim wet at all.

If a stain is impossible to remove, using leather grease on a suede cap is the best method. The much darker tone of the entire leather surface, will camouflage many deep marks and stains on the cap.

Leather grease will transform the surface to a more oily look, than suede’s prior natural dusty and dry look. The suede cap will become more oiled and glossy, and the skin will no longer be characterized by the matte and dry look of new suede.

If necessary, test the treatment with leather grease before starting. It can’t be undone.