Traveling with Your Cowboy and Cowgirl Hats: A Complete Guide for the Modern Wanderer

There's something undeniably iconic about a well-worn cowboy hat or a perfectly shaped cowgirl hat. These timeless pieces aren't just fashion statements—they're protective companions, style anchors, and often, cherished investments that deserve special care.

Indeed, traveling with your beloved hat requires some strategic planning.

At Gem Hats, we understand that your custom handcrafted hat is more than an accessory—it's part of your identity. That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you protect, pack, and style your cowboy or cowgirl hat no matter where your travels take you.

Understanding Hat Materials and Construction

Before diving into packing strategies, it's essential to understand what makes your hat special. At Gem Hats, we work with four main materials, each requiring different care approaches during travel:

Wool Felt Hats Our wool felt hats are sourced from artisan families in Mexico and are made with high quality merino wool felt. At Gem Hats, we stiffen our wools so they maintain shape overtime. That being said, wool felt is particularly susceptible to moisture and heat. The natural fibers can lose their shape when packed or stored improperly, and water spots can mark the surface on various shades. Wool felt responds well to steam and can typically recover from minor deformation with proper care.

Suede Hats Our suede hats are made out of a canvas base, so they are the easiest material to care for overtime. The canvas base is covered in a soft, water resistant suede that is easy to clean and difficult to damage. We believe suede hats are the easiest hat to travel with, as you don't have to worry so much about losing shape or weather changes.

Panama Straws Our panama straw hats are crafted from the rare Jipijapa leaf by our small family partners in Bécal, Yucatán—the same materials used in authentic Panama hats. These natural fiber hats are more brittle than felt options and can crack or lose shape if handled roughly. These hats need extra protection during travel to maintain their luxurious feel and appearance.

Palm Straws Our palm straws are also handwoven in a different area of Mexico in a city called Sahuayo. The palm leaf is rougher to touch than the jipijapa, and therefore easier to care for when traveling. The artisans of Sahuayo are well-known for their expertise in weaving palm straw.

Upcycled Design Elements What makes Gem Hats truly unique is our commitment to sustainability—90% of our design materials are repurposed, including vintage fabrics, repurposed belts and ties, and other upcycled elements. These decorative touches, while beautiful and environmentally conscious, may have specific care requirements depending on their original source and age.

Pre-Travel Hat Preparation

Material-Specific Cleaning Start your travel preparation by giving your hat a thorough but gentle cleaning appropriate to its material. For wool felt and suede hats, use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris, always brushing in the same direction as the fibers. For straw hats, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away dust. Pay special attention to any vintage fabric bands or upcycled decorative elements, as these may require more delicate handling.

Protecting Upcycled Elements If your Gem Hat features vintage fabrics or repurposed materials, take extra care to secure any loose elements before travel. Check that all decorative pieces are firmly attached and consider photographing intricate details for reference if repairs are needed later.

Shape Assessment and Documentation Examine your hat's current shape and make note of any areas that might need attention upon arrival. Take photos of your hat from multiple angles—this will serve as a reference if you need to reshape it after travel. Pay particular attention to the crown's creases and the brim's curve, as these are the most likely areas to shift during transport.

Packing Methods: From Basic to Professional

The Hat Carrier Tote Our gold standard for travel is the carrier tote. Not only does it provide a safe place to put your hat, but it also allows you pack it along with other items inside the tote. The tote size is perfect as a carry-on and easily fits in the overhead storage bins. Totes are available for sale at Gem Hats for $75.00.

The Carry-On Strategy For many travelers, carrying your hat on the plane is the safest option. Wear it during boarding and take it off once seated. Store it in the overhead compartment inside a protective canvas bag—avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture and damage natural materials. Flight attendants are usually accommodating about finding safe storage space for hats.

Creative Packing Solutions for Different Materials When space is limited and you must pack your hat inside your suitcase, consider these material-specific approaches:

For Wool Felt, Suede & Palm Straw Hats:

• Stuff and Support: Fill the crown with soft, breathable items like cotton t-shirts, then place the hat brim-down in your suitcase. Surround the hat with more breathable items to avoid shifting during travel. Make sure to not force anything shut!

• The Towel Method: Wrap your felt hat in a cotton towel, creating a protective cocoon that allows the material to breathe.

  
  

We do not recommend trying to pack your panama straw in your suitcase as it will most likely get squished!

Travel Considerations

Travel by air: Cowboy and cowgirl hats rarely cause issues at security checkpoints, but you may be asked to remove your hat for inspection. Be prepared to handle it carefully during this process, especially if it features metal gems or other upcycled elements that might trigger additional screening. Factor in extra time at security for handcrafted hats with unique embellishments such as vintage pins, mini swords, etc.

Travel by car: Remember to never leave your hat in a hot car. If you are bringing your Gem on a roadtrip, try to store it in the main area of the car instead of the trunk to avoid shaping issues. Remember to place the hat crown down for longer trip legs.

Destination Hat Care

Hotel Room Setup Upon arrival, remove your hat from its travel container and place it on a clean, flat surface or hat stand. Allow it to breathe and naturally readjust to the new environment.

Material-Specific Reshaping Techniques If your hat needs reshaping, approach it based on its material:

Wool Felt: Light steam from a bathroom shower can help restore pliability, but be extremely careful not to over-steam. Work slowly with your hands and refer to your pre-travel photos.

Straw: Gentle finger pressure and natural humidity are usually sufficient.

Suede: Use a soft brush to clean off dust gathered from bags.

Activity-Specific Considerations

Outdoor Adventures If your travels include hiking, horseback riding, or other outdoor activities, your hat's elastic sweatband (a Gem Hats specialty) will provide superior comfort and fit. Pack a soft brush for trail dust removal and consider waterproofing treatments appropriate to your hat's material if rain is expected.

Urban Exploration City travel presents different challenges. The comfortable fit of your Gem Hat makes it ideal for long days of sightseeing, but be mindful of crowded subways and low doorways. Practice removing and storing your hat gracefully, and consider a hat clip for secure attachment when not wearing it.

Cultural Immersion Your handcrafted hat can be a wonderful conversation starter about sustainable fashion and traditional craftsmanship. Share the story of your hat's materials and the artisan families who contributed to its creation—it's a beautiful way to connect with others about conscious consumption.

Return Journey Preparation

Post-Trip Assessment Before packing for your return journey, assess your hat's condition. Has it picked up dust, odors, or stains? Address any issues before packing to prevent them from setting during travel. Pay special attention to any vintage fabric elements that may have been affected by your adventures.

Souvenir Integration Many travelers collect hat pins, gems, or bands as souvenirs. If you've acquired new accessories, consider having new additions professionally attached to maintain the hat's integrity. Book a restyling appointment at our hat bar for help with this!

Long-Term Travel Considerations

For extended trips or digital nomads who travel with their signature style, consider investing in multiple hats in different materials suited to various climates. The sustainable approach means each hat tells a story while supporting traditional artisans—a perfect philosophy for conscious travelers.

Here to Help You Get Your Hat Home | Gem Hats: Denver's Best Custom Hat Bar Experience

Traveling with your hat doesn't have to be stressful. With proper preparation, material-specific care, and a little extra attention to the unique upcycled elements that make your hat special, it can be your faithful travel companion. These handcrafted pieces, created with sustainable materials by skilled artisans, deserve the same thoughtful care you'd give any treasured travel essential.

Remember, a well-traveled hat develops character and tells a story of adventures shared between you and the craftspeople who created it. These travel tips will help ensure it arrives at your destination ready to turn heads while representing the best of sustainable, handcrafted fashion.

Safe travels, and may your hat always find its way home in perfect condition, carrying with it the stories of the places you've been and the sustainable choices you've made along the way. Don't forget to send us and tag us in your travel photos on social! @gem_hats