Properly caring for your fascinator can ensure its longevity and protect it from dust, moisture, or even odours in your storage place of choice.
Fascinators are relatively easy to care for, in comparison to other hat types and materials, such as wool or tweed. But it is still vital to maintain perfect conditions.
At checkout, you have the option to also purchase a storage box. This box keeps your hat clean and dry, and also prevents it from being crushed, getting dusty, or being exposed to elements such as sunlight or odours.
The box is the perfect size for your fascinator or headband, and will be wrapped well for delivery. Simply store it in the way it arrived.
Maighread Stuart Millinery uses acid free, colourless tissue paper to wrap and cover pieces. This ensures the dye or colour from the paper doesn’t bleed or soak onto the hat or the box.
Hats should be kept in a dark place, away from direct sunlight and other factors which could cause colours to fade and the materials to become brittle.
There should be no moisture, so check that the area isn’t suffering from damp and mould, which can be prominent if your storage is on an external wall or near somewhere like an en suite.
Temperatures should be around room temperature, with care taken around winter and summer to ensure the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much.
Beads, feathers, and flowers are popular on Maighread Stuart Millinery pieces. Please don’t handle these too much; handling can cause them to weaken, fray, or become brittle. Covering these areas lightly with tissue paper will ensure they don’t become susceptible to light, temperature, or damage.
Handle the piece gently when removing it and putting it on. Try to avoid repeatedly doing this throughout the day.
The feathers we use can be ‘plumped’ up by simply standing your fascinator in a steamy bathroom or, taking care not to scold yourself, by holding near a steaming iron or kettle for a few seconds. Do not steam directly for more than a minute as this will damage the feathers.
If you would like your coque feather stems to have more of a curve, you can heat with a curling iron for a few seconds and pull along the stem. Or if it is a fine stem simply pull a sharp finger nail over the stem, much like when you curl metallic ribbon for presents.
Showers can’t be helped, especially if worn outdoors at the races or a wedding. Try to find shelter straight away, though, and if the headpiece gets wet, remove it. Blot with tissue or cloth to try and draw out as much moisture as possible. When home, dry with a hairdryer or similar on a very low setting.
Don’t rub the headpiece or use a damp sponge. This can cause damage to the fabrics and fibres, and cause permanent discolouration or shape alterations.
If the hat does become dusty, brush the dust away with a soft brush, like a clean makeup brush. Hard bristles can cause damage to fibres, so ensure this brush is soft and you use gentle movements.
If there is any residue on the piece, such as makeup, sweat, hairspray, or dirt, use an unscented baby wipe or similar gentle, unperfumed soft wipe to carefully try and remove, before drying as above.
Avoid excess moisture and any rough sponges or cloths. Avoid chemicals and other cleaning agents, such as laundry detergent or washing-up liquid.
Why use acid-free tissue paper for storage?
Acid free tissue paper is perfect for storage of fragile items, such as clothing. It won’t become brittle over time, ensuring maximum protection, and contains no chemicals which can be transferred to your hat. Because of fewer chemicals, it is also the more sustainable option.
How are the hats delivered if I don’t choose a box?
The hat is wrapped in the tissue paper and placed in a standard protective cardboard box, marked as ‘Fragile’ and your printed invoice is placed in a clear sealed envelope on the front of the box. Fortunately damage during the delivery process is a very rare occurrence, however, if you discover damage to the hat upon opening the box please contact us before removing our store tag.