Hat Guide

Let your hat shine anytime

Welcome to the "Hat Guide" page, where we share essential care tips to ensure your SMILE surf hat remains as vibrant and functional as the day you bought it. Our hats are designed with the active surfer in mind, incorporating durable, high-quality materials for long-lasting wear and performance.

The SMILE surf hat features rust-free chrome metal pieces, ensuring resilience against all types of water without succumbing to rust. An extra thick elastic strap allows for a snug, comfortable fit across a wide range of head sizes, ensuring maximum comfort for most users. Crafted from 100% polyester, the fabric of our hats is generally resistant to ocean water. However, it's important to note that prolonged exposure may cause the fabric to fade, particularly the brighter colors.

To help maintain the hat's quality and appearance over time, we recommend the following care tips:

Care Tips for Your Hat

Rinse with Fresh Water After Every Use
Salt water, while a surfer's natural habitat, carries minerals and salts that can embed in the fabric of your hat, leading to discoloration and degradation over time. After your surf session, give your hat a thorough rinse under fresh, cool water. This simple act washes away those potentially damaging compounds, significantly reducing the risk of color fade and material wear.

Avoid Drying in Direct Sunlight
Although it's tempting to speed up the drying process by placing your hat in direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can have adverse effects. The sun's UV rays can break down fabric fibers and cause the vibrant colors of your hat to fade much faster than they would otherwise. Instead, opt for drying your hat in a shaded area. This method ensures your hat dries efficiently without compromising the integrity of the fabric or the brightness of its colors.

Loosen the Strap After Use
Relieving the tension from the strap after use helps maintain the durability of the tightener, ensuring it lasts for many surf sessions.

Hand Wash Every 3 Months
Regular encounters with salt water, sunscreen, surf zinc, sand, and other elements can leave your hat looking and feeling less fresh. To restore its condition, a gentle hand wash is recommended every few months. Begin by detaching the removable fabric cover through the velcro in the inside. Prepare a cleaning solution of lukewarm water mixed with a gentle detergent. Submerge your hat in this solution, letting it soak for about 15 minutes to loosen any dirt and grime. After soaking, take a soft, clean cotton or microfiber towel and gently scrub the hat. Focus on areas with noticeable buildup or stains, applying gentle pressure to lift away dirt without damaging the fabric. Once cleaned, rinse the hat thoroughly under fresh water to remove any soap residue. Finish by pressing out any excess water (avoid wringing, as this can distort the hat's shape) and setting it out to dry in an area away from direct sunlight. This careful cleaning process helps maintain the hat's material integrity and appearance, ensuring it continues to serve you well session after session.