How to Store Baseball Caps So They Keep Their Shape Between Wears

Most caps don't lose their shape in the wash. They lose it on the back of a chair, at the bottom of a gym bag or squashed under a pile of jackets on a shelf. How you store a baseball cap between wears does as much for its shape as how you clean it.

This guide covers how to store baseball caps so the crown stays rounded and the brim keeps its curve, whether you own three caps or thirty.

Why storage matters

A cap holds its shape through a few simple structures: the front panels of the crown, the seams that join them, the brim insert and, on many caps, a buckram or mesh backing behind the front panels. None of these are designed to carry weight for long periods.

Leave a cap crushed or folded for weeks and those structures start to settle into the new position. The front panels can crease, the crown can cave in and the brim can flatten or twist. Heat and moisture speed that process up. Good storage simply keeps the cap supported, dry and out of harm's way.

The basics: crown supported, brim free

Whatever system you use, aim for three things:

• Support the crown. The crown should keep its natural rounded shape rather than collapsing in on itself.
• Don't press the brim. Nothing heavy should sit on the brim, and it shouldn't be bent tighter than its natural curve.
• Keep it dry and ventilated. Caps need air around them, especially after you've worn them on a warm day.

Storage options that work

Shelves. A shelf is one of the simplest ways to store caps well. Set each cap upright on its brim with the crown facing up, or lay it on its back with the crown supported. Give each cap enough space that nothing presses against its front panels.

If space is tight, you can nest a few caps of the same style front to back, so each crown sits inside the next. Keep stacks short so the cap at the bottom isn't carrying too much weight, and avoid nesting caps with very different crown shapes.

Hooks and pegs. Hooks are convenient for the caps you wear every week. Hang the cap by the back strap or the rear of the crown rather than the front, so gravity doesn't drag on the front panels. Avoid sharp hooks that can leave a dent or stretch the opening.

Racks and hangers. Over-the-door racks and clip hangers save space for larger collections. Choose clips that grip the strap or the back of the cap and leave the crown and brim free. Check that clips don't pinch the fabric hard enough to leave marks.

Boxes and drawers. Boxes work for caps you wear seasonally, as long as each cap has room. Fill the crown lightly with acid-free tissue or a soft cloth so it holds its shape, and don't stack anything heavy on top. A box with some ventilation is better than a sealed plastic tub, which can trap moisture.

Store caps clean and fully dry

Sweat, oil and skin residue left in a cap can stain the sweatband and cause odours over time, especially in storage. Before you put a cap away for more than a few days, check whether it needs a refresh. Our guide on how often to wash a baseball cap can help you decide.

If you do wash a cap, check the care label first and follow the cap maker's instructions. While a cap is being washed and air-dried, the WASHKIT Cap Wash & Shape Protector supports the crown and brim so the cap is less likely to be crushed or bent. Always air-dry completely; never use a tumble dryer or other direct heat, which can warp the brim and shrink the crown. For more detail on the drying stage, see how to dry a baseball cap without losing its shape. We don't recommend the dishwasher for caps.

Most importantly, never store a cap while it's still damp. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew and musty smells, and a wet cap is far easier to push out of shape. Make sure the sweatband and brim are dry to the touch before putting a cap away.

Keep heat and sunlight away

Where you store your caps matters as much as how.

• Avoid direct sunlight. UV can fade colours and weaken fabric over time. A shaded shelf or closet is better than a sunny windowsill.
• Avoid heat sources. Keep caps away from radiators, heaters and hot car dashboards. Heat can soften the brim insert and adhesives and distort the crown.
• Avoid humid spaces. Bathrooms and damp basements encourage mildew. If you live somewhere humid, choose a well-ventilated spot and check stored caps now and then.

Travelling with caps

A suitcase or backpack is where many caps meet their worst moments. To keep a cap's shape on the move:

• Pack the cap last, on top, so nothing heavy sits on it.
• Fill the crown with soft items such as socks or a T-shirt to help it hold its shape.
• Keep the brim flat against the side of the bag rather than bent around other items.
• If you're carrying more than one cap, nest them front to back.

Avoid folding a cap in half or stuffing it into a back pocket. A brim folded hard can crease permanently, especially on older caps.

Different caps, slightly different care

Structured caps have a stiff front and do best upright on a shelf or in a box with the crown supported.

Unstructured and dad hats have a soft crown that collapses easily. Light stuffing in storage helps them keep a neat outline. Our guide to dad hat care covers their softer construction.

Fitted caps have no adjustable strap, so hang them from the back of the crown or store them on a shelf. See how to clean a fitted hat without ruining the brim for related care.

Caps with cardboard brims, often found on older or vintage caps, are especially sensitive to moisture. Keep them somewhere dry, and see our guide on washing a cap with a cardboard brim before you get them wet.

Embroidered caps benefit from storage where nothing rubs against the logo. If you need to freshen one up, our guide on washing an embroidered cap without fraying the logo explains how.

If a cap has already lost its shape

If a cap has been crushed in storage, you may be able to bring it back. Our guides on reshaping a baseball cap after washing and drying a cap without warping the brim walk through the gentlest approaches. Results depend on the cap's construction, material and age, and some creases may not come out completely.

Quick checklist

• Store caps clean and completely dry.
• Keep the crown supported and the brim free of pressure.
• Choose shaded, cool, ventilated spots.
• Hang caps from the back, not the front.
• Nest caps front to back if space is tight, and keep stacks short.
• Pack caps last when travelling, with the crown filled.

Keep the shape you paid for

Good storage takes a few minutes to set up and saves your favourite caps from slow, everyday damage. Keep them supported, dry and out of the heat, and they'll look right every time you reach for one.

When it's time to wash, the WASHKIT Cap Wash & Shape Protector helps support your cap's crown and brim through washing and air-drying. Explore more in our Hat Care Guide.