How to Store & Display your Hats
Baseball caps, beanies, fedoras, bucket hats, cowboy hats, visors and more. Protect your face from the sun they say and wear your SPF! So many hats, but where should they go when they’re not on your head?
My husband and I are celebrating 14 years of marriage this July. Over this time period he has developed an incredible gift of collecting a very high volume of hats. And shoes but we will cover that another day! Today let’s focus on hats.
Creating an efficient hat storage and organization system in a closet involves several steps and considerations to keep your hats in good condition and easily accessible. Here are some ideas and tips:
1. Assess Your Collection
Inventory: Take stock of the number and types of hats you own.
Categorize: What type of hats? Summer, winter, kids/adults, etc.
Frequency of Use: Consider how often you wear each hat to prioritize the most accessible storage for frequently used ones.
Declutter: consider sending the hats you no longer use to someone who would enjoy them.
2. Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Shelving: Install adjustable shelves to accommodate different hat sizes and styles.
Hat Boxes: Use hat boxes for delicate or less frequently worn hats to protect them from dust and deformation.
Hooks and Pegs: Install hooks or pegs on the closet wall or door for hats with sturdy brims like fedoras and baseball caps.
Hat Racks and Hat Stands: Freestanding or wall-mounted hat racks can hold multiple hats and keep them organized. My personal favorite that we have in our master closet is the Dome Dock. It has capacity for 20 hats.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Utilize over-the-door organizers with pockets or hooks for easy access.
Hat Storage Bag: For those hats not in frequent use but you’d like to keep.
Display Rack: Hats that you have space to display.
Hat Containers: This set is clear, stackable and has capacity for 48 hats.
3. Organize by Category
Type: Group hats by type (e.g., baseball caps, fedoras, beanies).
Season: Separate hats by season to make it easier to switch out your collection as the weather changes.
Color: Organize by color for a visually pleasing and easily navigable display. Or by sports teams, events, etc.
4. Consider Visibility and Accessibility
Clear Bins and Boxes: Use clear storage bins and boxes so you can see the contents without opening them.
Labeling: Label boxes or shelves to quickly identify where each type of hat is stored.
Height and Reach: Store frequently worn hats at eye level or within easy reach, and reserve higher or lower shelves for seasonal or special occasion hats.
Location: Favorite hats can be stored near the door and the majority in the closet. When the door collection is overflowing, that can serve as your reminder to transport back to the closet. I follow a similar system with my family shoe bins near our garage. I try to do this weekly or encourage my family to help with maintenance. It becomes more sustainable, the more members in your household understand the routine.
5. Maintenance
Dust Protection: Regularly dust shelves and hats to keep them clean.
Hat Cage: Washing machine or dishwasher safe instead of handwashing.
Cleaner Kit: To remove dirt and stains.
Shape Maintenance: Use hat forms or stuff hats with tissue paper to maintain their shape.
Steamer: If you don’t want to invest in a hat specific steamer, any garment steamer should work as well. I recently went to Allen’s Boots in Austin this March for a Bachelorette party. I highly recommend stopping by even if you don’t purchase anything just for the experience. One of my friends bought a hat and we had fun watching them steam it before she took it home. She’s a real cowgirl in Snohomish :)
Example Setup:
Top Shelf
Storage Boxes: Use for hats that are rarely worn or need extra protection.
Middle Shelves
Display Shelves: Place frequently worn hats on open shelves for easy access and display.
Closet Door
Over-the-Door Organizer: Hang for everyday hats like baseball caps and beanies. I prefer storing beanies with winter gloves and scarves in a basket.
Side Walls
Hooks or Pegs: Hats with brims.
Floor or Lower Shelves
Bins or Baskets: Use for bulkier items or less delicate hats.
Additional Tips:
Rotating Storage: Consider rotating your hats seasonally, storing out-of-season hats in less accessible areas.
Personalized Solutions: Customize your storage solutions to fit your specific needs and closet space.
By implementing these strategies, you can keep your hat collection organized, protected, and easily accessible. I don’t know if I can convince my husband to downsize his collection but at least he will be able to find what he’s looking for if he maintains the system above.
I’m confident that by implementing even a few of these ideas you would be well on your way to a streamlined solution in your space. If you don’t know where to start I’d be happy to partner with you in your organizing journey!
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
