Quick Answer

To keep your baseball caps looking their best, clean them gently by hand, air-dry them on a form to preserve shape, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For fitted caps, use a cap shaper or a stack of towels to maintain the crown.

Your favorite cap can take a beating from sweat, sun, and daily wear. Whether it's a fitted style or an adjustable one, proper care keeps it looking sharp and extends its life. Here's a practical guide to cleaning, storing, and restoring your caps without damaging them.

We'll cover the basics of hand washing, drying techniques, and storage solutions, plus how to fix a misshapen brim or crown. These tips work for most baseball caps, including the fitted styles popular with Somerset Patriots fans.

Why Proper Cap Care Matters

Caps are more than just accessories—they're often collectibles or team gear you wear season after season. A dirty or misshapen cap can look worn out quickly. Sweat and oils from your skin can stain the fabric and cause odors, while improper washing can shrink or warp the structure.

Fitted caps, like the New Era 59FIFTY styles worn on the field, have a structured crown that can lose its shape if not cared for correctly. Adjustable caps are a bit more forgiving, but they still benefit from gentle handling. Understanding the materials and construction helps you choose the right cleaning method.

  • Check the care label inside the cap for specific instructions.
  • When in doubt, hand wash instead of using a machine.

Cleaning Your Cap: Step-by-Step

Start by spot-cleaning any visible stains with a soft brush or cloth and a mild detergent. For a deeper clean, fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the cap and gently agitate it with your hands, focusing on the sweatband and any soiled areas.

Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains. Avoid wringing the cap, as that can distort its shape. Instead, press the water out with a clean towel. Never use hot water, as it can shrink the fabric and damage the brim's structure.

For caps with a cardboard brim, avoid soaking them entirely. Instead, spot-clean the brim with a damp cloth and let it air-dry quickly to prevent warping.

  • Use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, for stubborn stains.
  • Never put your cap in the washing machine or dryer—it can ruin the shape.

Drying and Restoring Shape

After washing, reshape your cap while it's still damp. For fitted caps, place it on a rounded object that mimics the shape of a head, such as a cap form, a small bowl, or even a stack of towels. This helps the crown dry in its natural curved shape.

For adjustable caps, you can stuff the crown with a clean, dry towel to help it hold its form. Let the cap air-dry completely away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing it on a radiator, as heat can shrink or warp the material.

If your cap's brim has lost its curve, you can gently bend it back into shape while it's damp. For a stubborn flat brim, try steaming it with a garment steamer or holding it over a pot of boiling water for a few seconds—then shape it and let it cool.

  • Use a cap shaper or a rounded object that fits snugly inside the crown.
  • Never force a cap onto a form that's too large—it can stretch the fabric.

Storing Caps to Maintain Their Shape

Proper storage prevents dust buildup and keeps the shape intact. The best way to store caps is on a shelf or in a drawer, stacked carefully. If you have limited space, use a cap rack or hang them on hooks by the back strap—just avoid hanging by the brim, which can bend it.

Keep caps away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Sunlight can fade colors, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew. If you store caps in a box, use acid-free tissue paper to help them hold their shape and avoid crushing.

For fitted caps, you can stuff the crown with tissue paper or a soft cloth to help them keep their dome shape while stored. This is especially important if you stack multiple caps.

  • Store caps in a cool, dry place to prevent fading and mildew.
  • Avoid hanging caps by the brim for long periods.

Quick Care Checklist

  1. Spot-clean first: Use a soft brush or cloth with mild detergent to treat stains before washing. Checkpoint: Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
  2. Hand wash in cool water: Submerge the cap in cool water with gentle detergent, agitate softly, and rinse well. Mistake to avoid: Never use hot water or a washing machine.
  3. Reshape and air-dry: Place the damp cap on a form or stuff with towels to maintain its shape, then let it air-dry away from heat and sunlight. Checkpoint: Ensure the cap is completely dry before storing.
  4. Store properly: Keep caps on a shelf or rack in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and crushing. Mistake to avoid: Don't hang by the brim or store in humid areas.

Caring for Your Somerset Patriots Caps

  • Somerset Patriots 59FIFTY Former Road Patriots Cap: Somerset Patriots 59FIFTY Former Road Patriots Cap Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate. This fitted cap features the structured 59FIFTY design, so it benefits from hand washing and drying on a form to maintain its classic shape.
  • Somerset Patriots New Era 59FIFTY Road Navy Gray Fitted Cap: Purchase this Somerset Patriots New Era 59FIFTY Authentic On Field Road Navy Gray Fitted Cap.Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate. As an authentic on-field style, this cap is built for durability but still needs gentle care to prevent color fading and shape distortion.

With these simple steps, your baseball caps can stay clean, well-shaped, and ready for game day. A little regular care goes a long way in preserving the look and fit of your favorite fitted and adjustable caps.