Water Stains

[thunderw21]

Yesterday it was raining rather heavily so I wore my Champ Whippet-clone. It got thoroughly wet (especially on the brim) but dried fine except a stain all along the underside of wide bound edge where the rainwater dried. I was able to get the stain out by pouring some distilled water on the edge and allowing it to dry again.

What causes these water stains? I've never been hesitant to wear a vintage fedora out in the rain but this experience made me stop and think. I'll still wear vintage fedoras in the rain, but be more cautious perhaps.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Salts and things that collect in the felt from coloring to fly eyes. I find the best way to get the mottled discoloration caused by water out of a bound edge ribbon or the ribbon on the crown is to use a wet washcloth.