Every Sero Silks cap is lined in 100% Mulberry silk. Silk is a natural protein fibre: it loves cool water and a mild, non-bio soap, and it does not like heat, enzymes or rough handling. Look after it this way and the lining will stay smooth for years.
Every day
- After a warm day, wipe the silk sweatband with a cloth dampened in cool water.
- Let the cap air before it goes back in its box.
- Store it with the crown supported, and never with anything heavy on top.
Spot cleaning
Most marks never need a full wash.
- Brush off dust with a soft brush or dry cloth.
- Dampen a clean white cloth with cool water and a drop of mild non-bio detergent. Dab the mark from the edge inwards. Do not rub.
- Dab again with clean water to lift the soap.
- Stand the cap upright over a bowl and let it air dry.
On the silk lining, dampen a slightly wider area than the mark and feather the edges so it dries without a tide mark.
Hand washing
Only when it really needs it, and never for more than five minutes in the water. The front panels are stiffened with buckram, which goes soft if left to soak and sets with creases if it dries crumpled, so keep it quick and reshape while damp.
- Fill a basin with cool water. Lukewarm at most.
- Add a small amount of mild non-bio detergent made for silk or delicates. No bleach, stain remover or fabric softener.
- Hold the cap by the brim and move it gently through the water. Do not wring or twist.
- Use a soft brush on the outer twill if needed. Press the silk lining gently with your fingers instead.
- Rinse in clean cool water until no soap is left.
- Lay the cap on a towel and press the water out. Wipe the brass buckle dry straight away.
First wash? Press a damp white cloth against an inside seam (and the embroidery on The Canvas Cap) to check the colour is fast.
Drying
- Reshape while damp: smooth the front panels flat, round out the crown, set the brim.
- Fill the crown with a towel or set it over a bowl.
- Air dry only: no tumble dryer, radiator or hairdryer, and out of direct sun.
- Allow overnight. Wear it only once the lining and sweatband are fully dry.
Never
- Machine wash or dishwasher
- Hot water, bleach, biological detergent or fabric softener
- Wringing, twisting or scrubbing the lining
- Ironing the lining
- Drying in the sun or on a radiator
Want the long version? Read How to wash a silk-lined cap in The Journal.