If you invest in a fine quality hat, it is important to care for it.  Keeping your hat in good shape not only prolongs its life, but it keeps it looking new.  One of the most important things to do is to keep your hat free from dust and dirt.  Brushing your hat as needed keeps dust from accumulating which affects the look.  This also helps prevent water spots that are caused by rain hitting the dust on the hat.  Even if you get some spots on your hat you can sometimes remove them by brushing the nap of the hat after it's dry.  Most fine hats are made from animal fur and have grain to them.  Always brush fine hats from the front of the hat to the to the back as that's the direction of the nap.  A soft- bristled horse hair brush is better than a whisk broom or ordinary clothes brush for a good felt hat.  Remember to let your hat dry out thoroughly away from the sun or heat.  Turn out the leather sweat band on the inside, flip up the brim, and if necessary reshape the hat crown to the style you want to find it in when it's dry.  These simple steps will help keep your hat looking new and prolong its life. 

Straw hats need special care because of their lightness.  The crowns are creased, and blocked or shaped to a particular style, making them brittle.  So the more you handle the crown, the sooner it will dry out, crease, or even crack.  The straw should be handled by the brim, which is more flexible and easier to handle.  And that way the crown will stay clean, last longer, and look nicer.   The straw can be dusted with a whisk or broom and stains can be wiped off with a damp sponge.  If you get caught in the rain with your straw, the hat will be more pliable.  So don't just throw it in the corner to dry out.  Instead, turn the leather sweat band all the way out, turn the brim up, and set it on the sweat band to dry away from the sun or heat, in the shape you want to find it the next day.   Also, after a particularly hot, sweaty day, turn your sweat band out so it dries faster.  When you aren't wearing your hat, storing it properly is important.  The hat should be stored in a box, or covered, and set on its crown.  That way it will stay in the shape you want it in.