Trucker Cap Care: Keep Camo Patches and Mesh Clean

Quick answer

Hand wash the cap in cool water with a mild detergent, scrub the camo fabric and mesh gently with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry it over a bowl or hat form. Never put a leather-patch trucker cap in the washing machine or dryer.

Step-by-step trucker cap cleaning routine

1. Brush off loose dirt and dust: Use a soft-bristle brush or a dry cloth to remove dust from the camo fabric and mesh before adding water. Work from the top of the cap downward so debris does not get pushed into the seams. Skipping this step turns dust into mud that stains the fabric.
2. Spot-clean the brim and mesh with a damp cloth: Mix a drop of mild detergent in cool water, wring out a microfiber cloth until it is barely damp, and wipe the brim and mesh. Avoid soaking the leather patch; if the patch needs attention, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth only. Using hot water or harsh soap can dull the camo print and dry out the leather.
3. Hand wash the cap in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the cap and gently squeeze the fabric and mesh for a minute or two, keeping the leather patch above the waterline as much as possible. Never machine wash or wring the cap; both can crush the brim and distort the front panels.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Hold the cap under cool running water or dip it in clean water until no soap remains. Soap residue can attract dirt and leave a stiff feel on the mesh. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
5. Air-dry on a form or bowl: Gently press the cap between two towels to remove excess water without twisting. Place it over a bowl, a hat form, or a rolled towel so the brim and crown hold their shape, and let it air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Never use a dryer or a radiator; heat will shrink the mesh and crack the leather patch.
6. Store the cap properly between wears: Once fully dry, store the cap on a hook or a shelf where the brim is not resting on anything heavy. Avoid stuffing it into a bag where the front panel can crease. Storing a damp cap in a closed space encourages mildew and a musty smell.

Product notes from the Half Face Blades lineup

• Scalper Leather Patch - Multicam Camo Trucker Cap w/ Tan Mesh: Multicam camo front panels with a tan mesh back and a leather patch. The mesh back dries quickly, but the leather patch and camo front need gentle, cool-water cleaning to avoid fading or stiffening.

  

• Bark Duck Camo HFB American Flag Patch Trucker Cap: Bark Duck Camo front with a mesh back and an American Flag patch on a Richardson snapback trucker hat. The structured snapback build means you should dry it on a form or bowl to keep the front panel and brim from collapsing.