I’ll start with a confession: I have a hat-hoarding habit that rivals the squirrels’ obsession with acorns. From past little league championships to ill-fated attempts to don “cool” non-sports hats (don’t ask), my closet is full of them.
Do I need them all?
Yet, despite the sentimental value, many of these poor things suffer from sweat stains that resemble abstract art, or snapbacks that snapped back one too many times.
It’s just not right.
If you’re like me, fear not—It’s time to give those old hats the glory they deserve. Instead of letting them languish like forgotten relics, let’s unleash some creativity and find clever ways to repurpose them (or to let others enjoy them in a way we once did).
Donate Them
Like any old clothing item, one of the most popular options when it has run its course is to donate. Local charities, thrift stores, community organizations. homeless shelters, and youth sports program may appreciate your lightly-used hats (meaning, I’m not talking those that are shredded and stained).
Here is how to donate:
Clean and inspect the hats
Before donating, make sure to clean the hats thoroughly. Follow the care instructions on the label or hand wash them if necessary. Inspect each hat to ensure they are in good condition and free from any significant damage. While offloading your old hats might feel good, it feels a lot worse when you realize they are in a condition that nobody wants them in.
Research local donation options
Look for local charities, thrift stores, community centers, or organizations that accept clothing donations. You can search online or contact them directly to inquire about their donation policies and whether they accept hats.
Check for specific requirements
Some donation centers may have specific requirements for accepting hats and other items. For example, they may only accept certain types of hats or hats in particular sizes, etc. It’s important to understand and comply with any guidelines provided by the organization, or else you’re just passing your frustration along to the next person.
Obtain a receipt (optional)
Once you’re done donating, If you would like to claim a tax deduction for your donation, ask the organization for a receipt or acknowledgement of your donation. Keep this receipt for your records when filing your taxes. Learn what the IRS has to say about charitable contributions here.
I’m not a tax professional and this is not tax advice. Please conduct your own reasearch and consult a tax professional with questions.
Sell Them
We live in the age of selling household items to earn a quick buck here and there. So, you never know—your old hats might net you enough for a nice steak dinner.
There is a lot to get into here, so I’ll try and keep it short.
Clean the hats
Just like we mentioned with donating, before listing your hats for sale, clean them thoroughly to ensure they are in good sellable condition. Remove any stains, odors, or debris. Evaluate the hats for any damage or signs of wear that may affect their value. The sale is one thing, but you want to strive for receiving positive feedback when the hat has been received by the buyer.
Research hat prices
Conduct some research to determine the market value of similar baseball hats. Check online marketplaces, auction sites, or specialized hat reselling platforms to get an idea of what people are willing to pay for used hats in similar condition.
eBay is a decent and easy place to check for recent transactions. Look up the “sold listings” to see what hats have sold for, but also check current listings to see what they are currently valued at.
Choose a selling platform
Decide where you want to sell your hats. Online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, or Depop are popular options. You can also explore specialized hat reselling platforms like Grailed or Hat Heaven. Consider the fees, shipping options, and audience of each platform to find the best fit for your needs.
Take quality photographs
Before listing, capture clear and appealing photographs of your hats to attract potential buyers. Make sure to photograph the front, back, sides, and any notable details of each hat. Use good lighting and showcase the hats from different angles to provide a comprehensive view.
Use Hats as Decoration
I’m not talking about turning your old hats into a quilt (yet) but rather taking them in their current form and creating something different out of them.
Depending on the extent of your hat “collection” create an eye-catching hat wall display by mounting them directly onto a wall. Arrange them in a visually pleasing pattern or mix and match different colors and styles for an eclectic look. An easier task would be simply installing a rack with hooks and then hanging the hats on the hooks.
If you have a ton of hats, dedicated a whole wall to your “collection” makes for a nice look. This isn’t exactly getting rid of the clutter, but at least moves it from mess to masterpiece.
This can be particularly effective in a den, game room, or bedroom with a sports or vintage theme. For instance, those Green Bay hats would show up nice in a Packers man cave.
Repurpose Hats Into Something Useful
If you’re finding there isn’t enough to do with a hat in its current state and condition, do some crafty repurposing to give them new life.
For example, by cutting the hats into squares or other desired shapes, you can incorporate them into a quilt or patchwork blanket, or even decorative pillow.
Combine the hat fabric with other complementary fabrics (like shirts) to create a unique and personalized quilt that preserves the memories associated.
