Accessories such as hats are integral components of traditional attire, and undoubtedly, hats rank among the most significant elements of historical and local clothing for both men and women. The diversity and variety of clothing accessories, including hats, preclude the application of a single, universal solution for their care. Improper display or storage of these items—due to folding, environmental contaminants, unsuitable temperature, dust, inadequate lighting, etc.—can cause severe and irreversible damage, altering their structure and form. A tailored approach to conservation, display, and storage, considering each hat’s material, form, and specific vulnerabilities, is crucial for their preservation. Moreover, systematic storage and appropriate display methods can protect hats from numerous degrading factors. This article describes the procedures performed on hats from an ethnographic collection, culminating in the implementation of a conservation plan for these artifacts. The plan included surface and mechanical cleaning, structural stabilization, and provided recommendations for optimal storage and display of the collection.
