Funny you should ask. I just tried washing it in cold water today on gentle cycle in a front loading washer. It shrank a bit, it is still wet so I have been stretching the inner brim and hoping that will work. It didn't shrink too much, and I feel I can bring it back with some manipulating and patience.Maybe better to wash by hand? Not sure. Good luck. It is a great hat and served my purpose perfectly, packed up small, protected me from the Aussie sun, and got tons of compliments. I have the linen color.

Scala Women's Cotton Hat with Inner Drawstring and Upf 50+ Rating

Scala Women's Cotton Hat with Inner Drawstring and Upf 50+ Rating

Q: will this work for someone with a slightly large head?

I have a big head- my theory is it's why I look good in hats. My sister with a tiny head looks terrible. But, this hat shrunk when I washed it and I've removed the drawstring entirely and it's still super tight. I wish they had actual sizes. It looks cute but is squeezing my brain.

Q: has anyone tried machine wash cold delicate?

Hi love life!Read MM's review of these remarkable hats on this thread (her's is the first). http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUHLUGI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2V67ZMY1PTFE0&coliid=I2GTJCRI8S8Q1K&psc=1She says she has successfully washed the hat. She mentions the brim softens, but one could always use spray starch to stiffen it up again. Another review, that I cannot find, mentioned the reviewer washed her hat and ironed it to get back the smooth look. Which ever way you decide to wash it, cold water and air drying it would be the way to go. I suspect you could gently hand wash or just soak it in cold water to clean, as well. Good luck with your hat.

Q: Can this hat be squished/folded to fit in luggage for travel, and then reshaped?

Joi,Yes this hat can be folded and bounce back into shape. If you wash it, the hat will lose it's crispness, but not if you fold it.Thank you for your inquiry.TinaVillage Hat Shop