At Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Men's "Problem-Solving Lab," we'll answer frequently asked questions from our customers!

Volume 1 focuses on how to care for clothing accessories (hats, umbrellas, ties). We'll introduce key care tips to help you enjoy your favorite items for a long time.

As one way to spend your time at home, why not take some time to appreciate your favorite items? We hope this will be helpful when caring for your items after use or before storing them for a long period of time.

Hat care

The foundation of daily grooming is brushing.

Sweat and sebum can cause stains and discoloration, while dust can accelerate the deterioration of texture and quality. To ensure you can enjoy your items for a long time, make sure to clean them regularly at the end of each day.


To prevent stains, it's also a good idea to attach sweat-absorbing tape to the inner brim of the hat beforehand.

1. Panama or felt hats: ① Brush off any dust from the surface with a soft hat brush.
② To remove sweat stains from the inner sweatband, wipe with a cloth that has been soaked in lukewarm water and wrung out tightly.
③ Afterwards, wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry cloth, reshape it, and air dry it in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

2. How to care for hats made of cotton or synthetic fibers (check the care label and if they are washable): ① Dissolve a neutral laundry detergent in water and use a cloth to gently dab and wipe any areas of concern, including the sweatband.
② Gently press and wash the item in a washbasin or similar container, squeezing out the detergent.
③ Wipe off any excess moisture with a dry towel, then place it over a round colander or similar object to reshape it and air dry it in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

To prevent them from losing their shape, stuff them with towels or soft paper, and store them in a box with moth repellent and desiccant.
If you don't have a box, we recommend wrapping it in cloth or something similar and storing it in a well-ventilated place.

Umbrella care

Umbrellas have a delicate structure, so it's important to handle and care for them carefully.

To prevent damage to the umbrella ribs and fabric when opening it, gently shake it two or three times to loosen the fabric before slowly opening it.
When removing raindrops from an umbrella, shaking it vigorously can put a lot of stress on the ribs and handle, potentially causing damage. Therefore, it's recommended to open and close the umbrella towards the ground to remove the water. Opening and closing is the umbrella's natural movement and therefore puts less stress on it.

① After use, air dry in the shade to remove moisture. Leaving it wet or not drying it properly can cause the frame to rust and weaken, and can also lead to odors and mold. Also, be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric.

② Apply water-repellent spray. After removing moisture, test the water-repellent spray on an inconspicuous area first, then spray evenly and allow to dry completely. Touching the fabric with your hands will reduce its water-repellent effect, so when folding, pinch the fabric to smooth out the folds.



Dry them and store them in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, it is recommended to air them out in the shade for about 30 minutes twice a month.

Necktie care

Here's how to care for your silk tie. Proper care will help maintain its soft texture and allow you to enjoy it for many years to come.

① Removing stains: For water-soluble stains such as coffee, gently dab them with a damp cloth to remove them.
Oily stains such as soy sauce can be removed by dabbing them with a cloth soaked in benzine.
Since it tends to leave ring stains, gently tap around the edges to blend them out.

② Smooth out wrinkles After wearing, smooth out any wrinkles vertically, horizontally, and diagonally with both hands.

*If wrinkles are difficult to remove, apply steam with an iron. Steaming the fabric will make it easier to smooth out wrinkles. Do not apply the iron directly to the fabric; place a pressing cloth over it and hold the steam iron slightly above the fabric while applying the steam.
If the garment loses its shape or the stitching becomes loose, gently pull the slack threads to correct the problem. After ironing, smooth out any wrinkles by hand once more as a finishing touch. Don't try to remove them all at once; repeating this several times will give you a nicer finish.

③ Hang it on a hanger or similar and air dry it in the shade.

There are mainly three storage methods.
- Hanging: Use a thick pole or tie hanger, taking care not to break the tip of the tie.
・Rolling up: Knit ties and similar items should be rolled up from the narrow end to prevent the weave from stretching.
・Folding: Fold it gently in half to avoid creases, and store it flat.



Care items are also available at the men's accessories section on the 2nd floor of the main building of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. If you have any other questions or concerns about fashion or accessories, please feel free to consult with the staff at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.

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Photo & Text: NIHOMBASHI MITSUKOSHI MEN'S
Edited by: ISETAN MEN'S net