My first one was a natural T-4, and I wore it out. Didn't wash it often enough, got real sweaty in the summer heat, and the material rottendout right at a line of stitching. They replaced it for $6.50. Then I got a khaki one, which I don't much like, so it is my work hat, the the natural is the "goin' to town" one.

I just throw them into the washer with other like colored stuff, then kind of block the crown by hand, and press the brim down on a flat surface to air dry. How often I wash them depends on how dirty they get, and how sweaty (I learned from that experience). Works for me...