Can straw hats be stretched? Do they stretch out over time?

[dog20]

I was checking out some Columbia straw hats today and neither of the sizes they had fit me. The L/XL was too big and the S/M felt a little tight. Both came with a string that allowed the hat to stay secure on my head. I'm debating on which hat I should get. Even though the L/XL is too big, it does stay on my head with the string. I would rather the hat be too big then for it to be too tight and give me a headache. Which hat should I get? I would look at other hats, but these ones offer great sun protection and they are only $15! lol

 

[duggap]

Straw does not stretch.

 

[KatintheHat]

I disagree. They will stretch but, you better leave them on the block to dry.

 

[dog20]

So I must get it wet before I attempt to stretch it?

 

[KatintheHat]

To answer your question, YES.

Your head is your best hat block. Wet it, put it on, and forget it... till it dries.

 

[dog20]

thx!!, i went ahead and bought the s/m sized one.

 

[carter]

You definitely can stretch a damp/wet straw. Be aware that getting it too wet all over is likly to affect the blocking, especially the brim.

 

[bolthead]

thx!!, i went ahead and bought the s/m sized one.

show us a pic of the wind cord...........

 

[dog20]

I'll post a picture of the hat when it gets to my house. I had it placed on hold at Bealls so my grandma could buy it for me.

 

[dog20]

here it is

 

[RBH]

That one has plenty of brim.

I would just wet the crown, down to the brim break. Put the hat on and wear it till it was dry.
It should conform to your head as it dries.


<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9443/wecq7.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Hey Dog

In the Florida weather I would just wear it as is or wet it and wear it.

Unless it is the size of a thimble it should work for you

Happy New Year

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

I purchased a Mexican palm Resistol from a western store out in West Texas a couple of years ago. It was a bit tight, so the saleman spritzed the sweatband with some water, I put it on and it stretched the little bit that was needed. Fall came along and it was put away when the felt hats came out. The next Spring the straw was again too tight. This time I steamed the crap out of it and used a Hat-Jack. I only needed, maybe, one hat size. It worked great, though as I only wear it down at the farm in Virginia, I leave a Hat-Jack in it. Straw will stretch - if done carefully.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

I agree if you want things to fit on your head then use your head