makitright
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 181
- Location
- Montreal - Upper New York State
The vintage style stretchers when in good working order a million times better than these. Etsy has a seller that makes them new based on the vintage design and you can get it in the size you are looking for - search hat stretchers on Etsy.
As a general rule though try to stay away from stretching hats up from their original size - brims change shape and crowns begin to look tapered. I have learned this from experience. I have several hats that look wonky that I will not wear again.
Often times vintage hats have shrunk from their original size. I have received originally 7 5/8 hats that are actually 1 or 2 sizes smaller because of shrinkage. This is the ideal candidate for the vintage stretcher. With a good amount of steam/moisture these hats can be encouraged to regain their original manufactured size without being distorted because they are being asked to go beyond their original proportions.
As a general rule though try to stay away from stretching hats up from their original size - brims change shape and crowns begin to look tapered. I have learned this from experience. I have several hats that look wonky that I will not wear again.
Often times vintage hats have shrunk from their original size. I have received originally 7 5/8 hats that are actually 1 or 2 sizes smaller because of shrinkage. This is the ideal candidate for the vintage stretcher. With a good amount of steam/moisture these hats can be encouraged to regain their original manufactured size without being distorted because they are being asked to go beyond their original proportions.