Hat size questions

[FedoraFan112390]

I bought a hat--Dobbs Twenty--about six months ago. I was supposed to get it cleaned but never did and so never wore it, kept it in the bag. The satin interior and sweat band crumpled somewhat, and it feels a bit tight on my head. The top of the hat bulges up somewhat and won't go down even if I push it. I don't know if a hat is supposed to feel snug on the head or not

so

1) Is there anyway I can get it resized to fit my head exactly?
2) Is there anyway to get the liner and sweatband uncrumpled?
3) Is it possible it may have shrunk from non use or not being stored properly? It was in a bag unside down

It's a very nice hat, gray with a black band, over 2 1/2'' brim, from the '40s and I'd like to finally get it fixed up and be able to wear it.

 

[tonyb]

Yes, yes, and yes. It just depends on whether for you it's worth the expense. The sweatband may need replacing, but the liner could very likely be cleaned up and ironed back into shape. If the body is in decent shape, it oughta take a reblocking without complaint.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

Yes, yes, and yes. It just depends on whether for you it's worth the expense. The sweatband may need replacing, but the liner could very likely be cleaned up and ironed back into shape. If the body is in decent shape, it oughta take a reblocking without complaint.

The body is a little stiff. If I try to reblock the crown myself by hand, it just pops back into it's regular position--same with the brim if I try to cock it.

 

[DNO]

A silly question, I know, but are you using steam? I've always found that the steam will make the felt very co-operative. It's really essential when you're trying to reshape the hat.

You could try some leather conditioner on the sweatband as well.

A bit of work with a stretcher and some steam should bring the hat back to its proper size.

 

[tonyb]

I think you mean that you've attempted to recrease it. Is that right?

By reblocking I mean taking the hat apart and putting the body (after cleaning it, probably) onto a block of the desired size and style. And the brim would get treated to a trip to the flange stand -- a flange stand fitted with a flange (sometimes called a brim block) of the desired style and size where it would get ironed and "sandbagged" into shape. Then the hat would get put back together again. So it's a bit of an undertaking, which is why I say that the question of whether if it's worth it is a question only you can answer.

You can do some DIY fiddling with it, but without blocks and flanges and all of that, there's a severe limit to it. But sometimes a bit of brushing can perk things up, and, as David noted, steam can help convince a felt hat body to move around a bit. But be careful not to cook the sweatband. And the heat from the steam, if you overdo it, can cause the crown to taper. I've seen it happen.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

I think you mean that you've attempted to recrease it. Is that right?

By reblocking I mean taking the hat apart and putting the body (after cleaning it, probably) onto a block of the desired size and style. And the brim would get treated to a trip to the flange stand -- a flange stand fitted with a flange (sometimes called a brim block) of the desired style and size where it would get ironed and "sandbagged" into shape. Then the hat would get put back together again. So it's a bit of an undertaking, which is why I say that the question of whether if it's worth it is a question only you can answer.

You can do some DIY fiddling with it, but without blocks and flanges and all of that, there's a severe limit to it. But sometimes a bit of brushing can perk things up, and, as David noted, steam can help convince a felt hat body to move around a bit. But be careful not to cook the sweatband. And the heat from the steam, if you overdo it, can cause the crown to taper. I've seen it happen.

Yes recrease it is what I meant. It would just pop right back out into it's normal crease, instead of holding the crease I made.
I feel bad. This is a vintage 1940s era hat.

 

[tonyb]

I understand how you don't wish to mess it up. Lord knows I've kicked myself for doing far worse to an old hat.

Can you post a picture or two of this hat? That might give help us steer you right.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

I understand how you don't wish to mess it up. Lord knows I've kicked myself for doing far worse to an old hat.

Can you post a picture or two of this hat? That might give help us steer you right.

Sure, I'll have a couple of pix tomorrow (Have to charge my camera, take the pix, find my USB wire and upload em)