If given the option, I completely agree, and prefer to keep vintage hats as original as possible, or padded, not stretched. But, at the sizes we're talking about here it just opens up a lot more hats to be available. I'm speaking from the perspective of a fat head myself. MANY more are available to me if I'm willing and able to "kick" them up a notch. I've always disliked the idea of stretching a vintage hat, but have nudged two hats up one size. Gently. Let your conscience be your guide?
hmmmm
so going up 1 size is ok fit wise then?
how to "convince" the hat into that?
there is a vintage nice whippet at 7 3/8 I want...
-j