help with the Homburg smile

[Cordite Blues]

Greetings to all: I have a new fur felt Biltmore Homburg that I like very much. My one complaint is that the brim is just a tad too up-curled (I'm talking the brim proper, not just the edge). I would like a more Mona Lisa smile to the brim and less Keith Ledger 'Joker' (actually it's not nearly that pronounced, tho I've seen some that are). Would a gentle steaming allow me to flatten the brim a little and expect it to stay that way, or should I let a hatter do the work? If a do-it-yourself project, any suggestions? Thanks. CB.

 

[bolthead]

worthlesswithoutpics

 

[Cordite Blues]

still smiling

worthlesswithoutpics

Yes

No.


I thought I was clearer than I must have been. Let me try again: I've determined my Homburg has too much 'smile' i.e., curl, to the brim. I didn't think posting pictures of it would change my mind. I was asking about how to best 'flatten' the brim of my hat (the one I'm dissatisfied with), not whether my friends at TFL thought it was flat enough already. In other words, can I (or an experienced hatter) relax the brim of my stiff-brimmed Homburg, and if so, how? If pictures are still necessary, please see above. Or, if necessary yet, I'll post some this evening (of the Homburg, not Lisa del Giocondo or Mr. Ledger). Actually, I've acquired three new hats since joining the forum and probably should post some pics of me sporting them....

Many thanks

Cordite Blues

 

[mayserwegener]

Like this P. & C. Habig of mine?

I actually really like that look!

I think with a good amount of some steam you can get it to flatten a bit. You are going to have to let it cool in that position. Eventually it will go back to original shape.

This Pallas Homburg (shown open crown) of mine has a flatter look.

 

[Cordite Blues]

weigh it down with ...?

Any thoughts on what to use to weigh it down while curing?

(Maybe I'm over-analyzing this -- steam it and press it flatter. It it's too flat, reverse the direction next time; don't set house (or hat) on fire.... QED.)

Thanks, mayserwegener.

CB.

 

[mayserwegener]

Maybe some books but you need to make sure you don't damage the edge curl. The original flange might work back in over time so you will need to rework it. I have made the front and back brim flatter on some of my Homburgs. Like to see before and after pics. Good luck!

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I would say, steam it when you're about to sit down and watch some TV. That way, you can just hold it how you want it for a while. That's generally when I reshape hats, because I don't need my hands to watch tv.