never order two hats at the same time from Akubra

[Blackthorn]

I recently ordered a Stylemaster and a Capricorn. I hesitated to order both at the same time because I was concerned about them being stacked one on top of the other, but I wanted to save a shipping charge. Whoever packed them did as good a job as anyone can do, I guess, because there was foam around the ribbon, but it still got damaged:

I guess I'll be making a trip to Paul's Hat Works for a new ribbon.

 

[Rodkins]

Try spraying some distilled water on it and smoothing it out and then letting it dry first.
Mike

 

[Blackthorn]

Try spraying some distilled water on it and smoothing it out and then letting it dry first.
Mike

It's worth a try, Mike, thanks.

 

[KyleK]

Same issue with Hats Direct. I ordered two Campdraft's last year - the one that was inside the second came out all sorts of wonky. Dents, crown centering issues, brim level, etc. I didn't want to send it all the way back to AU so I kept it. Wore it in a downpour and let it dry out on my head. Now I have a slightly wonky hat that's perfectly conformed to my slightly wonky dome. Will never order that way again.

 

[Dinerman]

Spraying some water on it or steaming it should fix that with no problem at all. It's the same as a shirt getting wrinkled.

 

[fmw]

Steam is the answer. It will straighten it out like magic.

 

[Tomasso]

One more vote for steam.

I store my hats stacked one upon the other and will occasionally get a wrinkled ribbon. Just a little shot of steam and they're good to go.

 

[John in Covina]

The same thing happens at some of the local hat stores. They stack the hats and some of the ribbons get mangled. But as mentioned above water will usually relax the ribbon and I could certainly see steam being even better.

 

[Blackthorn]

Thanks for the good advice guys, now I feel like I can fix this.

 

[EggHead]

On the other hand.. I replaced a ribbon for a Sydney (there are pics on forum) at Paul's Hatworks. Their vintage ribbon is much, much better than Akubras. IMO, Akubra gross grain ribbons are cheap and don't look too good, so replacing it will improve your hat and you can choose a different color/size. Cost $30.
One thing I didn't like at PHW was that they have sewn through the liner in some places.

 

[Lefty]

From the title of this thread, I was expecting something catastrophic.

 

[Blackthorn]

:eeek::eeek::eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[Blackthorn]

On the other hand.. I replaced a ribbon for a Sydney (there are pics on forum) at Paul's Hatworks. Their vintage ribbon is much, much better than Akubras. IMO, Akubra gross grain ribbons are cheap and don't look too good, so replacing it will improve your hat and you can choose a different color/size. Cost $30.
One thing I didn't like at PHW was that they have sewn through the liner in some places.

I may end up getting them to put a wider ribbon on, anyway, at some point. They do good work.

 

[Aureliano]

Spraying some water on it or steaming it should fix that with no problem at all. It's the same as a shirt getting wrinkled.

+1 no need for distilled water, tap will do the same.

 

[Blackthorn]

I'm learning a lot here.

 

[Blackthorn]

Well, all your suggestions worked well. I used distilled water, sprayed it onto the ribbon, did some finger work pulling the ribbon tight, and it looks a lot better now. Thanks everyone!

 

[Rodkins]

+1 no need for distilled water, tap will do the same.

I agree but can be paranoid so I don't take any chances usually. If the tap water had some color in it and you sprayed it on a light-colored hat...
You can't see the white in sweat, but when it dries it's there

 

[EggHead]

What kind of tap water do you guys drink? Don't you worry about taking a shower and drying out to a different color?

 

[StrawPorkpie]

Just stopped by to say THANK YOU ... since joining back in 2008, I've read many of your threads on Akubras and have you all to thank (and blame) for my addiction to Campdrafts, Squatters, Sydneys etc ... your expertise, humor and camaraderie have been appreciated by me. I hope to be more active in the future and join in the fun.