Newsboy Cap Brims: To Curve, Or Not To Curve?

[Marc Chevalier]

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It seems that back in the 1920s and '30s, factory-fresh newsboy caps' visors (brims) came flat, and were worn either flat or curved. The extent of the curve depended on one's taste. Flat visors were more "formal", whereas curved ones appeared more rakish and broken in. For my face, at least, a curved visor works better. (See avatar at left.)


The best way to curve a visor --and set it to stay that way-- is with steam and your fingers. Heat up a tea kettle and put your cap's visor over the steam. When the visor is warm and moist, hand-shape it to curve slightly, holding the curve with your hands for a minute or two (until the visor cools and dries a bit and the curve sets in), and then put the cap on. Do you like the way it looks on you?


If the mirror tells you that the visor would look better flat, then steam it again and re-shape it flat. Alternatively, if you decide that the visor needs even more of a curve, just re-steam it and re-shape the curve into a greater arc. Hold the shape, let it cool and dry, and try it on again.


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[Dewhurst]

On my Newsboys and Flat caps I usually like a curve in the bill just like you. I usually just shape it with my hands and keep doing that until it stays the way I like.

I have a few flat caps that I like better with a flat bill. Suits their profiles better. Just like you said!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I've been a fan of curves for a long time now.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Cool!


I like to steam the visors because it sets the curve better. Vintage caps usually have dense cardboard visors (covered in cloth, of course) that don't set easily without steaming. Their "shape memory" wants to go back to flat.


A few vintage caps have natural rubber visors. I suspect that steaming would work for them, too.

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[Dewhurst]

I like to steam the visors because it sets the curve better.

Now that I have read your post I may start doing that as well. The fast track to a beautiful curve!

 

[zetwal]

I just used kettle steam to curve and shape a 30s era newboy brim. It came out great. Thanks for the tip Marc

 

[Marc Chevalier]

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Right on, Zetwal! :eusa_clap


If any other Loungers try this, please post here and let us know how it worked for you.


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[Not-Bogart13]

I may have to try that on my Hanna. That thing just won't curve!

My favorite caps don't actually have anything but more fabric in the brim, so they do whatever I want, when I want. [huh]

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I may have to try that on my Hanna. That thing just won't curve!

It should work fine on your Hanna.


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[indycop]

I always used a rubber band and a ball to put curves in my brims.

 

[ScionPI2005]

I too prefer curved brims. They just seem so much better, and give that warm "broken in" feeling when you're wearing the cap.

 

[High Pockets]

Carol from The Hat People called today and said my new newsboy's in the mail, (took only four days to make it!),......I can't wait to put my own curve to the bill!

Thanks for the tip on the steam!

 

[Torpedo]

Carol from The Hat People called today and said my new newsboy's in the mail, (took only four days to make it!),......I can't wait to put my own curve to the bill!

Thanks for the tip on the steam!

You will not need steam for Hat People's caps. Their bills are just cloth. In fact, NB13 is, I think, referring to them in his post.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

You will not need steam for Hat People's caps. Their bills are just cloth. In fact, NB13 is, I think, referring to them in his post.

Yep. No steam needed! I'm waiting on my third!

 

[Topper]

"Chicken and egg question".....


A) Curve due to fashion
or
B) Curve due to accidental deformation... which became fashion


When going inside, boys would remove cap and fold up into itself , typically then put in back pocket before sitting down. The Hat would then curve around the bottom, and the chair.


Merely a hypothesis....but it could be true

 

[ScionPI2005]

When going inside, boys would remove cap and fold up into itself , typically then put in back pocket before sitting down. The Hat would then curve around the bottom, and the chair.


Merely a hypothesis....but it could be true

You've sold me on it!

 

[High Pockets]

"Chicken and egg question".....


A) Curve due to fashion
or
B) Curve due to accidental deformation... which became fashion


When going inside, boys would remove cap and fold up into itself , typically then put in back pocket before sitting down. The Hat would then curve around the bottom, and the chair.


Merely a hypothesis....but it could be true

Well then,.....in honor of them, I'll do the same.

Thanks for the tip on the no-steam bend!

 

[Torpedo]

I am myself "guilty" of rolling and putting my caps into my pocket too, and another side effect is that they quickly lose the general stiffness they have when new, and acquire a better, more natural drape. To me at least, this means an improvement, too.

 

[Fletch]

Shallow curve.

Dorfman Halibut

Hat People Full Touring

Now the big question: do you tilt or skew yours one way or 'tother?

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Now the big question: do you tilt or skew yours one way or 'tother?

Usually, yes. But not consistently the same way.