Newsboys and tips on how to shape them.

[Lord Flashheart]

Evening gents,
I have a couple of Hat People newsboys arriving this week and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on shaping them into decent "over the brim" style? I'm not keen on the poufe on the head look so any tips and directions will be appreciated.

Regards

Flashy

 

[HatsWV]

In my experience simply wearing the hats has always worked best for me. In time the material seems to relax into a more natural and less boxy shape.

 

[scottyrocks]

A little mutchering also helps. When I get a new stiff newsboy or flat cap, I bend it and pat it down a lot.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Thanks for the responses lads

I used to wear a beret in a past life and we used to wet them and mould them to the desired shape. Is it wise to do the same with the newsboys?

Flashy

 

[Edward]

In my experience simply wearing the hats has always worked best for me. In time the material seems to relax into a more natural and less boxy shape.

Yes, I'd just wear it. I'm currently breaking in a new one (with the widest body I've owned). IMO, that's the trick - natural wear will give it its own drape. Wear it round the house if you don't want to be seen out in public in it until then.

A little mutchering also helps. When I get a new stiff newsboy or flat cap, I bend it and pat it down a lot.

I've only ever done that with one of mine - a hogskin Stetson Burney. Otherwise, natural wear including a good rainstorm or two does just fine.

 

[seabass]

I have used steam with good results.

 

[Yeps]

I would just wear it a bunch. The weave will relax a bit and it will go where you want it. If you can't wait, abuse it a little: crumple it into a ball, hit it against things, etc.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I have several caps from Hat People. They are pretty soft caps to start with and will break in rather nicely. If they get stubborn about a shape I don't like (from shipping or storage) I just wet my hand a little and then massage the wool a bit.

 

[Chuck Naill]

Similar to a quality baseball hat. Take the rear of the hat and fold it into the front. Then fold everything over the brim and use a loose rubber band or other wider strap to curve the brim to desired shape.

 

[St. Valentine]

Thanks for the responses lads

I used to wear a beret in a past life and we used to wet them and mould them to the desired shape. Is it wise to do the same with the newsboys?

Flashy

I remember that from my (long gone) days with the forces. Berets tend to be quite stubborn, wool caps wear in much easier with the time. No need to force anything.

Frank

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Similar to a quality baseball hat. Take the rear of the hat and fold it into the front. Then fold everything over the brim and use a loose rubber band or other wider strap to curve the brim to desired shape.

Many newsboys are that way, but Hat People Caps do not have stiff brims. They have enough body to hold their shape, but are easily rolled. No cardboard or plastic core.

 

[scottyrocks]

That was one of the things that drew me to a Hat People cap - that authentic brim. It takes whatever shape I press it into when I put the hat on my head.