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Prairie Shade said:I have worn out 2 Akubra Snowy River Hats, both of them were Sz 59 which is my normal size, and both were too large. It was a combination of the short crown height, and just the hat I guess. I padded sweatband, etc. etc. After a shortime, having been out in the rain and sun, it had shrunken down to where I had to pull it on to get it to stay.
All of that will work well with a modern hat. They will taper and the felt will tighten up when it dries. I am almost afraid to tell people to get a modern hat wet though. Sometimes the color runs.
A vintage felt hat will not shrink when exposed to water or sun. Believe me, I have tried it out and they will not taper or shrink---even if you walk around in a downpour for four hours (Long story). They must have done something to the unfinished hat bodies back then that prevented a large amount of the shrinkage in the future.
For the vintage hats, the cork, cotton, felt or some such material under the sweatband works well. I know because I have removed it from several hats over the years.
Regards to all,
J