Silk Opera hat - adjusting the brim opening

[Cadcoke5]

I have an antique opera (collapsible) top hat. And while the opening is the correct circumference for my head, it is too round. I need more space front-to-back, and less side-to-side.

These types of hats seem to be a specialty, and I cannot find any information about adjusting the fit, like there is for felt hats. Since the brim has a curve to it, if the brim is something that can be softened with steam, I am sure I can reshape it, and it would still look OK. But, that may mess up how the silk sides stretch out.

I've looked all over the internet, without success. Any advice here, or perhaps where else I could visit?

-Joe

 

[belfastboy]

If it were a felt hat it would require a complete reblocking as you are a long oval and the hat a regular oval. It is a major operation for a felt hat and have no idea how you would go about reblocking this one without major complications on the brim, distorting the crown etc. The only thing you might try, at the risk of perm damage, is buy a hat jack, sand down the wings so it is closer to a long oval shape and then apply it to the hat.....slowly, slowly, slowly. If you only need a little you might coax a small amount from it.

 

[alanfgag]

There is a steel frame inside your collapsible top hat. In my experience the Gibus mechanism is not receptive to a changes in size or oval shape.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I was gonna say the same thing. I've owned one of these since my teenage magician days, and a collapsible top hat is quite a different animal from an ordinary felt hat.

 

[belfastboy]

There is a steel frame inside your collapsible top hat. In my experience the Gibus mechanism is not receptive to a changes in size or oval shape.

I always wondered how that hat worked....I learned something new already this morning......going back to bed now....don't want to overdo it. Thank you!

 

[ChicagoWayVito]

I have an antique opera (collapsible) top hat. And while the opening is the correct circumference for my head, it is too round. I need more space front-to-back, and less side-to-side.

These types of hats seem to be a specialty, and I cannot find any information about adjusting the fit, like there is for felt hats. Since the brim has a curve to it, if the brim is something that can be softened with steam, I am sure I can reshape it, and it would still look OK. But, that may mess up how the silk sides stretch out.

I've looked all over the internet, without success. Any advice here, or perhaps where else I could visit?

-Joe
View attachment 306693

If the hat is antique and worth money, I would not do anything to it and try to preserve the hat as best as possible and admire it. Here is a little bit of information on the Gibus: THE GIBUS | HISTORY ON YOUR HEAD

Thanks @alanfgag I never knew what the mechanism was called until your post today.

 

[Cadcoke5]

Thank you all for the replies. I had never thought about the oval shape as a consideration in a hat. But, in many hats, it can self-adjust. Though, apparently not an opera hat.

 

[Who?]

Sounds as if it would be easier to reshape your head.

 

[M Hatman]

As many have said on adjusting.....you don't.