Soaking Vs. Steaming (when Bashing a Hat)

[Visigoth]

So, lots of talk here about steaming hats to get them properly dented, etc. I've found, however, that this rarely seems to get a hat to hold its shape -- and have resorted to wetting areas (not the whole hat) with cold water in order to procure a permanent dent, or to get rid of a previous crease. This require some brushing afterwards, as it tends to mat the felt, but I've had no trouble bringing the finish back to spec. AND: it seems to me that hot steam is probably worse for a hat, when it comes to shrinkage, etc., than the judicious application of cold water to small areas.

Am I missing something here?

 

[riccardo]

Hi guy,
I know that soaking an hat is one of the method for reshape an hat.
I prefer to do it by steaming the hat, max 15 seconds steam, won't damage the hat.
Soaking too, might shrink the felt.
Ohhhhhhhhhh....ok....listen to any others members...if you spoke italian I could tell you something...sorry.
Take care:eusa_doh:
Riccardo.

 

[thefedorastore]

Steam is a good start

If you can do it with steam then leave the water alone, I say. You will find that you might have a felt the will puff up when wetted, others will discolor from the rest of the hat and some will shrink. Most wool hats are wet blocked, while a good majority of the fur felt hats are steam blocked. So, watching what you have been acquiring, I would guess that most of them were steam blocked. When I grab a nice fur felt to wear, I always apply a bit of steam and shape for the outing. Also, I can readily change the shape from one day to the next. As one spends more time with his hats, I think one tends to like to change them up. It's like moving furniture around in the room for a new and refreshing change. With that in mind, best to stick with the steam in my book.

Duane

 

[johnnycanuck]

Depends on the hat. If it is a Akubra I would say soak the thing. The best way I find to shape one is to get caught in a rain storm and it helps relax the felt then you can mould it to your hearts content. A Biltmore I would use steam. I would not intentionally get it wet myself. But its my dress hat so I want to looking its best.
Johnny.