Still Having trouble Shaping Brims

[Old Fogey UK]

As much as I try, I just don't seem to have the technique of curling a fedora brim. I've spent many long hours with a kettle but can never get it to look even all round. All I get is scalded fingers and a wavy brim.
Any technical hints to increase my success, Chaps ?

 

[funneman]

Try using an iron.

I had a rather stubborn Lee that was shaped a bit like a homburg. I wanted to give it more of a Blues Brothers bash.

I found using an iron with a wool setting on a flat surface did the trick. Just take care not to touch the ribbon with the edge of the iron. You'll really mark it up if you do. You can even try spraying on a little cool water before applying the iron.

As far as steaming, try holding the hat over the steam for a few seconds, removing it from the steam, then continue holding the brim in the shape you want, or laying it on flat surface with your entire hand on top of the offending area, until it drys and/or cools off. I

f you're burning your fingers, you're doing it the wrong way.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Sounds like a problem I had in my younger days when I bought some modern Stetsons and such...

What do you wear?

I've had the problem before when the brim has too little curl and part flatten out and other parts look wobble... can you show some pics?

Also if it is a lighter felt the brim tends to follow your head shape.

 

[Razzman]

A lounger advised me to try using a light pair of gloves. That way the steam will not bother you as much. I tried using the gloves. They are very usefull.

 

[Old Fogey UK]

It's the Akubra Fed that's giving me the problem. I wanted to put a shallower curl in the back but it's ended up looking like a pie crust. I tired ironing it flat first but then couldn't get an even curl back into it.
I've left my true vintage Stetson and Dobbs alone for fear of ruining them.