Stretching a Hat

[Trotsky]

OK, so I am going to ATTEMPT to stretch my Navy Blue Dobbs. I only need it stretched a size up, from 7 1/8 to 7 1/4. So here's how I figure I am going to do it, let me know if this is a good idea.

-Steam the hell out of the felt, making sure to turn the sweatband down.

-either put it on my head or my wooden 7 1/4 head. (one in the same, really)


This is basic, and I have no hat stretcher. I really love this hat but it is unwearable right now. Does this sound like, well, a sound idea? Or does the very knowledgeable peanut gallery have a better idea? Thanks in advance guys! (and Gals!)

 

[Slouch-Hat]

It sounds like you'll be doing exactly the right thing. My local hatter stretches a number of hats I buy for my 7 3/4 melon and I've gotten to watch the process. Once they stretch my hats, they have me wear them for a good 45 minutes to help them keep the size/shape. And I suggest you use your own head rather than a wooden sizer. Your hat will adapt to your head's idiosyncrasies and end up fitting better and feeling a whole lot more comfortable.

Slouch...

 

[Rick Blaine]

OK, so I am going to ATTEMPT to stretch my Navy Blue Dobbs. I only need it stretched a size up, from 7 1/8 to 7 1/4. So here's how I figure I am going to do it, let me know if this is a good idea.

-Steam the hell out of the felt, making sure to turn the sweatband down.

-either put it on my head or my wooden 7 1/4 head. (one in the same, really)


This is basic, and I have no hat stretcher. I really love this hat but it is unwearable right now. Does this sound like, well, a sound idea? Or does the very knowledgeable peanut gallery have a better idea? Thanks in advance guys! (and Gals!)

I also use a spray on product that is made to facilitate stretching leather shoes called "shoe stretch" on my sweatbands after some lexol leather conditioner has soaked in and it seems to have made a difference. But I would recommend a stretcher.

 

[bolthead]

Get yourself a Hat Jack. They're inexpensive and work well....imho. [huh]

 

[reetpleat]

One problem you may run into is your brim will be more convex than before, possibly to the degree that it does not look good. In that case, perhaps gentle ironing, but not to the point where you remove the curl altogether. anyone?