Sometimes hats just don't fit anymore. Maybe your head has actually shrunk because you lost weight, or you cut your hair shorter. Or, maybe your hat has stretched out over time. You may even have found a hat you love but it is just a little too big. Whatever the case, if you have a fitted hat that's too big for your head there is a way to shrink it to make it fit better. Here's several different ways to shrink a fitted felt hat like a Fedora or Trilby.
Fitted hats are designed to fit one particular head size without adjustable straps or snaps for an enhanced style and refined look. But that means they are not very flexible in terms of size. There are a few simple ways to shrink fitted hats to fit a smaller sized head including using hat sizing tape and hat sizers or inserts.
You can even make your fitted fedora, trilby, bowler or flat cap smaller to fit smaller sized heads. Many hats can be shrunk to fit one or even two sizes smaller without cutting or altering with hat sizing tape.
If you are looking for information on hat sizing, check out our hat sizing chart and guide.
Hat sizing tape or hat sizer inserts can make a fitted fedora smaller in circumference so it fits head sizes smaller than the hat's actual size. These hat sizers come in a variety of styles made of foam, terry cloth, or other materials. They are inserted inside the band to reduce the size of your fedora or fitted hat.
down your head, increase the size or position of the hat sizers.
You can also use hat size reducing sweat bands in a similar fashion.
If the above does not work, take the hat to a hat store and ask about having it custom fit by either steaming or other resizing methods for fitted hats. They may professionally adjust the hat size by adding cork strips, hat inserts, sizers, or by professionally steaming and shrinking the hat.
It is not a good idea to use steam, water or any other chemical to shrink a fitted felt hat like a fedora or trilby. This can damage or ruin the hat's appearance. Go the professional hat sizing route instead. So play it safe, and do not attempt to steam a felt hat yourself as you may damage its integrity and look.
Steaming can work for some types of cotton hats but it will only shrink the hat so far. You still have to be careful when trying to shrink a baseball hat or other polyester or cotton hat. Dyes can run and fabric finishes can be ruined by hot steam or boiling water.
Steaming and boiling are not recommended home remedies to shrink a fedora hat. Have a professional perform a custom fitting instead. Excessive steam can damage a hat's finish and appearance.
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