How to Stretch a Fitted Hat
From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion
Men's dress hats come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Whether your taste leans towards a trendy fedora, an athletic hat, or a classic felt cap, size is important for prolonged comfortable wear and fit.
Finding the Correct Size
Finding the correct size for your hat is just as important as finding the right pair of shoes. Human head shapes are not created equal. Some people have average size heads, while others have larger or smaller heads than what may be considered the industry norm. While a specialty hat shop may carry a vast selection of hats intended for every head shape, a typical apparel retailer may only carry a few select sizes and shapes.
Hats can be either an inexpensive accessory, or a wardrobe investment intended for years of wear. An ill-fitting hat can cause pressure and pain, and may slip or tilt awkwardly. Prior to purchasing a hat, it's important to measure your head and find the correct size. To measure the head for a hat, follow these steps:
- Place a tape measure on the middle of the forehead
- Wrap tape around the head, above the ears, precisely where you want the hat to sit
- Note the inch measurement and write it down for hat size conversion
Once the measurements have been obtained, convert the measurement to the correct hat size by referring to a hat size chart. You can find online size charts for both inch and metric measurements.
Directions for How to Stretch a Fitted Hat
If you have a hat that's just a tad bit too tight, you may wonder how to stretch a fitted hat. Hat stretching can work wonders providing the fabric content has resiliency and give. A cotton or a natural fiber hat is the easiest to stretch. The following tips will help you reshape and resize a hat:
- Wet the hat thoroughly with water
- Place the hat around a youth sized soccer ball
- Place hat on ball in front of a heater (do no leave unattended) and allow to dry thoroughly
- Once the hat is dry, it should slip off the ball with ease, and the shape and give should be restored
Many vintage hats are smaller in size, yet their sharp and polished lines keep them in fashion demand. If you have your heart set on sporting a family heirloom, or have fallen in love with a unique hat you've found at a vintage shop, you may decide to take your hat to a millinery shop where a professional milliner can resize the hat if possible. Adding fabric or adornment to the hat and restructuring the shape may make a slim fitting hat a wearable piece.
Keep in mind not all hats are meant to be stretched. Fabrics such as silk, cashmere and suede should never get wet, so take great care before you decide to stretch these pieces.
Hats Off
With a little effort, a hat can usually be stretched just enough for comfortable wear. To prolong the shape and life of a hat, make sure you store it properly when not in use and avoid tossing it on the floor or in a pile. To prevent fading, keep hats out of the sun and the elements of wind and rain. To keep them presentable, most hats can be spot cleaned as needed.
No matter the investment, a hat is an accessory that can change your entire look. If you want to channel your inner cowboy, a hat is just as important as a pair of boots. If you want to snazzy up your black tie attire, a dapper hat is a key accessory. Taking proper care of your hats is just one way to ensure their comfort and fit long-term.
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This page has been accessed 2,932 times. This page was last modified 18:21, 29 April 2009.
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