Make a Hat Smaller

[Dash Riprock]

I have this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat... and it's a little too big.

I heard there was some shims for lack of a better term one can put inside to make a hat fit more snug.

Anybody know what these are called exactly, and where I can buy them online.

Also, unlike my Stetson Gambler hats that has leather which does a good job of not soaking up sweat from my forehead, this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat has a cloth inner hat band so it's going to soak up sweat from my forehead and will stinketh after wearing the hat a few times.

Can anything be done about this?

I'm assuming I'd have to find a hat shop that works on hats to have them sew in a leather inner hat band, does this sound right?

 

[Dash Riprock]

I saw in this thread where someone said Foam insulation tape works really well... that seems kinda redneck but maybe I need to try that

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/akubra-adventurer-too-big.118368

 

[BobHufford]

I saw in this thread where someone said Foam insulation tape works really well... that seems kinda redneck but maybe I need to try that

I would leave the backing paper on and not glue them in. It would help block the sweat from wicking maybe as well.

 

[rogueclimber]

I use these:

https://www.amazon.com/EDSRDRUS-Reducer-Breathable-Skin-Friendly-Baseball/dp

 

[Dash Riprock]

I use these:

https://www.amazon.com/EDSRDRUS-Reducer-Breathable-Skin-Friendly-Baseball/dp

OK, thanks.

They must be on sale, only $9.99 today!

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

I have this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat... and it's a little too big.

I heard there was some shims for lack of a better term one can put inside to make a hat fit more snug.

Anybody know what these are called exactly, and where I can buy them online.

Also, unlike my Stetson Gambler hats that has leather which does a good job of not soaking up sweat from my forehead, this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat has a cloth inner hat band so it's going to soak up sweat from my forehead and will stinketh after wearing the hat a few times.

Can anything be done about this?

I'm assuming I'd have to find a hat shop that works on hats to have them sew in a leather inner hat band, does this sound right?

Hey Dash:
Shims….people use all sorts of stuff for shims from paper towels to newspaper.
After trying all sorts i got tired and went to Walmart crafts/sewing section and found the thickest white felt material and bought a yard if it for just a few bucks.
You can cut whatever width snd length you want for different needs.
Double it up for thicker, place short sections where needed, you can even back the entire sweatband if you want.
The advantage of felt over other stuff is it pads, conforms and stays the heck in place because it grips between the hat felt and roughed out leather side of the hatband.
Provides a bit of added sweat barrier protection as well.
If it gets nasty from sweat, cut a new one.
Can’t think of a cheaper better thing to use.
B
Ps: you’ve got the best user name on the lounge!!

 

[belfastboy]

I have this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat... and it's a little too big.

I heard there was some shims for lack of a better term one can put inside to make a hat fit more snug.

Anybody know what these are called exactly, and where I can buy them online.

Also, unlike my Stetson Gambler hats that has leather which does a good job of not soaking up sweat from my forehead, this Stetson Bighorn Outdoor Straw Hat has a cloth inner hat band so it's going to soak up sweat from my forehead and will stinketh after wearing the hat a few times.

Can anything be done about this?

I'm assuming I'd have to find a hat shop that works on hats to have them sew in a leather inner hat band, does this sound right?

Yes, likely to cost $50 to have the sweat sewn in. A cloth sweat band can be rinsed out to freshen. The band inserts are also called hat spacers/reducers. You can find them on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy or make your own.