Can an old hat be rejuvenated?

[rocketeer]

So many years ago(about 30) I wore an old big brimmed trilby by 'Attaboy,' probably an old 1940s type with a high crown. This hat served me as a delivery driver for many years keeping sun, snow and rain off me for about 10 years. I even got my picture in YOU magazine(Daily Mail Sunday supplement) back in 1983 wearing this hat, describing me as a Howard Hughes 'Enthusiast'
Eventually it went all sloppy and would not keep its shape. Back then before the internet with forums like this I had no idea if this could be stiffened up to regain its shape or even if hats could be restored. I took it to Dunn & Co where the delight to see an old hat like this on the owners face was a pleasure to behold. Unfortunately it could not regain its shape so I binned it. Really because I looked a bit like Arthur Haynes when chatting to Dermot Kelly
Well I have just acquired a similar hat, want to wear it in all weathers but dont really want it to go all floppy again. No longer on the multi drop I wear it as an when required, what can I do or treat it with? I only ever store it on a flat surface, the front of the brim hanging over the edge.
Thanks, J

 

[job]

Sheplers.com felt hat stiffener with steaming it will fix your other hat. They also sell other hat care products.

 

[pjt113]

Rocketeer, I would also suggest sending the hat to a hatter to be restored, I have used Falcon Park Hattery and Optimo, both in the Chicago area and they both do a wonderful job.

 

[rocketeer]

Thanks for that pjt but I am in the UK, also i dont have that hat anymore. It was my favourite for many years. I just dont want the new one to go the same way.
Job, I checked out Sheplers and will have an in depth look later.
Thanks for the replies, J

 

[BigDog]

Thanks for that pjt but I am in the UK, also i dont have that hat anymore. It was my favourite for many years. I just dont want the new one to go the same way.
Job, I checked out Sheplers and will have an in depth look later.
Thanks for the replies, J

You don't have that hat anymore? You got rid of it, how do you do that?

 

[rocketeer]

Nope, I just threw it away, the hat had gone all floppy like a tramps hat, there were no internet forums in those days to help out. I dont want the latest hat to go the same way(It's a Dunn and Co).
Old style fedora's and trilby's are real hard to find New Old Stock these days. I even tried the shop in Jermyn Street that supplied Howard Hughes with his 40s style hats when he stayed in London, they had some but at £200 back in the early 1990s that was toooooo much for me.