Has anyone bought the hat expander from hatsblocksdirect ?

[yttclothing]

Hi I phoned the gent who runs this and his Father answered (as owner was on holiday) and didn't know if the hat expander was a one size item.

They are made to order and well priced for a made to order item.


I'm wondering if its a one size fits all because I know with hat jack's there are three sizes

http://www.hatblocksdirect.co.uk/products/Hat-Expander.html

That's the product

Anyone ever bought one?

I've been in desperate need for one as i have so many hats that are unwearable.

Also what are people experience with these items how long should you leave a hat to get it back to its original size?

 

[RegentSt1965]

Looks like the HatJack, but cheaper. i got the L and Med to cover all hats/caps. Really useful for easing Hats and dealing with a sweaty hat when I get in. Also v.useful for easing caps - just a couple of turns has made a good fit on some old favorits that had hrunk just a bit and on new bargains that were just a bit tight.
Really interesting site BTW

 

[-30-]

I am somewhat confounded by this stretcher or "expander", either the above or The Hat Jack; they both being alike in (all ways) mechanical.

Let us give N/S, E/W. The unit is lengthened N/S by the use of the centre's threading, and therefor stretches the hat's diameter in THAT DIRECTION.

Having written that, my query is if one wants a "long"(er) oval, all is well, but what of the E/W dimension, there being NO INCREASE.

The hat is not "expanded" in all directions as should? be the case. There is no provision for an N/S AND E/W increase in diameter.

There is no provision for the application of shims for the E/W increase so that the hat is longer at the (possible) expense of the E/W stretch.

The above application after having been done, alters the fitment of the hat in more ways than one in that yes, the crown is longer (N/S)

but the shape of the brim whilst upon one's head is distorted in an odd manner.

Am I reading too much into this, or is this a rather poor take on this item?

On another note, the Hat Jack sold by Lock & Co is a poorly made example with an unfinished rough edge and sweatband contact area

in comparison to the above linked site.


Regards,
-30-

 

[mayserwegener]

It will only stretch front to back. In most cases this will help with long oval. If you stretch half a size it shouldn't make a noticible visual difference. If you leave the stretcher in for a long period of time you might see marks on the sweatband.

 

[-30-]

Thank you Sire.

Regards,
-30-

 

[RegentSt1965]

Quite - the hatjack isnt a subsitute for a proper expander. Its just for a bit of easing and dealing with a just worn hat

 

[carldelo]

Manhattan Wardrobe supply sells a 4-way stretcher that increase width and length simultaneously:

http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/products/wooden-4-way-hat-stretcher-deluxe-6-to-7

These hat stretchers are much thicker than a hat jack - 2-1/4" thick vs. 1-1/2". Also, there are sliding pins so the halves do not rotate with respect to each other. The only drawback is that it's limited to 7-1/2. I know because I tried it in the store, and before it got up to 7-3/4 it all came apart (but went back together easily). They also have the regular N-S stretchers in four sizes:

http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/products/wooden-hat-stretcher

 

[-30-]

"Manhattan Wardrobe supply sells a 4-way stretcher that increase width and length simultaneously "
QUOTE: cardelo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/products/wooden-4-way-hat-stretcher-deluxe-6-to-7

That is The Real Deal.


Regards,
-30-

 

[RegentSt1965]

looks good -gonna see if they ship to UK at reasonable price