Hat Stretcher

[renor27]

I have two nice Fedoras one blocked by Art, one that came blocked in an Indy style. Well I need two wood hat stretchers. See them on eBay and like what I see in the " vintage" types. So wondering any one here have one or two that they might like to sell, I have to buy maybe some one needs to make a buck
David

 

[GA Wildlifer]

Why two?

I am relatively new to fedora ownership so this may be a silly question. Why do you need two stretchers?

I am in the market for a stretcher too. I have two vintage hats that are my size but have evidently either shrunk over the years or been resized. Can storing them with a stretcher prevent shrinkage?

 

[John in Covina]

Over time.

Over time a fur felt hat, if not worn does seem to shrink.
I have heard the leather sweatband may shrink if gotten soaked with water, rain or sweat.
I believe that a good stretcher, placed in the hat after use will help it hold it's size.
If a hat has gotten a little snug you can re-size it, but if it is too small and you are trying to bring it up to your size you may leave a ridge in the body of the hat where the stretcher ends.
Finally, a fragile sweatband may pop or shread and the ribbon could be damaged if the stretching is too "enthusiastic".

******************************* The word entusiastic made me think of the Entusiasms as mentioned by AL.
Set your decoder ring for: the movie "The Untouchables" where at a get together of mob friends Al Capone (Dinero) makes an example of an underling that was not enthusiastic in protecting the mobs investment in some operation busted by Ness and his men. It is a fairly famous scene where baseball bat and skull show their affinity for one another in a traditional mob way.

So speaking of Enthusiasms:
Al Capone: "Life goes on..." "A man becomes preeminent, he's expected to have enthusiasms." "Enthusiasm... Enthusiasms... " "What are mine? What draws my admiration? What is that which gives me joy?."

- Dames!
- Boozin'!

"Baseball!" (Holds up bat) "A man... A man stands alone at the plate. This is the time for what? For individual achievement. There he stands alone." "But in the field, what? Part of a team."

-Teamwork...

"Looks, throws, catches, hustles. Part of one big team."
"Bats himself the live-long day, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and so on."
"lf his team don't field...what is he? You follow me? No one."
"Sunny day, the stands are full of fans. What does he have to say?"
"I'm goin' out there for myself. But...l get nowhere, unless the team wins."

- Team!
- Team.

Thunk-crunch! Bat & skull meet. Point made dynamically by leader about being part of the team.

 

[tonyb]

What?

 

[GA Wildlifer]

I don't understand.

I'm with you Tony.

 

[WEEGEE]

I am with john

To keep shoes not worn at least once a week you need a stretcher...

not to strech...hats or shoes ...just to keep the right size...leather and

felt shrink.


As John goes...the team as in keeping it all together...hat...all between...

shoes...team work.

dames and boozin...you need the password, persuasion and at least

your hat strecher working.

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Hat Retainer.

Even quality hats need care because temperature and moisture variations can change the way a hat fits. Extreme heat and cold make the material in even the best hats expand and contract.

Hat Retainer is a modern remedy for that rather old problem. Constructed of recycled durable polycarbonate plastic, the Hat Retainer is inserted into the hat when the hat is not being worn, and the adjustable handle is given a gentle but firm twist retaining the size of the hat. It can also be used to increase the size of a hat, within limits, if the wearer is perhaps a growing youngster. Ongoing comfort is one of the most important facets in headwear.

Some people buy the above others use a hat stretcher and on a custom hat I see some hatters offer a cedar wood cut block cut to the same size as the opening in your hat so when its not on your head you insert the cedar to maintain the correct hat size.

I hope this helps.

Sharpey.

 

[thefedorastore]

Hat Stretcher from TheFedoraStore.com

Here's a link to the hat stretcher. 866-4FEDORA.

http://www.thefedorastore.com/product-p/400-359.htm

 

[Magus]

I don't know if he still has them up, but I bought a cedar drop-in hat stretcher/keeper. It was inexpensive (I think $15) and helped me resize a few hats and freshen up the scent of them as well. I love mine. PM me if you want info on where.

When stretching a hat I suggest CAREFULLY releasing the ribbon. There are usually only about 8-10 single stitches holding it on that are easy to replace ...don't undo the one holding on the majority of the bow section just the rest while leaving the bow attached. Once you have it to size a put back the stitches and you are good to go without any problems with the ribbon. As to the leather sweatband...I made sure the leather was well wetted and it stretched fine without breaking.

Just my experience (which is limited to just a few hats at this point)

M