Restretch shrunken wool hat???

[Urbansherpa]

Hi,
I have a Bailey 'LiteFelt' cowboy hat that was left on the hot dashboard after being wet. (Yes, I do know better than that!)
It shrank up like a taco. I re-wet it and tried to stretch it over the curve of the bathtub, but to no avail.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot,

-Karl

 

[Dinerman]

my country gentleman cheapo rain hat has done this too. I've tried stretching it, but for me, it's just not worth it.

sorry- I really can't offer any words of wisdom, other than buy a new one, or have it reblocked, though the reblocking would cost almost as much as a new hat.

 

[Dinerman]

and I forgot- welcome to the fedora lounge!

 

[epic610]

how about this...

what's the best way to re-shape a wool hat? i have an old one whose brim is crooked; i've tried steam but the shape doesn't hold.

 

[czack]

Put that puppy down.

Granted I am not very experienced with the vintage fur felt hats, but I have gone through some wool hats in my time. When they get thrashed, shrink, shrivel, etc. it's usually not worth the time, effort, or expense to fix the problem. Get a new hat.

 

[Sox]

If you are rough with your hats the wool ones are the best choice,
but do some people also buy wool hats for ethical reasons?

 

[Orgetorix]

Hi,
I have a Bailey 'LiteFelt' cowboy hat that was left on the hot dashboard after being wet. (Yes, I do know better than that!)

Do wool hats always shrink after being wet, or can you dry them carefully to prevent shrinkage?

 

[Sox]

I am no expert on wool hats but anything wool will shrink if heated when wet.
I would think it is like a wool sweater and should be left in a cool place to dry.