shrinkning a sweatband

[Bruce Wayne]

does anyone know how to shrink a leather sweatband? i hav a hat that is abut half a size too big for me?
thanx!!!
charlie

 

[Roadrunner]

Sweat on it for a few days. Seriously, if it's not too huge just wear it for a bit. I've found they tend to shrink a bit naturally.

 

[BobC]

You can also turn the inside out and dampen it with water then heat it with a blow dryer then let it dry naturally. Be careful not to overheat it. If the hat is only half a size too big, I would say do half the sweat and see how it does. You can dampen and heat the other half later if you need to.

 

[carter]

Have you considered/tried using sizing strips beneath the sweatband? I'd suggest doing this before trying to shrink the sweatband.

 

[jpbales]

my Fed IV was too big, so I basically did all of the above, which is basically everything the instructions say NOT to do!haha I went to town with the blow dryer on the sweatband (after wetting it) and I still ended up using two strips of foam around the sides (my head is a little long oval) Good luck!

 

[John in Covina]

You can use a variety of materials to slip under the sweat band to snug it up. Some will fold paper, others use felt from a fabric store- make sure it's colorfast first.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

thanx guys!!! where can i get some sizing tape?
thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[RBH]

thanx guys!!! where can i get some sizing tape?
thanx!!!
Charlie

I have used Foam Insulation Tape [the narrow kind] from my local discount store with great luck.

 

[Andykev]

Careful on the heat

I can tell you from personal experience that using "HEAT" i.e., a BLOW DRYER or HOT STEAM from the kettle will sometimes SHRINK and CURL the sweatband on a Vintage hat. I destroyed a sweatband on a Cavanagh Hat with HOT STEAM. The original leather, if it was such...., curled and shrank like a shrink wrap to an electrical cord!! Yikes!

I sent the hat to Art and he replaced the sweat. Too bad..I lost the vintage sweatband.

I suggest that you gently wet the inside of the sweat band and then let it dry. Then repeat. Yes, sweats tend to tighten up over time.

Use the paper or foam strip. If this fails, your hat needs a RE-Block by a reputable hatter.

 

[daizawaguy]

Confirmed! The rule is, aim for a half measure first, and you`ll most probably get the full measure. I shrank a normal size (one size too big) into a Long Oval by only wetting the sides and letting it dry in the sun....any more aggressive wetting and drying and I`d have been 2 sizes too small in the space of 10 minutes! Take care! SLOWLY SLOWLY

 

[Erehwon]

Hey Folks,

I have a got an Akubra FederationIV standard fur felt. On the heritage quality, Akubra hat size 60cm fit me, but this one is a little too big. Maybe because it is way more stiff. I already but some stripes in it.

Is there a way to shrink the size a bit, but controlled? I don't want the hat to be too slim.

Regards,
Arne

 

[hatsRme]

Yes. Wear it.

 

[KSCOM4]

I would say to put in on and wear the heck out of it. It will gradually conform to your head shape. Whatever you do, don't expose the sweatband to steam or wetting. You'll end up with an expensive disaster!

 

[Erehwon]

Fast answers. Thank you. I found another thread here on the same topic. My fault.
I'll place it here:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/shrinkning-a-sweatband.33277/


I will do as you said. Wearing it. Seems to be the less dangerous method.

Regards

 

[DaveProc]

I have 6 Akubras, eventually they shrink to fit.

 

[Erehwon]

After a working-day my sweatband now is wet. I will leave it drying naturally without anything, that fastens the drying.