Softening up an Akubre Federation Deluxe?

[Mr. 'H']

Hi folks,

I recently took delivery of a nice Akubre Federation Deluxe. I've had some fun over the last few days "bashing" it in to a style I like.

Overall, I am impressed with this hat - its constuction, the non-taper look, and the interior is way above average.

However, this is quite a stiff hat. You see, I have been spoilt with soft vintage felt.

So, my question is: what is the best way to soften up the stiffened felt on a new Akubre Federation Deluxe?

 

[SHARPETOYS]

The more you wear it get it wet in a rain storm. Mine all of them got softer with just wearing them really..!

 

[Bebop]

I know what you mean about it being a little too stiff. I think my Federation softened up because I re-bashed it so many times. That and just wearing it in all weather. These Feds can take alot of bashing. I was shy at first but then realized that I can scrunch it and mash it without any ill effects and it does seem to make it softer.

 

[Zach R.]

I think, like Bebop said, just bashing and rebashing (and of course wearing) would be enough to get it to soften up pretty nicely. Mine did.

 

[Mr. 'H']

Thanks fellers, that's some good advice.

Another minor thing is that the shape is rather rigidly round, where as I'm more of an oval man myself.

I was thinking that it will just self-readjust by wearing it. Is that everybody else's experience?

Thanks,

Mr. 'H'.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Aging to perfection

I don't have the deluxe, but I have the regular Fed. A bit of rebashing did help to soften it up, but when I got caught in my first major rain storm, it did a great deal to soften it up. As for the round shape, Akubras are very round from the factory. My Fed has slowly conformed to the shape of my head. Also, if you do get it wet, try letting it dry on your head (if you can). It might speed up the process. If you can't, put a stretcher in it so it won't shrink. There was a guy here, I forget who, that actually had several Federations, and he would deliberately wet them down before he even wore them!

 

[Bebop]

I am also an oval headed guy and my Fed was very round. I just kept pushing in the sides whenever I would put the hat on or grabing the front and back of the hat and manualy streching it once in a while. I also stuck some folded dollar bills under the sweatband just above my temples to make it feel a little less round and more oval. I recently took the dollar bills out and it seems that the hat has converted to my oval head. I don't need to stash bills under the sweat anymore. This is one nice hat. I am looking forward to getting a gray one.

 

[Feraud]

Not much to add here other than to say wear that hat. It will soften up nicely with time & use.

 

[Mr. 'H']

Oh, I softened up this hat!! I saw fit to crumple it at the end of "Sunset Boulevard". Shock horror, some of the liner came loose. I re-fitted it. Thoses reporters!!!

I just saw that lovely Vertigo scene at the beach - sorry if my writing seems a bit disjointed! I just love Kim Novak!! Kiss kiss. I wish - my wife had that white coat this weekend and she looked devine - I am so lucky....

 

[Katt in Hat]

"I just love Kim Novak!! Kiss kiss."

Kim as Molly'O in Man With the Galden Arm...

Yummy...

:drum:

 

[matei]

Congrats on the new lid Mr. H!

I had the same problem, my hat was as hard as a rock, like a helmet actually. It has only recently started to soften up, but it is nothing like my vintage Royal Stetson, nor do I think it will be! The good thing is that I can wear this at times I would hesitate to wear something nicer.

In spite of the stiffness, they look great. A nice tall crowned hat.

I'm a bit of an oval-headed person meself, and it is starting to shrink to the shape of my head.