Garve Electric Millinery Hat Stretcher, Ca. 1926 (2024)

FAQs

How long do you leave a hat stretcher in? ›

Place the hat stretcher inside your hat and crank the device open until it's taut. Make sure the hat stretcher is placed against (not above) the hatband, otherwise it might leave an imprint on the crown and ruin its shape. Leave overnight and then try on the hat. Repeat the process if further stretching is necessary.

We use an antique Feldman Electric Hat Stretcher from the 1930s combined with steam to loosen the fibres in the hat and gradually increase the circumference of the crown. Typically we can stretch a hat 1-2 sizes larger depending on the fabric.

Simply grab a youth-sized soccer ball (making sure it's as similar in size and shape to your head as possible), and stretch your hat to fit it around the soccer ball. Leave the ball inside the hat overnight. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the hat retains its new size.

I couldn't wear several of my caps because they shrank too much. But now my problem is solved thanks to the Ball Cap King Stretcher!” — Michael R. “Best damn cap stretcher I've used to stretch my collection of New Era 59Fifty ball caps back to their original size.”

Once you buy a hat, wearing it will also help it stretch a bit. The material will loosen naturally, so it better fits your head. If this doesn't stretch it out enough, you can try additional methods of stretching.

Hang It All

The trick is to choose the right kind. “You want to avoid sharp, pointy hooks,” Goorin says. “These will stretch out your hat and ruin its shape.” Instead, opt for hooks that have a tip that's broad — for instance, one whose “point” is shaped like a doorknob or a crescent (that type is shown here).

Set the washer to a normal wash cycle using regular water heat. Synthetic materials like polyester shrink easily when exposed to heat, meaning a standard washing is often all that it takes to bring a garment down a half-size or so. Allow the hat to go through the complete wash cycle.

Hat Size Tape

Hat size reducer tape can often make a cap at least one size smaller. You'll find varieties in foam or cloth materials with an adhesive backing that makes the tape stick to the inside of your hat. The extra material fills the hat and gives it a snug fit, effectively letting you shrink the crown of a hat.