Anyone own a Hallett stretcher?

[matei]

If you stretch a hat up a size with one of the stretchers, does it add any noticeable taper?

[jimmy the lid]

I recently bought a Hallet and tried using it to bring a Stetson Dune up one size. The result was that the top of the block left a distinct line across the front and back of the crown. Steaming got rid of the lines (for the most part), but it took some work. Based on my own experience, I would only use a Hallet to retain the size of a hat or to do only very modest stretching. Going up a full size may present some challenges.

Cheers,
Jim

[J. M. Stovall]

I have one, worked well for me!

[photobyalan]

I'll echo Jimmy's comment. I'm not thrilled with the Hallett for the same reasons. Because of the creases it leaves, the lack of any type of size scale. and the rather low-rent construction of the Hallett, I would hesitate to recommend it for size maintenance and I would most definitely recommend against it for stretching a hat even half a size.

I have had much better success with a plain oval hat block in my size, which cost me about $45. I can steam the hat, put it on the blcok, pull it down to the proper spot and leave it to dry. Never a crease, always the perfect size and shape.

[matei]

Thanks for the info. Would going up from 7 1/4 to 7 3/8 be considered up a size, or would it be something like from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2?

[Mr. 'H']

Thanks for the info. Would going up from 7 1/4 to 7 3/8 be considered up a size, or would it be something like from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2?

I'm pretty sure it's the 7 1/4 to 7 3/8.

[Mr. 'H']

When stretching a size, what is that leather relaxer you use called again?

[jimmy the lid]

I have had much better success with a plain oval hat block in my size, which cost me about $45. I can steam the hat, put it on the blcok, pull it down to the proper spot and leave it to dry. Never a crease, always the perfect size and shape.

Alan -- I'm intrigued by the hat block idea, can you provide some details on how to get one? (I'm also a size 7 1/2) It strikes me that going that route would also help to achieve an oval shape for my lids that aren't "long ovals" to begin with.

Many thanks...

[photobyalan]

Alan -- I'm intrigued by the hat block idea, can you provide some details on how to get one? (I'm also a size 7 1/2) It strikes me that going that route would also help to achieve an oval shape for my lids that aren't "long ovals" to begin with.

Many thanks...

Two words.... E. Bay. Your search term is "Hat Block"

Look for a plain block with a smooth domed top. Keep in mind that these kind of blocks are for forming hats without the sweatband in them, so they are a little larger than the marked size to account for the later addition of a leather. You should probably look for one that is marked one or two sizes smaller than your hat size (I didn't do this, so I had to measure the circumference of the block and mark it where it tapers to the proper size is so I don't pull the hat too far down since the bottom of the size 7 1/2 block is 24" around).

These are not terribly common in any given size, so you may need to wait for up to a month before the one you want comes up for auction. Be prepared to pay around $50, possibly more.

[tonyb]

When stretching a size, what is that leather relaxer you use called again?

I've used Fiebing's Shoe Stretch It, a liquid in a pump bottle. Bought it at a western-wear shop. I mask off with paper towels what I don't wish to hit with the spray (the hat body and the liner), apply enough of the juice, on both sides of the sweatband, to thoroughly moisten it, and then place folded paper towels around the inside bottom of the crown before turning the sweatband back into position and dropping in the stretcher. I don't know that all of that paper towel stuff is necessary, or even if the Fiebing's product itself is tremendously effective, but the precautions can't hurt, and I've yet to split a seam on a sweatband.
A 4-ounce bottle of it (more than I'll probably ever use) set me back all of $2.95.