How much do they stretch??

[fedoralover]

Okay since we have several hatters logging on here now, you should be able to answer this. Often times I see a hat I like on ebay, but it's not my size. I'm comfortable getting one that's one size up or down and being able to make it work. BUT, if I'm a size 7 1/4, can you take a size 7 or a 6 7/8ths and reblock it to my size? I know that you would have to split the sweatband and put in a small piece in back to enlarge it, but what about the felt? Would it tear or would it get a terrible taper in short order from being stretched that far?

thanks fedoralover

 

[Kentucky Blues]

Don't tell me you're gonna start trying to get 6 7/8 hats too now. Man, I need to make my head a bit bigger..... LOL

 

[Andykev]

IMHO

You can stretch a hat to almost the next size..but I have found that over time, it keeps wanting to "revert" to it's true size.

To properly resize a hat, it requires stripping the ribbon, sweatband, and lining.

You then block the hat on the true size block you wear. Then you reattach a newly cut sweatband in the proper size, and then sew the same lining in.

Remember, going UP in size means the material comes from somewhere...either a shorter crown or a narrower brim.

Going down in size, the opposite occurs.

I have taken a 7 1/4 and "stretched" it to a 7 3/8...but it never seems to "take". A few months in the hat box in the off season, and the hat requires stretching again.

If the hat is a true good quality vintage fur...I highly recommend that you have it professionally redone. Either send it to Art, or Optimo, or some other vendor who can do it. It is also worth the cleaning..and my vote is to Optimo for they can clean, block, size, and re trim the hat in any color ribbon you want, width, etc. Again, I assume that your hat is a quality one that will be enjoyed for years. Do it right the first time.

 

[Fedora]

I was hoping Art would chime in on this one. My experience is limited to perhaps a dozen resizes, but this is what I have found. On good vintage felt, I can easily size up one size, i.e. a 7 1/8 to a 7 1/4. I sedom replace the sweatband, I just wet it, stretch it over my 7 1/4 block(only about halfway) and let it dry. I then treat the raw side of the band with a leather lotion and let it dry on the block. I have not had one to shrink.......yet. To get the felt to stretch, I just use really hot water, and to help the hat not shrink back down to the 7 1/8, I douse the hat in cold water after it is stretched out fully over the block. This has yielded success. I can easily size down one hat size with no problem, in fact, it is easier to size down than to size up. Of course, this depends on the felt too. It is harder to downsize a beaver or Nutria Quality hat. This felt does not want to shrink, but if you stay at it, and don't mind repeating the reblocking, you can do it. I normally have to cut these bands down and restitch at the back. I like using the stock bands if possible along with the liners. Fedora

 

[Art Fawcett]

All good advice gentlemen. I hadn't tried the cold water Fedora so I'll do it on the next ones & look for results. All of the above Fedoralover, with a heavy emphasis on what Andy said about the felt options. With shrinking the crown gets taller and with up sizing it gets shorter. One size usually isn't noticeble but more than that it will make a difference.

 

[fedoralover]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll have to pass on that stetson 100, it's a 6 7/8ths. Too small I'm sure to go to a 7 1/4.

regards fedoralover

 

[Justdog]

Sizing

Yes my hatter statd that hats have memories, no dreams though.
As stated it appears some vintage hats shrink one size down, that has been my experience as well. Is it necessary to block a hat that shrank a size or can it be stretched in a simpler way back to the original size so that it stays that way?

 

[Lon Goval]

Keeping the stretch!

Since I've read that hats have a memory, does anyone keep stretchers in hats when they are not being worn (after it's been stretched). Also any particular trick to making it a long oval besides wearing it all the time. I've picked up some inexpensive hat stretchers (Harbor Freight - hats must becoming more popular) and have considered sanding down the blocks to get more pressure on the front and back.

Ralph

 

[alphy27]

Don't tell me you're gonna start trying to get 6 7/8 hats too now. Man, I need to make my head a bit bigger..... LOL

I'm sure with the current trends in cosmetic surgery now-a- days you could find a "doctor" to do some kind of collagen injections around your skull.