Shaping a Panama

[Benny Holiday]

Last summer I purchased my first Panama hat, from Skin Deep in Sydney. Alas, with summer about to burst upon the southern hemisphere again, the hat suffered a terrible misshaping as at the hands of another member of my household recently, who will remain nameless less they face prosecution by the RSPCH (Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Hats).

While it could be worse, there are a few buckles in the brim that could be 'ironed-out.' Now I'm well versed in steaming my fur felt fedoras, but know zip about how to go about shaping a Panama. Could some of you kind gents point me in the direction of what aids I will need for the job, or know of a previous thread dealing with the task?

Much thanks in advance!

 

[thunderw21]

I just steamed a panama I got today. It worked well. I steamed it like I would a felt hat and it became soft and moldable enough to shape it and kept the shape I gave it.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Thanks thunderw21! I was going to give steam a try, but thought I'd check here first. It's time to boil the kettle!