How to Fix a Smashed Hat

Hats can easily get squished or deformed, but don’t worry—there are many effective ways to restore them to their original shape. You can use an industrial steamer, a handheld steamer from your local supermarket, or even just boiling water at home. In fact, you can even steam your hat while taking a hot shower!

Just like steam can remove wrinkles from clothes, it works wonders on hats too. While we often use an industrial steamer in our operations due to the high volume of hats we handle, we will guide you through each steaming option available.

Reshaping a Felt Hat with a Steamer

Steam the Area: Focus on the part of the hat that needs reshaping. Make sure the material starts to soften.
Mold the Hat: Use your hands to push out any dents or straighten the brim gently.
Cool Down: Allow the hat to cool in its new shape.

Using a steamer makes fixing crushed sections super easy. Just let the steam envelop the affected areas and mold them into shape once they feel pliable. Be cautious not to soak the hat; if it gets too wet, allow it to dry before trying again.

Fixing a Smashed Hat with Boiling Water

If you don’t have a steamer, you can boil water in a kettle or a metal pot. Once the water is boiling, carefully hold your hat about a foot away from the steam as you pour it out or open the kettle’s lid to let the steam escape onto the hat.

Using a Hot Shower

To steam your hat using a shower, set the water to the hottest setting and shut the door. Hang your hat away from the direct stream of water, either on a hook or the back of the door, for about 20 minutes. This should effectively steam your hat without getting it wet.

Fixing a Bent Brim

For a bent hat brim, steam the area until it becomes pliable. Then, use your hands to shape the brim correctly. A flat surface can help guide you in reshaping.

Reshaping a Crushed Straw Hat

Straw hats can also suffer from being squished during travel. When restoring straw hats, apply heat evenly while continuously working on the wire lining. Start with the brim and work your way around, shaping it as you go. Remember to lay the hat flat with books or weights while it dries.

Tips for Reshaping a Fedora

Whether it’s a smashed brim or a dent in the crown, reshaping a fedora involves a few steps:

Use both hands to guide the steamed sections back into place—palm for larger areas and fingers for smaller ones.
Check the overall shape periodically to ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
Know the style of your brim to keep its classic look intact, especially when working on felt hats.

So, if you accidentally sit on your hat or it gets crushed in some way, don't panic! With these methods, it can be fixed and look as good as new.

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