Reforming an Indy Hats shape

[Pauleysolo]

Hi guys--this is a question for the Indy Hat experts among us.

I found a couple of my Indy fedora's in the bottom of a moving box and the brims have become misshapen. What is the best technique for reforning the brim to shape?

I have seen a "steamer machine" of some kind at hat shops. Any 'at home' solutions you guys can suggest?

Thanks!

 

[agent5]

Are they wool or felt? Blend or not?

 

[Pauleysolo]

Felt-wool blend

 

[masterjedi322]

I used a teapot and waited for it steam. I then put the fedora into the steam for a little while and then shaped it little by little. It took a few repeats to get the shape I wanted, but I think it worked out nicely in a pinch.

Sean

 

[jlee562]

I've never dealt with a wool felt blend really, you might want to find a local hat shop and see if they have any advice for you.

 

[Apollo]

I'm sure John will chime in with some advice!

 

[bendingoak]

To get the shape back in the brim the best is to have it flange again. Doesn't take long at all for me to do it. Now you can use the tea kettle trick but you run the risk of shrinking wool. Even if it's good felt you might end up flattening the brim. To get a curl to a brim on a hat. You shrink the felt to the shape of the flange.

If you have a hat shop near you, it should be real easy for them to fix it.