“Shrinking” a Stetson

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

Just got a black Stetson off the Classifieds section 7 5/8 size thinking my son’s head size was the same size as me and find out a 7 1/2 would be better. Do I keep looking for 7 1/2 and keep the one for myself or is there a method to shrink it?  

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

Try putting some folded cardboard around the inside of the hat band.  Worked for a friend of mine.  One eighth of an inch isn't hard to displace.

[Rip Snorter]

There are actually ready made ones that fit inside the sweat band, but DIY is pretty easy.  A post on the Lone Ranger mentioned that they used surgical tubing to keep hats on during fight scenes.  First I heard of that, but it might work well.

[T.K.]

I use felt strips inside the sweat band. Works great.

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

Thank you all gentlemen!  I will look into it!  

41 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said:

There are actually ready made ones that fit inside the sweat band, but DIY is pretty easy.  A post on the Lone Ranger mentioned that they used surgical tubing to keep hats on during fight scenes.  First I heard of that, but it might work well.

Where do I find the ready made ones?

[Hoss]

I fold a paper towel into 1.5” strip that fits inside hatband 

[Rip Snorter]

14 minutes ago, Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439 said:

Thank you all gentlemen!  I will look into it!  

Where do I find the ready made ones?

Cant recall the exact shop, but any Western Hat Shop should have them.  A sponge and elastic sports sweat band might do the trick.  Here is one i found online (never used it) https://www.hatsunlimited.com/hat-sizing-tape/

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Leaving it in a hot car might shrink it.

[Hendo]

If you use the "fuzzy" side of a velcro strip behind the sweatband, it will take up the space and still circulate air. Find the stuff with the sticky backside to keep it in place.

[Rip Snorter]

3 minutes ago, Hendo said:

If you use the "fuzzy" side of a velcro strip behind the sweatband, it will take up the space and still circulate air. Find the stuff with the sticky backside to keep it in place.

Great idea!

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

Nah.  Keep 'er for yourself and get a correct size one.

[Hendo]

5 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said:

Great idea!

Thanks. It's not mine, but I've used it in the past and it works.

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

At the very least, nobody can call your Son a Fat Head like his . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

[Flinthills Dawg]

folded paper towels will work also

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Soak your head in water and wrap it in plastic.  Then pull on the hat.  Wait a minute.  That is for stretching holsters.  Never mind.

 

[Luscious Loralei]

I was just walking by my new had wondering how to make it fit tighter! You just saved me lots of time and trouble!

[Rye Miles #13621]

2 hours ago, Hoss said:

I fold a paper towel into 1.5” strip that fits inside hatband 

This ^^^^^^^^

[Wallaby Damned]

Leave it on your dash in the sun for a few days (as noted above).  Should shrink up a bit. 

[BLACKFOOT SASS #11947]

I have seen some thin foam strips at a hat shop that they use for size adjustment.  As I remember the strips were about 6 or 8 inches long.  As far as the "fuzzy side of Velcro" It would probably work.  I have a little bit of it that is 1 1/2 inch wide.  If you would like a piece of it just pm me your address and I will drop you a piece in the mail.  

 

Blackfoot  

 

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

I have had Stetsons shrink up a 1/4" on hat size just leaving them in a hot truck for a day.  I've quit doing that by accident, I hope.

 

If you try this, check every 4 hours for correct fit.

 

good luck, GJ

[Barry Sloe]

If you have a "Hatter" in the area it doesn't cost a whole lot to resize the hat.

 

BS

[watab kid]

i cut a couple thicknesses of double stick carpet tape to slip behind the inside hat band on mine , worked like a charm and has worn well for nearly 20 years not , it stays put really well 

[Frontier Lone Rider]

Try shooting in the rain, worked for me.

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

Tell your son to grow his head bigger.  Most men have no trouble doing so.

[Bramble Mountain Buzzard]

Get the hat good and wet where you would normally sweat. Leave in a hot car (sun) for a few days. It'll shrink for sure.

[Blackwater 53393]

1/2” wide weather strip works well and lasts forever.  It’s soft enough to cushion the sweat band so that it’s not uncomfortable. You can add more if the hat isn’t tight enough or take out just a little if it’s too tight. It has a light adhesive on one side so it stays put.

 

Just turn the sweat band down, (inside out) and put an equal amount on either side or front and back as needed. Place it as close as possible to the seam where the band is sewn into the hat. Then flip the sweat band back into the hat.

 

It’s moisture proof too!  Won’t break down if it gets wet and doesn’t hold moisture either!