How to Shrink Wool Fitted Hats

Fitted baseball caps are usually made of wool and come in sizes at intervals of 1/8 inches to 1/4 inches. However, sometimes the hat is not measured properly or the hat is too big. Wool baseball hats are usually washed in cold water as when they are washed in hot water the wool shrinks. To make your fitted hat shrink you will need to dunk it in hot water or make the wet hat warm in a way.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Heat Resistant Tongs
• Large Pot
• Stove Top
• Hairdryer
• Dish Drying Rack or Towel

Instructions

1. Determine how much you want your fitted hat to shrink. If you want it to shrink a lot (more than .5 inches in circumference) follow Steps 2 through 5. If you only need your hat to shrink a little, follow Steps 6 through 8.

2. Bring a large soup-stock sized pot of water to a boil. Turn off heat and let water cool for 10 minutes.

3. Grasp the bill of the hat with the tongs. Dunk the hat into the pot of water, but do not get the bill wet.

4. Remove the hat from the water and place on the drying rack or towel. Do not touch the hat with your bare hands.

5. Blow dry the hat using a hairdryer on high heat. Once the hat is dry it will shrink about .5 to 1 inches and should fit snugly.

6. Dunk the hat in cold/warm (but not hot water) to shrink your hat less than 1/2 inches. Do not get the bill of the hat wet.

7. Place the hat on your head. It will get your hair and top of your shirt wet, so wear a shirt that can get wet.

8. Blow the cap dry with a hairdryer on high heat, while wearing the hat. As it dries it will shrink to fit your head. If it does not shrink enough repeat Steps 6 through 8.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that your hat is 100% wool before following these steps.

• The hat may bleed and run dye when getting it wet. Wear clothing that is dark to prevent your clothes from getting ruined. Hat will get very hot when blow drying. Be careful not to burn yourself. Do not put your cap in the washer as it will get ruined.

Resources

• Sport-Smart: Washing Baseball Caps
• EHow: How to Shrink a Baseball Cap