How to Fix a Cowboy-Hat Crown

Felt cowboy hats can be reshaped many times.

Costs of cowboy hats range from relatively inexpensive to thousands of dollars for a high-quality hat. Regardless of what a hat costs, most felt cowboy hats lose their shape over time or are dented accidentally. The crown of a cowboy hat is the top part, with its shape depending on the style of the hat. Cowboy hats made of felt can be reshaped when damaged, extending the life span of the hat.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot or steamer
• Hat brush/cleaner
• Mannequin head
• Felt stiffener

Instructions

1. Set a large pot of water to boil on your stove. Brush the hat clean while you are waiting for the water to boil. If you have a steamer, you can use it instead of boiling water.

2. Hold the cowboy hat crown over the steam created by the boiling pot or steamer until the felt becomes malleable.

3. Spray the hat down with felt stiffener, a variation on starch. Wipe excess off with the hat brush to prevent discoloration when the stiffener dries and crystallizes.

4. Gently push the felt back into the correct shape. If there is a dent in the crown of the cowboy hat, push it out with your hand until it is smooth. If the hat is not fairly easy to manipulate, steam it for a longer period of time. Place the hat on the mannequin head periodically to check the look and appearance of it.

5. Reshape the felt until you are satisfied with the shape of the crown.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use the mannequin head to support the hat while reshaping the crown.

• Caring for your hat properly and storing it in a hat box will help protect the hat from damage.

• Use caution to avoid being burned while steaming the hat.

References

• CanadianCowboy.com: The Cowboy Hat Guide
• YouTube; How to Shape A Cowboy Hat; The Boot Barn
• Cowboy Way: Felt Cowboy Hat Care