How to Shape Hat Brims

Shaping the brim of a hat isn't as difficult as it may seem.

Milliners are not men who run mills. They make hats for a living. From baseball hats to cowboy hats, a milliner knows exactly the shape needed and the process for creating them. However, the owner of the new hat may decide to take it upon himself to reshape the brim of his new hat to better suit his tastes. Though some hats, such as straw-woven cowboy hats, cannot be reshaped due to a metal rod holding the brim, other hats are more welcoming of the remold and only take a little bit of water.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Spray bottle
• Steam

Instructions

1. Take the hat in hand. Spray water on the part of the brim you want to work with until it is soaked through. Conversely, wear the hat in the rain for the same effect.

2. Take the brim in hand and mold it to the desired shape with your fingers while wet. Let it dry overnight. If necessary, wet and reshape the brim until it holds its new shape.

3. For particularly hard-to-shape hats, steam may be necessary. Use an iron or steamer on the brim section until it is malleable. Shape the brim with your fingers and leave it to cool and dry in the new shape. This may, again, take more than one attempt.

4. If all else fails, take the hat to a professional hat-maker to get help with the shaping process. It may be that the hat was created specifically so it wouldn't re-shape. Only a professional can tell you for sure.

References

• Shorty's Caboy Hattery: Custom Hat Making Process
• Cowboy Hat Info: Making Straw Hats