Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

[WyxHarmon]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

All the hats I buy feel small in store. Then, they break in after wearing them for about a month.


For example, one Phillies hat I have is an 8. That's cause it was the only one I could get on in store. Turns out, my perfect size is 7 5/8.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I can't believe I was a junior in high school when I made this thread. That's depressing

[kehlis]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I used to get a size bigger, soak it in hot water and wear it around the house for a couple weeks or so. Usually seemed to work for me.

I don't wear baseball hats too often anymore though and those I do were fitted awhile ago.

[IlliniM1ke]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Thanks for the replies guys, having never really worn a fitted hat before I was just wanting some reassurance this is the right size.

Like I said it feels snug but sounds like thats what you want, like king said if someone went to flip this off it would stay, but at the same time it isn't really tight feeling, just when you first go to put it on I guess its just a different feeling since I'm used to the flex fit hats which obviously stretch more when you are putting them on.

Really liking the way this fits though, wore it out tonight and after having it on for a few hours I can definitely see what you guys mean about until it breaks in, seems to be fitting nicer after just a few hours being worn.

[IlliniM1ke]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

One more fitted hat question, my Cardinals hat is 100% Polyester, I'm looking at another hat but its 100% Wool (I don't see many wool hats mostly polyester) but just curious, anyone know if they fit differently or would I be safe to assume I could order the same size in the wool hat.

[Brandwin]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Wow, so the soaking in hot water/dryer thing works?

My problem is, I bought some New Era hats, but they have more of that box/square look instead of being rounded... any idea?

[8]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I just recently bought an orioles throwback which is wool. Now I don't know if this is true for all wool hats but it is a little bit tighter, but barely noticeable. I think it might be because wool is a thicker material. I would try it on before buying it if you can, but if not they can be stretched and broken in too.

[WyxHarmon]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Wow, so the soaking in hot water/dryer thing works?

My problem is, I bought some New Era hats, but they have more of that box/square look instead of being rounded... any idea?

Hot water. In the crown of the hat. Keep it away from the brin. Line it with paper towels. Put it on, it'll be snug, but it works.

[IlliniM1ke]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I just recently bought an orioles throwback which is wool. Now I don't know if this is true for all wool hats but it is a little bit tighter, but barely noticeable. I think it might be because wool is a thicker material. I would try it on before buying it if you can, but if not they can be stretched and broken in too.

Yeah thats what I'm looking at to, its a throwback, only I couldn't seem to find any wool hats at the lids here at all to try on for comparison sake, so I guess I'll go ahead and order one off their website, if it doesn't fit I'd assume I could send it back for the size up but I'll be sure to check their return policy first.

Thanks for your help.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I use the dishwasher...

Yup...the dishwasher...

1) Set the machine on "light wash" and "energy saver" (no heat boost in the dry cycle)

2) Put hat on top rack (either in one of those plastic hat carrier / machine wash thangs...or not)...

3) When it's "done" it'll be moist, not soaked, so either put it on and let it dry to the shape of your head while shaping brim (I like a very low profile, with a curved brim) or take a very large rubberband and shape the brim and let it air dry on a door handle...

I've done it a couple dozen times with no negative result, while creating a custom fit...

Other "alternative" uses for the dishwasher?

1) Sneakers (my old Suede Puma Clydes look re-dyed after running through the wash)

2) Emergency clothes wash (I've run gym shorts and workout wear through it, when unable to hit the wash and fold)...

Yup...it's NOT just for dishes anymore...

[kingkilla56]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Sounds like youre fitting a mouthpiece rather than a hat. Wouldnt hot water mess with the brim?

[KingV2k3]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Sounds like youre fitting a mouthpiece rather than a hat. Wouldnt hot water mess with the brim?

HA!

It makes the brim wet and flexible, but when it dries into the desired curve, that curve holds it's shape like it was manufactured that way...

In the waaaay old days, teenagers used to sit in a hot bath with their new (never washed, super stiff) Levi's in the bath, so they'd "shrink to fit"...

Similar principle...

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Why wouldn't someone just break it in while wearing it?

[KingV2k3]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

Why wouldn't someone just break it in while wearing it?

I have a couple Drew Pearson hats that already have the low profile look and hold a tight brim roll without doing it...

Not every brand / style will without some "drastic" measures...

I don't care for the big box-y New Era 59/50 and not many styles are available in the 39/30 versions I prefer...

This converts pretty much any cap into a low profile / tight brim roll look...

Personal preference...

[DJ]

Re: Breaking in a fitted hat without wearing it?

I can't wear fitted or one-fit hats anymore; they all seem to squeeze the sides of my head. It's all adjustable for me now, although it is REALLY tough to find good adjustable hats these days.