A Tight Hardee Hat

[Pvt.Johnson]

I am in company which uses the Hardee Hat. I am a relatively new private. I just received a Hardee Hat which is a 7 3/8 size, and it is too tight. Is it possible to loosen it without ruining the hat?

 

[Pollaco]

I don't see why it can't be stretched alittle, but take it slow. Take your time and do just a little bit with each turn of the stretcher's knob.

 

[Dan Kohli]

I believe some moisture will help with shaping or stretching your hat.

 

[Pollaco]

Steam.

 

[RedRover]

A hat stretcher, incrementally enlarged, in company with heat/moisture, might do the trick.

A hat stretcher, or block, is useful for the purpose of incrementally increasing the size.

Hat stretchers, amazon.com

However, great care and patience is recommended...

 

[captaindrew]

Who did you buy the hat from? Maybe you could exchange it for a larger size. I would certainly ask before trying to reshape it. If you haven't done so already measure your head so you know exactly in inches your size, always good to add when ordering.

 

[FedericoFCavada]

While it may be annoying, you can get a "hat-stretcher." It is probably more money than you want to spend, but then again, you'll never have the issue again. Basically, there is a wooden frame that goes inside the head-band, and then you judiciously tighten it to "snug." periodically, you then give it another quarter turn or so and leave it alone. Eventually, it'll stretch the hat just a bit so it can fit. I do believe that Blockade Runner makes one. Some hatters or hat shops may have them too. I would second @captaindrew recommendation that you first attempt an exchange.

I've got a Hardee hat myself. Mine is currently all done up like Company B, 3rd Texas Volunteer Infantry [CSA].

 

[Tony Z]

Hat stretchers on Amazon can be had for $15 to $20.00. I bought one several years ago and it has stretched several different hats, from straw, to ball cap to felt, satisfactorily without the hat shrinking back.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

I am in company which uses the Hardee Hat. I am a relatively new private. I just received a Hardee Hat which is a 7 3/8 size, and it is too tight. Is it possible to loosen it without ruining the hat?

Just wear it. The stuff they were issued didn't always fit, and if you're out in the elements and it rains, a couple times out and you'll be fine.

 

[Pollaco]

A stretcher generally costs alot less than a new hat. I was given a nice hat but it was too tight. My homemade stretcher isn't much to look at but it got the job done, it works. A few boards,a jigsaw, a threaded bolt + nuts and washers, a little duct tape and alot of patience. Just don't try to jump up a full size all in one setting. Steam it good and then apply a turn or two. A little more tomorrow. Take it slow. Felt or straw , it'll stretch.

 

[Pvt.Johnson]

Alright, thanks for all the help. Is there any specific hat stretchers that I should get?
Like ones that fit the hardee hat?