Hat stretcher and cork insert: When your hat is too tight or too loose…

Adult hats come in a range of different sizes: We stock models from 52 to 65 cm, so everyone can find the right hat for them. For women, who have smaller head circumferences on average, models are often made in a one size fits all cut of 55-57 cm, while the size range for men is larger: Here, average sizes range between 56 and 59 cm. The plus size range begins from 62 cm up with sizes XXL (62-63 cm) and XXXL (64-65 cm).

As everyone’s head is different, it might be that a hat does not fit an individual’s head properly, despite them having chosen the correct size, and it either slips around or becomes too tight over time. How can a hat be adjusted if this is the case?

We would like to show you two simple and practical solutions for hats that are too tight or too loose: Depending on your needs, a hat stretcher or cork inserts can help your hat fit perfectly, thereby ensuring the highest possible level of wearing comfort.

How can I stretch out my hat?

External influences such as humidity, sweat and rain can cause your hat to shrink and become tighter over time. In this case, a hat stretcher can help: It can make your hat fit again in just a few steps. It is versatile to use: Whether it’s a felt hat, straw hat or baseball cap, the hat stretcher can be successfully used on many types of headgear, so you can make your favourite hat fit like it did on the first day.

And this is how it works: Place the hat stretcher into the hat and carefully turn the handle. Take a pot with a half-open lid and boil clean water in it. Then reduce the heat to ensure that the steam escapes evenly. Hold the hat stretcher by the handle and guide the steam evenly around the hat band. Turn the handle to expand the hat to the desired size. Never stretch hats more than a centimetre (for example, from 57 to 58 cm). Allow the hat to cool and dry for 20 to 30 minutes before removing the hat stretcher. If the hat is still too tight, repeat the process until the hat fits perfectly.

How can I make my hat tighter?

Using a cork insert, hats that are too loose can be made around 1 cm smaller in no time. Place or glue these practical cork strips underneath the lining band at the front and back of the hat – i.e. on the forehead and back of the head. For a slightly thinner, longer head shape, we recommend placing the strips along the sides. The ends should always point upwards (smiling mouth). By the way: If you choose a hat from our shop, you will receive two cork strips free of charge every time you order a hat with a suitable lining band.