DrJekyll

I bought a 100% Wool Felt gangster-style hat several years ago. My brother loaned it to a friend of his without my permission...six months ago. The hat sat in the guy's truck. It now seems softer than I recall. That's not my problem though...it's a bit mishapen, and I can't seem to get it back to how it was. I tried Google, but it wasn't very helpful. My only thought would be that a dry cleaner might be able to fix it, but I live in a small town, and that seems pretty specialized. So, yeah, anyway...

Anyone have any at-home tips for fixing creases and forming felt?

kulrblind

Have you tried steam and a baseball bat? Oh, wait... you just wanted to straighten out the hat, not the brother.

Pellaz

I'm not sure, but I think the army's berets are the same material. if so, you shape them by moistening them in cold water, putting them on your head, fixing the shape, wait until it's about 3/4 dry, remove, curse because it's not right, repeat.

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DrJekyll

kulr,

Pellaz, I'll give it a shot. The brim's just hard to get straight.

Crunchy Nipple

Wipe it down with a damp rag and get the hat somewhat wet. Then take spray starch to it and rub it in with the wet rag. Next, take a blowdryer and heat it until the starch starts to feel tacky and when it does, shape it to the desired form. I have had good luck in blowing a balloon up inside the hat to help it hold its shape.

b_angelo

i take all of my hats to be reshaped and reblocked to a western apperal store. Most of them sell wool hats and in most cases can do the work for you to your specifications. I think I payed around $10 dollars last time. I west to Sullivans western wear.

cj2112

This is the way to go, if they don't offer the service, they certainly can recommend somebody who does.