How to Make a Fitted Hat Smaller: 8 Simple Tips & Techniques

Introduction

Fitted hats are a great way to express yourself and complete any outfit, but it can be difficult to find one that fits just right. If you’ve got a hat that’s a bit too big, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make it smaller. From sewing elastic into the brim to using a hot water bath, here are 8 simple tips and techniques to help you get the perfect fit.

Sew a Piece of Elastic into the Brim of the Hat

The first step to making a fitted hat smaller is to sew a piece of elastic into the brim. You’ll need to choose an elastic that is stretchy enough to allow for some give when the hat is worn, but not so stretchy that it will sag over time. Measure out a length of elastic that is about two inches shorter than the circumference of the brim, then cut it with scissors. Once the elastic is cut, use a needle and thread to sew it into the underside of the brim, making sure to loop it through multiple times to ensure that it’s secure.

Use a Steam Iron to Shrink the Hat

Using a steam iron is another effective way to shrink a hat. Before getting started, it’s important to take safety precautions. Be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear, and never leave the iron unattended. To shrink the hat, start by filling the iron with water and setting it to the lowest heat setting possible. Once the iron is heated up, hold it approximately two inches away from the fabric of the hat and move it in circular motions. After a few minutes, the hat should be noticeably smaller.

Adjust the Size Using the Drawstring Inside the Hat

Most fitted hats come with an adjustable drawstring inside the band. This drawstring can be used to make the hat smaller by simply pulling on the ends until it’s tight enough. To find the drawstring, look inside the hat and feel around until you locate the string. Once you’ve found it, pull on both ends to adjust the size. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the hat.

Put the Hat in the Dryer on Low Heat

Another way to make a fitted hat smaller is to put it in the dryer on low heat. Before doing this, make sure to read the care label on the hat to ensure that it won’t be damaged by the heat. Also, be sure to remove any objects such as pens, coins, or keys from the pockets of the hat, as these can cause damage to the machine. Once everything is ready, put the hat in the dryer on the lowest heat setting and let it run for about 10 minutes. The hat should come out noticeably smaller.

Stuff the Hat with Newspaper and Allow it to Sit Overnight

Stuffing the hat with newspaper is another effective way to make it smaller. To do this, stuff the entire hat with crumpled pieces of newspaper, making sure to fill it completely. Then, place the hat in a warm, dry place and let it sit overnight. The newspaper will absorb moisture from the air, causing the hat to shrink. In the morning, the hat should be noticeably smaller.

Pin the Sides of the Hat Inward

If you want to make a fitted hat even smaller, you can use pins to cinch the sides of the hat inward. To do this, choose pins that are thin enough to go through the fabric without causing any damage. Then, position the pins at the sides of the hat, making sure to keep them evenly spaced. Finally, pull on the pins until the hat is tight enough. Be sure to remove the pins once the desired fit is achieved.

Use a Hot Water Bath to Shrink the Hat

Finally, you can also use a hot water bath to shrink a fitted hat. To do this, fill a large pot or bucket with very hot water and submerge the hat in it. Allow the hat to soak for several minutes, then take it out and squeeze out the excess water. Hang the hat up to dry and it should be noticeably smaller. Be sure to take safety precautions when dealing with hot water.

Conclusion

Making a fitted hat smaller doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple tips and techniques, you can easily get the perfect fit. Whether you’re sewing elastic into the brim or using a hot water bath, you’ll be able to find the right size for your fitted hat. So don’t be afraid to experiment – you’ll soon find the best way to make your hat smaller.