Fitted hats are one of the underrated additions to many wardrobes. The thing is, they don’t fit perfectly when they’re right out of the box. Sometimes, they can be too big or stretch over time. However, this guide will show you how to shrink a fitted hat to ensure the fit is comfortable and snug.

You can wear one for casual days out or to protect your face and head from the sun on warm days. Either way, we’ll make sure that the fitted hat you want to wear is a perfect fit. Believe it or not, this guide can help you do this with just a few household items.

What Materials Are Needed to Shrink Your Hat?

You will need these materials if you want to know how to shrink a fitted hat. The good news is that many of them are available in your house. These are what you need:

• A fitted hat
• Hot water
• A large bowl or sink
• Pair of kitchen tongs
• A hair dryer
• A towel
• Hat stretcher (optional)

Once you gather these materials, you can try out one of the few methods we offer below. Let’s now look at some reliable methods for shrinking a fitted hat that will fit your head size.

Method 1: Using Hot Water

The first method uses a pot of water that is hot. This also involves materials such as a towel and a hair dryer. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow.

1. Fill a bowl or sink with hot water – Ensure the water is lukewarm or hot but not boiling. Boiling water can damage the hat’s materials.
2. Submerge the hat – Place the hat in the hot water to fully submerge it. Soak it for 10 to 15 minutes to thoroughly absorb the water. Use a pair of kitchen tongs so you don’t burn your hands.
3. Remove excess water – Take the hat out of the water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Pat it dry with a towel to remove as much water as possible without wringing it.
4. Dry with a hair dryer – Use a blow dryer on a high heat setting to dry the hat. Focus on the areas that need to be shrunk. Move the hair dryer around to evenly dry the entire hat and avoid overheating any part of it.

Method 2: Using a Washer and Dryer

If you prefer to use the washing machine method, you are welcome to do so. However, it is important to have a laundry bag on hand. Make sure that the load size is small so you are able to conserve water rather than waste it. The laundry bag prevents the hat from losing shape. After placing the hat in the bag, you can put it in the hot wash cycle.

1. Add a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap – Run it through the cycle for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Dry in the dryer – Place the hat on a high heat setting. This method can be aggressive, so please check the hat periodically to prevent over-shrinking.

Tips for Maintaining Your Fitted Hat

Now that you have a couple of methods for shrinking a fitted hat, here are some tips to help you maintain it. Let’s jump right in and provide you with the following suggestions:

Avoid Over-Shrinking

Do not over-shrink your hat, If it is too small, stretching it back out can be challenging. If you need more clarification on the process, gradually shrink it until you can adjust it to the desired size.

Reshape the Hat

While drying the hat, maintain its shape. Use a hat stretcher or wear the hat as it dries to keep its desired form. After it’s the perfect fit, you can wear it with a short sleeve hooded sweatshirt or a top of your choice. 

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent future stretching. Avoid exposing your hat to excessive moisture and store it properly. Purchase a hat stand to maintain its shape when you’re not wearing it. Typically, a cool, dry place is your best option. Don’t forget to wash your hat, as well.

At Blankstyle, we want to ensure that your fitted hat is the perfect match for all the custom-made shirts, sweatshirts, and joggers you can form into a nice-looking ensemble. You can choose from different colors and custom designs to add a personal touch to your wardrobe.

It can also be great for putting together different uniforms for a sporting team with your friends, casual wear for a good cause you want to spread the word on World Design Day and so much more. These can match very well with a fitted hat, measured exactly for your head, of your choice.

Final Thoughts

A fitted hat can be shrunk to your desired size. Be sure to follow one of the two methods above so you can do it successfully. Once you size it just right, you can pair it with almost anything you set your mind to. It could be a T-shirt with joggers or a sweatshirt with your favorite pair of jeans. Blankstyle might be able to help you with the custom-made clothes you need that represent your personality, your brand, or something else.

Want to see what Blankstyle has in store for you? Don’t miss out—check out our store today and see what we’ve got for you!