Lyla Dejesus
A wedding hat that's too big can be a headache, but it's not the end of the world. There are several ways to make a hat smaller, and most of them are simple, quick, and affordable. Whether your hat is made of straw, wool, or cotton, you can easily resize it without steaming, ironing, or elaborate techniques. So, if you're worried about your hat blowing away with the wind, read on to explore some easy solutions to achieve the perfect fit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hat Sizing Tape Method | Use hat sizing tape, also called hat size reducer, to reduce the size of the hat. Cut the tape into four strips and place them in the front, back, or sides of the hat. |
| Elastic Band Method | Use a needle and thread to attach an elastic band to the inside of the hat. Cut the elastic to the size needed to fit the hat snugly. |
| Shrinking Fabric Materials | For hats made of polyester, cotton, or wool, submerge the hat in warm water and apply gentle heat with a blow dryer or clothing iron on a low heat setting. Stretch and reshape the hat with your hands until it reaches the desired fit. |
What You'll Learn
Elastic Band Method
The Elastic Band Method is a simple way to resize a wedding hat that is a little too big. This method requires some basic needlework skills, so if you're not confident with a needle and thread, it might be best to ask someone to assist you.
Firstly, put on the hat and get a sense of how much elastic you will need to tighten it for the right fit. You can then cut the elastic to the required size. This should be done closer to the back of the hat, where it will only take up a small amount of space.
Next, secure the elastic to the hat with small pins. Try on the hat before sewing to ensure a comfortable fit. Pin the elastic carefully to avoid any mishaps when trying on the hat.
Once you are happy with the fit, pick a thread colour that matches the sweatband of the hat and thread your needle. Sew one edge of the elastic securely to one side of the sweatband, making a strong knot after sewing to prevent the thread from coming loose. Repeat this process on the other side.
Try on the hat again to confirm the size is to your liking. If it is still a little loose, you can fold the elastic in the middle and sew it together to make the hat fit tighter.
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Hat Sizing Tape Method
The Hat Sizing Tape Method is a simple and effective way to resize a hat that is too big. This method involves using a self-adhesive strip, called a hat size reducer, which is made of foam or fabric. The tape helps to shrink the rounded crown of the hat from the inside and can make a hat at least one size smaller.
To begin, you will need to purchase hat sizing tape, which can be found online, at most hat shops, or at craft stores. It typically comes in a roll or pre-cut strips. If you have a long piece of tape, cut it into four smaller strips that can easily fit in the front, back, or sides of your hat.
Before removing the adhesive, place the tape on the area of the hat that feels the largest on your head. This could be the front, back, sides, or a combination of these areas. It is important to place the tape underneath the sweatband, not on top, to achieve a discreet and effective fit. Try on the hat with the tape in place to get a sense of how it affects the fit.
Experiment with different numbers of tape strips (one, two, three, or all four) to find the right balance. Remember, a hat should not be so tight that it pinches your head or leaves marks on your forehead. At the same time, it should not feel like it will fall off your head at any moment.
Once you have found the perfect fit, remove the adhesive protector and firmly press the tape underneath the sweatband. Repeat this process for each strip, ensuring that the tape is evenly distributed for a balanced fit. Try on the hat again to confirm that the placement of the strips is working for you. If adjustments are needed, carefully remove and readjust the strips until the fit feels just right.
With this method, you can easily and discreetly adjust the size of your wedding hat to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
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Using shrinking fabric materials
If your wedding hat is made of fabric, you can shrink it by washing and drying it using specific settings. The method for shrinking a fabric hat depends on the type of fabric.
Cotton Hats
Cotton is the fabric that is most likely to shrink. To shrink a cotton hat, wash it in the washing machine using a hot water cycle. Then, dry the hat on high heat for up to 60 minutes, checking on it every 5 minutes to make sure it does not shrink too much. Once the hat has reached your desired size, change the dryer setting to low heat or air dry the rest of the way.
Synthetic Blends
Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are designed to hold their shape. To shrink a hat made of synthetic material, wash it with cold water to avoid damaging the seams. Then, place the hat in the dryer on high heat and check periodically to see if it has reached your desired size. Once it has, change the dryer settings to low.
Wool Hats
Wool is prone to shrinkage, but the process can damage the fabric. To shrink a wool hat, place it in a bag for delicates or a pillowcase to protect the fibres. Wash the hat in warm water on a gentle cycle, avoiding hot water, which could damage the fibres and cause them to felt. Then, dry the hat on a low heat setting for up to 30 minutes, checking every 5 minutes to monitor its progress. Once the hat has reached your desired size, air dry it to avoid further shrinkage.
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Buying a hat that fits
When it comes to buying a hat that fits, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to know your head size. You can easily measure this by wrapping a soft measuring tape around your head about half an inch above your ears and across the middle of your forehead. This will give you an accurate measurement to help you find the right hat size.
Secondly, consider the shape of your face. Different hat styles suit different face shapes, so it's worth trying on a variety of hats to see what works best for you. For example, if you have a square face with a broad forehead and angular jawline, opt for hats with softer, rounded brims to balance out the sharp lines of your face. On the other hand, if you have a round face, structured hats like fedoras or Panama hats can add height and definition.
Thirdly, think about the occasion you're buying the hat for. Is it for a special event like a wedding, or will it be an everyday accessory? This will help you choose the right style and material. For example, a straw hat or a wool hat would be perfect for a summer wedding, while a felt or wool hat would be ideal for keeping you warm during the colder months.
When trying on hats, pay attention to how it sits on your head and how it makes you feel. A well-fitting hat should enhance your appearance and feel comfortable and natural to wear. Take your time to find the right fit, and don't be afraid to ask for assistance if needed.
Lastly, consider any adjustments you may need to make. While it's ideal to find a hat that fits perfectly, sometimes you may need to make minor adjustments, especially if the hat only comes in one size or if you're unsure of your head size. Hat sizing tape or elastic bands can help make a hat smaller, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
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Using safety pins
If your wedding hat is too big, you can resize it using safety pins. This method is quick, easy, and affordable, and doesn't require any steaming, ironing, or sewing.
First, turn your hat inside out. Then, fold the hat at the seam lines to the desired size. Remember that for every inch of folding, you are making the hat two inches smaller. Ensure that you fold each side evenly so that the hat doesn't appear lopsided.
Once you are happy with the size, use safety pins to secure the folds in place. Use two safety pins on each side, placed underneath the sweatband, to keep them discreet. Try the hat on with the pins in place to check that you are happy with the fit. If not, you can adjust and repin until you find the perfect size.
When pinning, be careful not to make the hat too tight. It should not pinch your head or leave any marks on your forehead. A slightly loose hat is preferable to one that is too tight.
This method of resizing is versatile and can be used for a variety of hat types, including straw hats, wool hats, and baseball caps.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make a hat smaller. One way is to use hat sizing tape, also called a hat size reducer. This is a self-adhesive strip made of foam or fabric that can be purchased online or at most hat shops. Another method is to use an elastic band. This involves sewing a piece of elastic to the inside of the hat to tighten it. A third option is to shrink the fabric of the hat by submerging it in warm water and then applying gentle heat with a blow dryer or clothing iron on a low setting.
Hat sizing tape can be purchased online or at most hat shops. It is typically available in a roll or as pre-cut strips.
First, put on your hat and mark the areas where it feels loose or too large. Then, cut a strip of hat sizing tape according to the measured length needed to reduce the hat's size. Peel off the backing of the tape to expose the adhesive side, and place the strip(s) along the inside band of your hat. Try on the hat again and adjust as needed.
