I love my hat, but after many wet and dry cycles it seemed to have shrunk a bunch. Never have stretched a hat. What’s the best method that you guys have used?

Here's what Tilley says...
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What do I do if my Tilley Hat shrinks?
When the Hat is dry, simply re-stretch it, like an American sailor showed us, by putting your knee in the crown, and pulling firmly on the opposite side. Although we have mercilessly pre-shrunk the Hat, the cotton and hemp will always contract and expand, much like denim jeans. Whenever you'd like the Hat a bit looser - on those hot, muggy days for instance - take it off and give it a quick re-stretch.
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Seems to me thought that it used to say wet it, then stretch.

google hat stretcher

They are simply, screw operated wooden stretcher. About $16. They don't say to, but I would wet the hat and leave the stretcher in until it dries.

Alternative, but not as comfortable. On a very dry sunny day soak the hat so that it stretches easily and jam it on your head and keep it there until it is dry. Sounds like a recipe for a headache, but it works.

This worked for me: Get the hat wet. Take a somewhat deflated volley ball and put it in the hat. Pump the volleyball up to desired diameter. Easy, cheap (had an old volleyball and tire pump), effective. ;)

Hat Stretcher


As mentioned wet the hat and mount on the stretcher, tighten by hand and wait a bit tightening more bit by bit. It's also easily shaped with sandpaper to fit better.

butthead

I had the opposite problem. Mine got too big. I solved this by giving it to Bonvicken. George, not saying you have a big head or anything. Love ya