How to Fix a Deformed Hat After Long Shipping?
-Why Do Natural Material Hats Get Deformed During Shipping?-
Fedoras (wool/felt) and straw hats (raffia/wheat straw) are prone to damage due to two key factors:
1. Physical Compression: Stacking pressure (up to 50kg/m²) during transit causes creases or collapsed crowns.
2. Humidity Swings: Container humidity fluctuations (30%-80%) trigger fiber shrinkage/expansion.
Minor deformations are normal but fixable! Below are proven methods to revive your hat.
(our office is full of hats)
How to Reshape a Fedora Hat (Wool, Felt, or Blended Materials)
Tools You’ll Need:
· Garment steamer, steam iron, or electric kettle
· Ice packs, thick books, balloon, clean towel
Method 1: Steam Reshaping for Fedoras
Best for: Severe dents or crumpled brims
Steps:
1. Hold the hat inside-out 20cm above a steam source (iron/kettle).
2. Gently push dents outward while fibers soften.
3. Mold over a balloon or round object.
4. Press with a cold towel to set.
5. Repeat 2-3 times.
6. Air-dry away from sunlight.
Pro Tip: Avoid direct high heat to prevent scorching.
Method 2: Cold Compression Technique
Best for: Flattened crowns
Steps:
1. Roll an ice-cold bottle over compressed areas.
2. Stuff the crown with thick books.
3. Lay flat for 12 hours.
Method 3: Damp Cloth Ironing
Best for: Minor creases
Steps:
1. Cover dents with a slightly damp towel.
2. Iron on low heat while reshaping.
3. Air-dry on a bowl/hat stand.
Method 4: Stuffing to Restore Shape
Best for: Mild shipping deformations
Steps:
1. Insert a balloon or foam into the crown.
2. Hang for 24 hours or place upside-down.
(Wool hat in good condition is supposed to look like this)
How to Fix a Deformed Straw Hat (Raffia, Wheat Straw, or Paper Rush)
Tools You’ll Need:
· Spray bottle, binder clips, humidifier
Method 1: Humidity Rebound for Straw Hats
Best for: Bent brims
Steps:
1. Hang in a steamy bathroom for 2 hours.
2. Clip the brim into shape with binder clips.
3. Air-dry in cool air (≤35°C).
Method 2: Steam Reshaping for Straw Hats
Best for: Warped crowns
Steps:
1. Soften fibers with steam (20cm distance).
2. Reshape by hand or over a bowl.
3. Air-dry away from direct heat.
Method 3: Spot Repair for Straw Hats
Best for: Wavy brims
Steps:
1. Lightly spray the inner liner.
2. Insert cardboard for support.
3. Secure curves with hairpins.
4. Air-dry for 6 hours.
Method 4: Warm Water Soak
Best for: Stubborn creases
Steps:
1. Soak deformed areas in 30°C water for 30 seconds.
2. Reshape by hand.
3. Air-dry completely.
(straw hat in good shape)
Common Hat Repair Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Critical Tips:
· Temperature Limits: Never exceed 70°C for blended materials.
· Drying Time: Wait 48 hours before wearing.
Never Do These:
· Pull forcefully – fibers may snap.
· Expose straw hats to direct heat – causes brittleness.
· Wash wool hats – leads to shrinkage.
Why Choose Natural Material Hats?
Minor deformations reflect the organic nature of handmade accessories – not defects! We use eco-friendly packaging to minimize shipping impacts.
Share Your Experience:
Struggled with a deformed hat? Share your repair story in the comments! ✨
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2件のコメント
Received straw hat in undamaged box but hat is not wearable because it was crushed to fit into box. I don’t have equipment or desire to try to fix. expensive lesson learned by me. I do not recommend this company.
I have waited so long to get this hat and it’s extremely deformed. I can understand how the box may get damaged on such a long journey but the package 📦 is totally inadequate and cheap. I buy hats all the time and the packaging that I received from local companies is sometimes doubled up and large enough that the hat isn’t flattened in packaging. On top of the poor conditions in delivery it’s an X-Large hat and it’s too small for me. I wear a 7 5/8 hat which is within your chart size and it doesn’t fit. I want a refund!! Your hats look great in the ads but by the time it reaches the States it looks nothing like your advertisement!! Very disappointing bordering on deceptive advertising!