How to shrink a fitted hat

How to shrink a fitted hat for the perfect fit

An oversized fitted hat might slip, slide, or look sloppy. But don’t toss it out yet. You can shrink your hat at home for a perfect fit. We’re filled to the brim with hat-shrinking techniques you can use to transform an oversized fitted hat into a comfortable, well-fitted accessory.

Why is my fitted hat too big?

Maybe your hat is new, maybe it’s a trusty old favorite. Either way, it’s too big and you want to know why. Here are some of the oversized fitted hat culprits:

• Inconsistent sizing: Different brands use different sizing methods that don’t always align.
• Material stretch and wear: The elastic in the sweatband wears out over time.
• Changes in hairstyle: If you sized your hat for big hair and then got a dramatic cut, it might fit loosely.
• Hat design: 5‑panel and 6‑panel hats hug the head differently. A proper fit in one style might not translate.
• Incorrect head sizing: It’s always best to have someone help you take measurements.

Whatever the reason for your too-big hat, we’re here to help you bring it down to size.

Hand washing method

Hand washing gives you precise control when shrinking fitted hats as you can target the shrinkage of specific hat areas. Natural fiber hats, such as those made from wool or cotton, respond best to this method due to their reaction to heat and moisture. Throughout the process, you can closely watch the hat’s condition to prevent over-shrinking or damage to delicate parts.

You can use different water temperatures on different hat sections. For example, you might apply hotter water to the crown for more shrinkage, while keeping the brim in cooler water to preserve its shape.

Follow these steps for the hand washing shrinking method:

1. Fill a sink or basin with hot water. The hotter the water, the more the hat may shrink.
2. Add a small amount of mild, non-bleach detergent to the water and mix it well.
3. Submerge the hat completely in the hot water.
4. Gently agitate the hat in the water for about 5 minutes. Pay extra attention to areas you want to shrink more.
5. Rinse the hat thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap.
6. Gently squeeze out excess water. Don’t twist or wring the hat as this can distort its shape.
7. Reshape the hat, paying particular attention to the brim and crown.
8. Put the damp hat on your head and wear it until it’s completely dry, or place it on a head-shaped object to air dry.

Hot shower method

The hot shower method works well on most hat materials, including cotton, wool, and some synthetic blends. This technique is gentler than machine washing and provides more control than the hair dryer method.

The hot shower method is safe for most hat types, including those with cardboard brims or delicate decorations. But with leather hats or those with special finishes, you need to be careful.

Here’s how to shrink your hat using the hot shower method:

1. Turn on your shower to a comfortably hot setting and let it run until the bathroom is steamy.
2. Put on the hat you want to shrink.
3. Step into the shower, and let hot water soak the hat thoroughly. Avoid direct water spray on the brim to maintain its shape.
4. Stay in the steamy environment for 5 – 10 minutes. Keep the hat on your head.
5. Exit the shower and gently squeeze out excess water. Don’t twist or wring the hat.
6. Reshape the hat if necessary, paying attention to the brim and crown.
7. Continue wearing the hat until it’s completely dry, or place it on a head-shaped object to dry.
8. If more shrinkage is needed, repeat the process once the hat is fully dry.

Note: After shrinking, avoid exposing the hat to high heat or hot water to maintain its new size. Clean it with cool water and mild detergent when necessary.

Hair dryer method

The hair dryer method works on wool hats and some cotton caps. This technique gives you more control than the washing machine method.

Check your hat’s material before starting, as this method won’t work on polyester hats. Be careful with hats that have plastic brims or decorations.

Follow these steps to shrink your fitted hat with a hair dryer:

1. Wet your hat. You can use a spray bottle or damp cloth. Don’t soak it completely.
2. Turn your hair dryer to its highest heat setting.
3. Hold the dryer about 6 inches away from the hat. Any closer could damage the fabric.
4. Move the dryer constantly. Don’t focus on one spot for too long.
5. Keep drying until the hat is slightly damp.
6. Put the hat on your head while it’s still warm and damp.
7. Wear it until it cools and dries completely.

The heat from the dryer causes the fibers to contract while wearing the damp hat helps it conform to your head shape. You might need to repeat this process a few times to get the right fit.

Note: Too much heat can damage your hat. Take breaks if the hat gets too hot to touch. Also never use this method on a completely dry hat, as it could burn the fabric.

Washing machine method

The washing machine method shrinks fitted hats using hot water and agitation. It works best on hats made of natural fibers, such as cotton and wool. Be cautious with this technique; it can significantly reduce your hat size.

If your hat has a cardboard brim or delicate decoration, you should skip this method. Also, polyester hats won’t shrink effectively and could be easily damaged.

Here’s how to shrink your hat in the washing machine:

1. Set your washing machine to the highest heat setting. If your machine has a temperature dial, set it to ​“Hot”. Some machines have a ​“Whites” or ​“Sanitize” cycle that uses very hot water.
2. Add a small amount of non-bleach laundry detergent to the machine.
3. Place the hat in the machine. If you’re worried about the hat getting damaged, you can put it in a mesh laundry bag.
4. Run a gentle cycle. This will agitate the hat less and keep its shape.
5. Remove the hat as soon as the cycle ends.
6. Gently squeeze out excess water; don’t twist or wring.
7. Reshape the hat while it’s wet.
8. Let the hat air dry completely.

The hotter the water, the more the hat will shrink. You might need to repeat the process for the desired fit, as shrinkage can vary. After shrinking, wash the hat in cold water in the future to maintain its new size.

Steam method

The steam method protects delicate materials and decorative embellishments. You can use it on wool, felt, and some cotton hats. It’s less aggressive than other methods, resulting in gradual shrinkage with better control.

Use a pot of water, a kettle of water, or a fabric steamer to generate steam. Steam also removes wrinkles and restores the hat’s original form.

For steam treatment of your fitted hat, follow these steps:

1. Boil water in a pot or kettle, or set up your fabric steamer.
2. Hold the hat about 6 inches above the steam source. Use clean kitchen tongs to hold your hat safely.
3. Rotate the hat slowly and expose all areas to steam for 30 seconds each.
4. Remove the hat from the heat and shape it as needed.
5. Repeat a few times if necessary.

More ways to make an oversized fitted hat fit right

If your fitted hat is just a little bit too big, you might not want to take drastic measures. Here are a couple temporary, quick fixes to get the perfect fit.

Use reducer tape

Size reducer tape is a quick fix for loose fitted hats. It’s a thin, adhesive strip that sticks inside your hat to reduce its size.

To use the sizing tape method, follow these steps:

1. Clean the inside of your hat.
2. Cut the tape to fit the hat’s sweatband.
3. Peel off the backing.
4. Stick the tape to the sweatband.
5. Press firmly to secure it.

Hat size tape is the best for minor adjustments on cotton or wool hats. It’s particularly useful for fitted baseball hats that have stretched out slightly. 

This method might not be as effective for synthetic and polyester caps, as these materials are less porous and the tape may not stick as well.

Experiment with hat fitters

Hat fitters consist of a flexible band with an adjustment mechanism. You should place the fitter inside the hat’s sweatband.

To install an adjustable hat fitter:

1. Choose the correct size for your hat.
2. Open the hat fitter to its full length.
3. Insert it inside the hat’s sweatband.
4. Adjust the mechanism until the hat fits snugly.
5. Trim excess material if necessary.

Useful tips for successful hat shrinking

Follow these simple tips to get the best out of the shrinking process for your fitted hat:

• Begin with the mildest methods and gradually increase the intensity if needed.
• Synthetic materials such as polyester may not shrink as effectively as natural fibers.
• During the shrinking process, periodically check the hat’s form and gently reshape it as needed. This way, you won’t distort the brim, crown, or other features.
• Rather than drastically shrinking the hat all at once, make gradual adjustments. It’s easier to remove more material than to add it back if the hat becomes too small.
• Fully dry the hat before evaluating the results and deciding if further shrinking is required. Rushing the drying process could lead to uneven or unpredictable results.
• Hats with decorative embellishments, cardboard brims, or other sensitive components may require extra care. Avoid methods that could compromise these features, such as machine washing.

Know your head size to avoid oversized fitted hats

A well-fitting hat sits comfortably above your ears and doesn’t pinch or slip. Use a soft tape measure to determine your head circumference. Wrap it around your head, just above your ears, and across your forehead. This measurement in inches corresponds to your hat size.

For precise sizing, check out our fitted hat size chart. It shows the relationship between head circumference and standard hat sizes. 

Note: Different brands might have slight variations in their sizing. If your measurement falls between sizes, it’s often better to choose the larger size and shrink it down for a perfect fit.

Know the material of your fitted hat

Fitted hats are made from different fabrics, each with unique properties. You’ll want to know what your hat is made of before you try shrinking it. Different techniques work best for each material. Check your hat’s label to identify its material. These are the common hat materials you’ll encounter:

• Wool fibers have a natural crimp that creates tiny air pockets to trap heat and provide insulation. This structure also allows wool to absorb moisture without feeling wet. When exposed to heat and moisture, wool fibers contract and cause the fabric to shrink.
• Cotton fibers are made of long chains of cellulose. These chains have a twisted structure so they can stretch and then return to their original shape. This gives cotton its softness and flexibility.
• Polyester is made from long chains of synthetic polymers. These chains are very strong and stretch resistant. Smooth fibers make polyester naturally wrinkle-resistant. Polyester doesn’t absorb water well, which is why it dries quickly.
• Poly blends combine polyester with natural fibers such as cotton. The polyester adds strength and durability, while the natural fibers improve comfort and breathability. The ratio of polyester to natural fibers affects the fabric’s overall properties.

Synthetic materials: These are man-made fibers created from chemical compounds. Their properties can be engineered for specific purposes, such as moisture-wicking or UV resistance. Because of their smooth surface and non-porous nature, many synthetic fibers are resistant to mold and mildew growth.

Let’s create your custom fitted hats

Anthem Branding is here to make all your merch dreams a reality. With our expertise and top-quality materials, we’ll help you create custom hats that look great and truly represent your brand. Let’s craft something unique together; your perfect hat is just a few clicks away.

Check out our Anthem Branding headwear catalog.

Contact our team if you’re interested in custom headwear for your business​. To learn more about our custom hat program.

Fitted hats FAQ

Will a fitted hat shrink in the dryer?

A fitted hat may shrink when dried in a clothes dryer. The high heat can cause the hat’s materials to contract, resulting in a tighter, more snug fit on the head. Air drying is better to prevent unnecessary shrinkage.

What are some popular fitted hat types?

Fitted hats come in a variety of styles. These are some popular styles:

• Baseball fitted hats
• Fitted low-profile hats
• Fitted 7‑panel hats
• Fitted camper hats
• Fitted dads hats
• Fitted golf hats
• Fitted trucker hats

Anthem Branding customizes all types of fitted hats to meet your branding needs! Choose your favorite style and be ready for the next giveaway or Christmas party.

Do 59FIFTY hats shrink?

59FIFTY hats may shrink over time, particularly those made from polyester or wool. Factors such as moisture and heat accelerate this shrinkage. Regular wear can also cause hats to conform to head shape, leading to a snugger fit.

How can I make my trucker hat fit better?

To improve the fit of a trucker hat, you can adjust the back strap to tighten or loosen the hat as needed. Adding foam inserts inside the hat can also help fill any gaps and create a more snug, comfortable fit. 

You can also try different sizes or styles of trucker hats that may better accommodate the shape of your head.

How can I avoid over-shrinking my hat when using a high heat setting?

When shrinking hats, be cautious about using overly high heat, as this can lead to excessive or uneven shrinkage. Opt for a medium heat setting, whether you’re using a hair dryer, the washing machine, or another heating method. 

Exposing the hat to high temperatures for too long, such as putting it in the dryer, can cause the materials to over-contract and the hat to become too small. 

Can I use a rubber band to shrink my fitted hat?

It is not recommended to shrink your fitted hat with a rubber band. Rubber bands may not provide even pressure, leading to an uneven fit.