Can You Make A Floppy Hat Stiff?

Can you make a floppy hat stiff?

Over time, hats lose their form due to wear and tear. If you wear a deformed hat carelessly, you might cause even more damage to your favorite floppy straw hat and reduce its UPF factor.

Typically, restoring a hat's structure becomes increasingly difficult the longer it remains bent out of shape.

If you wonder how to make a floppy hat stiff, you're in luck; our helpful guide will help you return your hat's brim to its former glory with a few simple methods.

How do you flatten and stiffen a hat brim in the shower?

The shower approach works quite effectively for floppy hats with creases, and it serves as an excellent first step when you attempt to restore a bent brim after significant damage.

1. To create enough steam for your headwear, raise the temperature setting on your shower to high.
   
   
2. Close the door to maximize the density of steam in the shower nook. Bear in mind that you want the hat to become a little damp but it shouldn’t get drenched either.
   
   
3. Hang your hat on the back of the door, or place it on your bathroom sink for around 20 minutes to soak in the vapour.
   
   
4. Remove the hat and place it on a cool, flat surface to straighten the brim and other areas. You may want to consider using a book to weigh it down and mold it into the form you want.
   
   
5. Allow your hat to dry thoroughly before wearing it again.

How do you flatten and stiffen a hat brim with a steamer?

If you have a handheld clothing steamer at home, you're in luck since it offers one of the easiest ways to stiffen your hat.

1. Steam the affected area with a handheld steamer. You'll feel certain areas of the hat begin to soften as the moisture starts to seep in.
   
   
2. Once you're ready, straighten the brim and gently push out the dents with your palms.
   
   
3. When your hat is back to its desired shape, let it cool and dry completely before wearing it again.

How do you flatten and stiffen a hat brim with a pot of boiling water?

If you wonder how to flatten an upturned brim or make a floppy hat stiff again, and you don't have any fancy gadgets, all you need is a pot of boiling water and some oven mitts for protection.

1. Add water to a pot, place the pot on the fire and heat until it’s boiling.
   
   
2. Reduce the heat on the burner while maintaining a hot enough temperature for the water to keep producing steam.
   
   
3. To prevent any burns, wear a set of oven mitts and consider using a pair of tongs. Hold the hat over the steam while carefully moving it so that moisture envelops the entire hat.
   
   
4. After around 30 seconds, remove the hat from the stream and switch off the stove's burner.
   
   
5. Place the hat on a flat surface and shape the brim as needed to remove any warped edges.
   
   
6. Let the hat stand upright on the table until it is completely dry.
   
   
7. Voila! Your newly-stiffened hat is ready to wear.

How do you use a homemade starch spray to stiffen a floppy hat?

In many cases, a simple starch spray can quickly and easily stiffen a floppy hat.

All you need is cornstarch, a mixing bowl, water, a spray bottle, and hairdryer. 

1. Begin by mixing equal parts water and cornstarch in a small bowl.
   
   
2. Transfer the starch mixture to a spray bottle and shake it well.
   
   
3. Spray the mixture onto your hat. Be sure to cover the entire hat, including the brim and band.
   
   
4. Once the hat is evenly coated both inside and outside, use the hairdryer and your hands to carefully shape it to your liking.
   
   
5. Lay it on a flat surface and allow it to dry completely. Once it is dry, the floppy hat should be much stiffer and better able to hold its shape.

What should you keep in mind when stiffening stubborn floppy hats?

If your floppy hat proves particularly stubborn, you may wonder how to make a floppy hat stiff. To ease the process, keep these tips in mind as you try to restore your hat's shape.

You should exercise as much care as possible to avoid causing damage to your hat, especially if you lack prior experience.

• Use less steam for a floppy hat: You can reshape the brim of a hat quickly and easily using the shower, boiling pot, or handheld steam method if it bends out of shape. Remember that manufacturers design the brim to be flexible and not hold its shape completely. Similar to a straw hat, a floppy felt hat requires less steam.
• Avoid using too much heat: You should exercise caution while using steam to repair floppy hats, as different types of straw can quickly melt when you subject them to high temperatures. Getting started on the hat's brim and working your way around the rest of the hat makes an excellent first step. As it steams, you can shape it to your liking.
• Pay particular attention to the shape of your hat's brim: You can make your brim look brand new by using images as references when you reshape it.
• Apply force where needed: Spread out the brim and let it dry using any weights you have on hand, such as books or canned goods. After you have steamed and dried it, your floppy hat should maintain the form you molded it into.

Summary: Discover Squishee Hats® by Eric Javits

Unfortunately, you cannot stiffen or fix all floppy hats depending on the extent of the damage. For instance, flimsy straw hats can easily dent and tear when wet, particularly during travel.

To solve this dilemma, Eric Javits created Squishee® — which you can fold and pack in your tote bag without affecting its shape.

Eric Javits introduced Squishee®, a unique manufactured braid that resembles straw, to the market after a year of development and product testing, completely revolutionizing hat wear.

Recently, Squishee® has become more eco-friendly, incorporating 100% recycled fibers and a wider range of sophisticated weaves.

Our Squishee® hats work perfectly for everyday wear due to their flexibility and lightweight fabrication.

Browse our unique selection of women's floppy hats and accessories at Eric Javits today!

FAQs about Can you Make a Floppy Hat Stiff?

How long does it take to stiffen a floppy hat using the steam method?

The steaming process typically takes only 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the material and severity of the damage. However, you should allow the hat to dry completely for several hours before wearing it to ensure the shape sets properly.

Can I stiffen any type of floppy hat, or do some materials work better than others?

Most natural fiber hats like straw, felt, and cotton respond well to steam stiffening methods. Synthetic materials or heavily damaged hats may not hold their shape as effectively and could require professional restoration.

What happens if I use too much steam or heat on my hat?

Excessive heat can cause permanent damage, including melting synthetic fibers, shrinking natural materials, or creating irreversible warping. Always start with minimal steam and gradually increase if needed, testing on a small, inconspicuous area first.

How often can I re-stiffen my hat without damaging it?

You can safely re-stiffen most hats 2-3 times per season without significant wear, provided you use gentle methods and allow complete drying between treatments. Frequent stiffening may eventually weaken the fibers, so proper storage helps maintain shape longer.

Are there any hats that should never be steamed or stiffened at home?

Expensive designer hats, vintage pieces, heavily embellished hats, or those made from delicate materials like silk should be taken to professional hat cleaners. These items require specialized knowledge and equipment to avoid costly damage during the restoration process.