How to Stiffen a Hat

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Stiffen hats with starch.

A hat may lose its shape over time, requiring a stiffening procedure to bring it back to life. Attempting to wear a droopy hat not only looks awkward, but may stretch the out-of-shape headpiece even more. The longer a hat remains in a limp position, the harder it becomes to revert it back to its original shape. A simple yet effective procedure can stiffen your hat back to its former glory.

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Things You'll Need

  • Pot

  • Oven mitts

  • Starch

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Step 1

Fill a medium pot with water. Set the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat on the stove, but keep the water hot enough it continues to emit a flow of steam.

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Step 2

Place your hands in oven mitts to avoid steam burns. Hold the hat over the steam, moving it slowly so the steam touches every area of the hat. Remove the hat from the steam flow after 30 seconds and turn off the burner on the stove.

Step 3

Set the hat on a table and manipulate it into the desired shape. Spray starch or fabric stiffener over the entire hat. If only stiffening the brim of a hat or ball cap, spray the brim only. Allow the hat to remain upright on the table until it dries completely.

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