If you’ve resorted to stuffing your old ill-fitting caps into the back of your closet, it’s time to rescue them from their dusty confines. If your favorite headwear has been stretched out from years of wear and tear, it’s time to re-energize and re-fit your hats.
Key takeaways
- Start by finding out what your hat is made out of
- Shrinking your cap via the hand-wash method
- Shrinking your hat via the shower method
- Shrinking your cap via the washing machine method
- Dry your cap
Even if your one-size-fits-all snapbacks don’t fit your head quite right, it’s possible to shrink them to the proper size. That way, you can sport them with confidence and revamp your personal style!
Keep reading, and we’ll share some simple methods for shrinking your snapback hats.
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#1. Start by finding out what your hat is made out of
Even if your one-sized snapback comes with an adjustable plastic strap (like most of them do,) there’s still a chance that someday it won’t fit your noggin how it should.
So, if your favorite foam trucker hat isn’t sitting right anymore, it might be time to try shrinking it. And that process is much easier than it may seem at first glance. You’ll have your custom favorite cap back to its old self in no time!
Full Orange Camo Foam Trucker Hat from Double Portion Supply
How to shrink your snapbacks so you can wear them right
There’s nothing worse than a dirty or loose-fitted hat. Whether you’re looking to reinvigorate your favorite baseball caps or refit a new snapback, you deserve to have caps that actually suit your head.
The first step of the shrinking process is perhaps the most important. You need to find out what fabric your caps or hats are made out of so that you can pick the right method.
Different materials have different levels of resistance to shrinkage. This can also help determine how much time and effort it will take to shrink your hat.
Consider the material that your cap is made out of
Most modern snapback hats are made of either cotton, wool, or polyester. Though each material calls for different approaches to the shrinking process, all three of them are still susceptible to shrinking when soaked and dried.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that polyester is perhaps the most resistant to shrinking. Wool and cotton hats, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to the effects of shrinking.
If you have cotton or wool hats, you’ll want to consider either the handwash or the shower method. Polyester caps, on the other hand, should be shrunk using the washing machine for better shrinkage.
#2. Shrinking your cap via the hand-wash method
For the hand-wash method, you should start by submerging your hats in hot, not boiling, water. You’ll want to let the hat soak and stay submerged for at least five to ten minutes before taking it out with kitchen tongs to dry.
If you want to shrink a hat, but not too much, this is also the best approach. It allows you to easily shrink hats while still letting you maintain control. If you have a casual-fitting dad hat you’re looking to refit, this is the way to do so.
Black Denim Dad Hat from Double Portion Supply
If you’re following the handwash method, you can skip to step five now.
Bonus: 6 Ways To Get Sweat Stains Out Of Your Hats
#3. Shrinking your hat via the shower method
The shower method allows you to better fit your hat to your head. This is the best method if you want a snuggly-fitting, precise hat shape!
For this method, you need to wear your hat in the shower, standing under comfortably hot water. Try to stand under the showerhead for around three to five minutes. During this time, the hot water will encourage your cotton or wool hat to better mold to your head shape.
#4. Shrinking your cap via the washing machine method
This brings us to the last method for shrinking hats. This is the best approach for your favorite polyester cap! Though you can still use the handwash or shower method for a polyester baseball cap, this approach is best for effective shrinkage.
Place your cap in a garment bag, and then toss it in the washing machine on a regular heat wash cycle with a small amount of laundry detergent to wash your hat as you shrink it. Your hat should get soaked through in the drum. After the cycle finishes, you can take out your hat for the next step.
Keep in mind that this method should be avoided for caps made from wool or cotton fibers. They will likely be left distorted and unable to fit your head at all!
#5. Dry your cap
This is where the magic happens. As you dry your wet hat, you’ll be able to see a huge difference in the size and shape!
You can either dry your hats with a hair dryer on the lowest setting or just simply wear them out in the sun as your hat dries. For polyester hats, you can place your damp hat in the dryer for around 10 minutes on medium heat before taking it out.
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Double Portion Supply is the largest snapback superstore in Hawaii. Since 2001, we’ve helped clients across the United States make their creative vision a reality. From low-profile dad hats to ANXD brand apparel, we carry everything you need to keep your own brand stocked. Plus, our custom services extend to T-shirt printing, so you stay fresh from head to toe. Get all the latest information by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.