How to Stretch an Akubra Hat for a Perfect Fit

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Key takeaways

  • Most tight Akubras need small, even adjustments, not a full size change.

  • Use a hat stretcher for control. Steam the felt lightly to relax fibres before fine-tuning.

  • Stop once pinching eases. Dry naturally and store well to keep the new fit.

  • Prefer help in-store if you need more than a minor tweak. Explore the full range of Akubra hats at City Hatters.

Akubra felt can feel firm out of the box. That is normal. If you want to know how to stretch an Akubra hat without damage, start small and work slowly. With the right method you can achieve a comfortable, long-lasting fit.

Why your Akubra hat might be too tight

A new Akubra often feels snug because:

  • Fresh felt is compact and needs time to relax with heat and wear

  • Head shape and crown shape differ slightly

  • Humidity can tighten the sweatband and felt

Most tightness is within one size or less and responds to careful stretching. Aim for minor, even changes so the hat sits level, does not pinch, and does not ride up.

Check your sizing first

  • Measure your head where the hat sits, just above the ears

  • Compare to the maker’s size chart before you stretch

  • If you are more than one full size away, swap the hat rather than forcing it

Fit symptoms and what they mean

  • Pinch at the temples: slight increase needed at side points

  • Red mark on the forehead: add a touch of length front to back

  • Hat rides up when you talk or chew: overall circumference is still tight

How to stretch your Akubra hat: step-by-step guide

Tools you will use

  • Hat stretcher sized for your hat

  • Kettle for light steam or a garment steamer

  • Soft cloths for gentle cleaning and warm water work

  • Hat stand or box for drying and storage

1) Prepare the hat

  • Identify pinch points

  • Remove surface dust so steam or moisture works evenly

  • Work on a clean, dry bench with good light

2) Use a hat stretcher for control

A stretcher applies even pressure across the sweatband.

  1. Place the stretcher inside the sweatband at your natural front and back points

  2. Turn the handle a quarter turn for light tension

  3. Leave 15 to 20 minutes, then test the fit

  4. Repeat in small increments

Small turns protect the felt and stitching. Patience gives a better result than a big twist in one go.

3) Relax the felt with gentle steam

Steam softens fibres so they move without cracking.

  1. Create light steam from a kettle at a safe distance

  2. Pass the sweatband and lower crown through the steam for a few seconds

  3. Fit the hat to your head and hold position while it cools and dries

  4. Use the stretcher after steaming if you need precision

Keep the hat moving. Do not soak it. Avoid directing steam at the brim for long periods.

4) Warm water for the sweatband only

When steam is not possible, lightly dampen the sweatband.

  1. Moisten the leather or fabric band with a clean, warm cloth

  2. Wear the hat, or use the stretcher as it dries

  3. Recheck after 20 to 30 minutes

Avoid wetting the brim or saturating the crown. Too much water can distort the shape.

5) When to stop stretching

  • Stop when the pinch eases and the hat sits level

  • If the sweatband ripples or stitch holes widen, you have gone too far

  • Never try to jump a full size in one session

6) Best timing and conditions

  • Stretch when the hat is slightly warm from wear or lightly relaxed from steam

  • Let it dry on a flat, ventilated surface away from direct heat

  • Check again the next day. Felt often settles a touch as it dries

Alternative methods to improve fit

Get professional fitting

Prefer a sure result or need more than a small change? Visit City Hatters for expert advice and in-store stretching. A specialist can adjust in targeted zones rather than expanding the whole circumference.

Fine-tune with accessories

  • Sweatband inserts can even out hot spots after stretching

  • A thin liner can stabilise fit without extra pressure

  • A replacement sweatband can tame minor size differences if your head shape is between sizes

Maintain shape after stretching

  • Store on a hat stand so the crown keeps its profile

  • Use a box for longer storage or travel

  • Rest the hat brim-up on a clean surface to avoid flattening

Caring for your Akubra hat: tips for longevity

Good care helps the hat hold its new fit and reduces future adjustments.

Daily care

  • Brush felt regularly to remove dust and lift fibres

  • Handle the brim with clean, dry hands to avoid compressing the felt

  • After rain, shake off moisture, reshape by hand, and let it air dry

Heat and moisture

  • Keep away from heaters and hot cars which can shrink the band

  • Avoid leaving the hat on a rear parcel shelf in direct sun

  • If the hat becomes very wet, stuff the crown lightly with clean paper to support shape as it dries

Storage and travel

  • Store in a cool, dry wardrobe on a stand or in a box

  • For flights, use a dedicated hat box or carry on your lap

  • Do not stack heavy items on the brim

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Overstretching in one session. Make changes in small steps

  • Soaking the felt. Aim for light steam or a damp sweatband only

  • Twisting the stretcher too far. Quarter turns are enough

  • Drying near direct heat. Let the hat dry slowly in moving air

  • Ignoring size checks. If you need more than a size, exchange the hat

Fit checks after stretching

After each round, check:

  • The hat sits level and does not ride up

  • No pressure spots at the temples or forehead

  • You can place two fingers flat between brim and ear without strain

  • The crown shape remains clean with no ripples at the band

Wear the hat for an hour at home. If it still pinches, repeat a small adjustment rather than a large one.

Ready to get the right fit?

Start with careful, incremental stretching and let the hat dry between checks. For hands-on help, visit City Hatters for expert fitting. Explore the full range of Akubra hats to find your perfect fit from day one.

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