How to Reshape the Brim of a Horse Show Hat

When you ride into the show ring with your horse, the hat you wear is a big part of the overall picture. Whether you are wearing a traditional cowboy hat in a Western class or a derby in a saddleseat competition, you want your entire outfit to look as good as possible. Over time, the crisply pressed brim on your show hat can get out of shape. When that happens, it is time to reshape that brim and make the hat look like new.

Things You'll Need

  • Stock pot or tea kettle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a pot or kettle with water and heat it to boiling. A tea kettle is ideal for this purpose, since it produces a steady jet of steam when the water starts to boil.

    • 2

      Hold the hat in your left hand to allow the steam to penetrate the fibers as much as possible. Get the brim of the hat as close to the steam as possible without risking a burn.

    • 3

      Use your right hand to shape the brim of the hat. The steam penetrates the fibers and makes them more pliable and easier to shape. Shape one part of the brim at a time until the hat is back to the desired shape.

    • 4

      Put the hat on a hat stand to cool for at least one hour before using it again. If you do not have a hat stand, you can place the hat on a flat surface where it will not be bumped or disturbed.