Use a Sweatband
One great way of fixing a fitted hat that is too big is by using a sweatband. A sweatband is a strip of cloth that you can attach to the inner part of your hat’s headband to make it fit more comfortably on your head.
Sweatbands are made out of absorbent materials like cotton, wool, and terry cloth that wick sweat away from your forehead, keeping moisture from accumulating inside your hat. They also provide a soft cushion that helps prevent your hat from rubbing against your scalp, decreasing the risk of discomfort and irritation.
Using a sweatband is easy and affordable. You can either buy a pre-made sweatband that fits the size of your hat or make your own by cutting a strip of fabric to size and sewing it onto your hat’s inside headband.
When using a pre-made sweatband, all you have to do is peel off the adhesive backing and attach it to the inside of your hat’s headband, making sure it’s centered properly. If you’re using a sweatband that needs to be sewn on, first measure the length and width of your hat’s headband and cut a piece of fabric that’s about an inch longer and wider. Fold the edges of the fabric under and sew it onto the headband, distributing the stitches evenly.
When putting your hat on with a sweatband, make sure you position it properly on your forehead, with the sweatband covering your forehead completely. This will not only improve the fit of your hat but also keep your forehead dry, preventing sweat from running down your face.
By using a sweatband, you can make your fitted hat feel more snug and comfortable, reducing the risk of it falling off or moving around while you wear it.
Adjust the Strap
One of the most common ways to fix a fitted hat that is too big is to adjust the strap at the back of the hat. Most fitted hats come with a strap that allows you to tighten or loosen the hat to fit your head perfectly. However, if the hat is still too big after adjusting the strap, you may need to do one or more of the following:
1. Double up the Strap:
If the hat is only slightly too big, you can double up the strap by looping it back through the buckle. This will give you a tighter fit without needing to cut or modify the strap. Simply feed the strap back through the buckle, fold it in half, and then feed the loose end through the folded part. This will create a loop that you can use to adjust the tightness of the hat.
2. Cut the Strap:
If the hat is too big even after adjusting the strap, you may need to cut it and re-sew it to fit your head. To do this, measure how much material you need to remove from the strap and cut it with a pair of scissors. Be sure to leave enough material to sew the strap back together. Once you have cut the strap, fold the loose end over and sew it to the main part of the strap. This will prevent the strap from unraveling and keep it securely in place.
3. Add Extra Material:
If the hat is too big and you don’t want to cut the strap, you can add extra material to it to make it tighter. This can be done by sewing in a small piece of fabric, an elastic band, or even a shoelace. To do this, measure the length of extra material you need, and cut it to size. Then sew it into the strap at the desired location. Make sure to sew the extra material securely to prevent it from unraveling.
4. Use a Hat Liner:
If the hat is too big and you want a quick and easy solution, you can use a hat liner. This is a small round piece of foam or other material that fits inside the hat and gives it a tighter fit. Hat liners are available in different sizes and can be found at most hat stores. They offer a quick and easy solution to fix a fitted hat that is too big.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure that the hat fits comfortably and securely. A hat that is too big can be uncomfortable to wear and may fall off easily. By adjusting the strap or modifying the hat, you can ensure that it fits properly and looks great.
Consider Professional Alterations
If you have tried the quick fixes and still can’t find the right fit or don’t want to risk damaging your hat, taking it to a professional tailor, hat fitter, or hat repair specialist is the next step. These professionals have the tools and expertise to adjust the size, shape, and fit of your fitted hat to perfection.
Before you take your hat to be altered, think about what you want out of the alteration. Do you want it to be smaller, larger, or just a slightly different shape? Do you want it to be more comfortable or just more stylish? Communicate this clearly to the professional and make sure they understand what you’re looking for.
One option is to take your hat to a specialty hat store where professional hat fitters can help you find the perfect fit. These stores can suggest different styles, shapes, and sizes of hats that might work better for your head shape and size. They can also suggest customizations or alterations to improve the fit.
If you can’t find a specialty hat store, try taking your hat to a local tailor or alteration shop. They may not specialize in hats, but they do have experience in working with fabrics and can make adjustments as needed. Look for a tailor that has experience working with hats, or at least understands the shape and fit of a fitted hat.
Another option is to send your hat to a hat repair specialist. Many of these specialists work online and can receive your hat through the mail. They can make alterations according to your specifications and send the hat back to you. This option works especially well if there are no local hat fitters or tailors in your area.
When choosing a professional to work on your fitted hat, keep in mind that the cost will depend on the complexity of the alterations and the level of expertise of the professional. A simple adjustment may only cost a few dollars, while a more complex alteration may cost upwards of $50 or more.
Make sure you understand the cost and the timeline for the work before you leave your hat with the professional. And once the work is complete, try on your hat to make sure it fits the way you want it to. If there are any issues, communicate them to the professional and ask for additional adjustments until you get the perfect fit.