How to Shrink a Snapback Hat?

Snapback hats are great for their adjustable fit and style. But sometimes, they can be too big, feel uncomfortable and look sloppy.

Shrinking a snapback is an easy and doable solution to get a better fit. This article will go over the materials used, methods to shrink, and tips to keep the hat shape.

Follow these steps, and your snapback will fit perfectly and look great, comfortable, and style. A good fitting snapback feels good and looks good too.

What are Snapback Hats?

Snapback hats are an adjustable baseball cap style with a flat brim along with a plastic snap closure at the back. They became popular in the 90s and have been a fashion staple ever since. 

Their appeal is in their versatility; wearers can adjust the fit and wear different designs, from sports team logos to trendy graphics.

The history of snapback hats can be traced back to the 50s when they were used in baseball. But they really entered mainstream fashion in the late 80s and early 90s when hip-hop and sports culture popularized them. 

They have been able to combine function and style for decades. When it comes to fabrics, snapback hats are made of cotton, wool, or polyester, each with its own benefits and characteristics. Cotton is one of the most comfortable fabrics for everyday wear. 

Wool is warm and structured, often used in higher end or vintage inspired designs. Polyester is durable and moisture wicking, and it is used for athletic wear.

The material chosen affects the hat’s ability to shrink. Cotton shrinks when exposed to heat or moisture; polyester holds its shape better, and wool can shrink if not taken care of. 

Knowing the material composition of a snapback hat is key to taking care of and maintaining it. This will retain its shape and fit over time.

Why Shrink a Snapback Hat?

A loose snapback is annoying and ugly. Shrinking your hat can improve the fit, comfort, and overall look. By getting it back to its original shape and preventing further stretching, you can extend the life of the hat.

Fit Problems

A loose snapback can affect both comfort and style. When a hat is too big, it will slide down your eyes; you’ll have to adjust it all the time. This affects the wearer’s visibility and the hat’s look.

A good-fitting snapback sits on the head perfectly, looks good, and complements the wearer’s style. The fit is key to maintaining the hat’s shape and showing off the logos or designs.

Shape Maintenance

Shrinking a snapback can help preserve its original shape, especially if it’s been stretched out over time. By controlled shrinking, wearers can get the hat back to its structure and prevent it from losing its crisp look.

This is especially useful for older hats that have lost their form due to heavy use or poor storage. By maintaining the hat’s shape, owners can extend its life and keep it looking sharp. Also, it will be a stylish accessory in their wardrobe for years to come.

How to Shrink a Snapback Hat?

Several methods can be used to turn a loose snapback into a perfect fit. From quick fixes like heat styling to more involved techniques like washing, there’s a solution for you and your hat material. Let’s get into it.

Choosing the Right MethodBefore you shrink a snapback hat, you need to identify the material of which it’s made. Different materials respond to shrinking methods differently, and using the wrong method can damage your hat.

Cotton and wool hats can shrink by heat and moisture; polyester needs different methods. Check the label or manufacturer’s instructions first.

Method 1: Soak in Hot Water

Works best for cotton and wool snapbacks.

Steps:

• Heat water to hot but not boiling.
• Soak for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove and dry while wearing to shape your head.

Pros and Cons: This can be very effective, especially for natural fibers. But it can damage the hat if the water is too hot or left soaking for too long.

Method 2: Shower Method

The shower method is a gentler approach that uses steam to shrink the hat.

Steps:

• Wear the hat in the shower and let the steam get in.
• Dry while wearing for best fit.

Pros and Cons: This method is easy to apply and has less risk of damage. However, it may not be as effective for polyester hats or hats that need to shrink a lot.

Method 3: Washing Machine

For polyester hats or hats that need to shrink more, the washing machine method works.

Steps:

• Put the hat in a garment bag.
• Use a gentle cycle with hot water.
• Dry on medium heat for 10 minutes.

Pros and Cons: It is good for polyester hats and can give more even shrinkage. But can over-shrink if not monitored.

Method 4: Blow Drying

Blow drying can be done alone or in combination with other methods.

Steps:

• After soaking, blow dry on low heat.
• Focus on areas that need to shrink more.

Pros and Cons: Quick and can be targeted. But it can overheat and damage the fabric if not done carefully.

Tips for Shrinking

Getting the perfect fit for your snapback requires consideration. Knowing your hat’s material, starting small, and monitoring the process closely will help you shrink your hat without damaging it.

Let’s get into some tips.

Test Shrinkage

Before applying any shrinking method to your entire snapback hat, test the process on a small, inconspicuous area first. This will help you see how the material will react, and you can adjust it if needed. Choose a spot on the inner band or back panel for this test.

Monitor the hat while shrinking. Different materials shrink at different rates and can over-shrink, making the hat unwearable. Watch how the fabric reacts, and be prepared to stop the process if you see too much shrinkage.

Post Shrinking Care

After shrinking your snapback, take good care of it to keep the new size and shape. Let the air dry completely before wearing it again. Don’t use a clothes dryer, as it can cause further shrinkage or damage to the hat’s structure.

When the hat is dry, store it properly to prevent future stretching. Keep it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can stuff the crown of the hat when not using it.

Avoid Common Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes when shrinking a snapback is using water that’s too hot. Boiling water can damage the fabric, adhesives, and any decorations on the hat. Use hot but not boiling water to shrink without damage.

Another reason is to use harsh detergents during the shrinking process. These can weaken the fabric fibers and can cause discoloration.

If you need to wash the hat while shrinking, use a mild, color safe detergent.

Be careful with the brim, especially if it’s made of cardboard or other materials that don’t do well with water. When using wet shrinking methods, try to keep the brim as dry as possible to maintain its shape and structure.

Lastly, don’t rush the process. Shrinking in multiple sessions is often safer and more effective than trying to do it all in one go. This way, you have more control over the final size and fit of your snapback hat.

Conclusion

In summary, shrinking a snapback hat can solve fit issues and keep its shape for comfort and style. Choose the right method for your hat’s material and follow the steps carefully and you’ll get the perfect fit without compromising the hat’s quality.

Remember to test shrinking on a small area first and take good care after shrinking. For more stylish and fitting headwear options, check out JoinTopHat. Get new snapback designs that fit you perfectly, every day is a great hat day.