Easy Ways to Shrink a Fitted Baseball Cap at Home

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Plus, learn how to find your hat size so you always buy the right fit
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A fitted baseball cap is designed to fit snugly on your head without any adjustable straps or snaps. However, if you don’t know your hat size or if the materials start to wear out, your cap may not fit as well as you’d like. Luckily, it’s easy to shrink these hats down to size with a few materials you already have at home. Keep reading as we explain all the best ways to shrink fitted baseball caps, find temporary solutions , determine your hat size , and more.

How do you shrink a fitted hat?

  • Submerge your cap in hot water, or wear it in the shower.
  • Toss hats made of sturdy materials in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
  • Spray your baseball hat with water, then dry it with a hair dryer.
  • Hold delicate hats over steam to gradually shrink them.
Section 1 of 8:

Shrinking Your Cap by Hand-Washing

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  1. Fill a pot, sink, or basin with water hot enough to emit a small amount of steam, but not so hot that it might burn you or damage the cap’s materials. Do not allow the water to come to a boil. [1]
    • This method works best for hats made out of natural fibers, like cotton, as well as delicate materials.
    • Make sure whatever container you choose is large enough to hold the cap without overflowing.
    • Using a pot will give you greater control over the temperature of the water. Set the eye of the stove to medium heat and allow the pot to warm up.
  2. Place the cap in the water, and force it down until it soaks up enough water to stay submerged on its own. If the water is too hot to do this by hand, use a pair of kitchen tongs instead. [2]
    • If you don’t plan on reshaping the bill later, hold it out of the water entirely, wetting only the cap’s crown.
    • If you prefer, mix in a small amount of gentle, non-bleach detergent to help loosen the fibers even further.
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  3. Gently agitate the water and let your baseball cap soak for about 5-10 minutes. The heat from the water will cause the fibers to constrict and cling more tightly together, effectively shrinking the entire hat. [3]
    • Soak the cap until the fabric of the crown begins to “billow” a bit; this is a sign that it has loosened up sufficiently to be refitted.
    • It may help to “massage” the fabric like you’re kneading dough.
  4. Remove the baseball cap from the pot or sink and gently squeeze out the excess water. Don’t wring or twist, as this can distort the shape. Then, place the damp cap on your head and wear it until it dries completely. The material will be extremely pliable, and as it dries, it will conform to the shape of your head. [4]
    • If the water is too hot to touch, use tongs to take the cap out.
    • If you added detergent, first rinse the cap under cool water to remove all the soap.
    • Drying a hat this way will likely take all day. For best results, heat the cap early in the day and then wear it as you go about your business.
    • Hang the hat up by the bill overnight using a clothespin to prevent stretching or warping as it continues to dry.
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Section 2 of 8:

Shrinking Your Cap in the Shower

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  1. Turn on your shower and wait until the water is comfortably hot. Let the bathroom get nice and steamy. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as it will be in direct contact with the cap. The hat’s construction may become damaged if the temperature is too high or if the cap is allowed to soak for too long. [5]
    • This method works best for most hat materials, including cotton, wool, and some synthetic blends. It’s gentler than methods like machine washing and provides control over which parts of the cap you want to shrink.
  2. Position the hat the way you most frequently wear it so it molds to the right shape. Hop in the shower and let the water soak the hat thoroughly. Avoid letting the water spray directly on the hat’s brim so it maintains its shape. [6] Stay in the shower for 5-10 minutes so the material has time to loosen and assume its new shape.
    • Make sure the crown of the cap is thoroughly wet so that it can be stretched out uniformly.
    • If you decide to simply take a regular shower while wearing the cap, be sure not to get soap or shampoo on the hat as it soaks. Washing your cap should be performed separately with the right products.
  3. When you get out of the shower, gently squeeze (but don’t twist or wring) out any excess water from the cap. Reshape it if necessary, then leave the cap on as you go about your day. It should dry within a day or so, depending on environmental conditions. If it’s still too loose after it’s completely dry, repeat the process. [7]
    • Wearing the cap on a clear, warm day will allow it to dry most efficiently. If the weather outside is cold or rainy, do not wear the cap out. Instead, allow it to sit right-side-up under a fan or in front of an air conditioning vent and check on its progress periodically.
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Section 3 of 8:

Shrinking Your Cap in the Washing Machine

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  1. Load the cap into the washer by itself or with other clothes. If you’re worried about damaging it, place it in a garment bag or old pillowcase. Add a small amount of non-bleach laundry detergent. Run a gentle cycle so the hat is less likely to lose its shape. [8]
    • This method works best for polyester, synthetic, and cotton caps. However, try another method if your cap has a cardboard brim or delicate decorations.
    • Note that this technique can significantly reduce your hat size, so proceed with caution. If you only need to shrink the cap a little bit, remove the cap from the washing machine after the initial wash cycle.
    • Use a regular heat setting for gentler fabrics, like cotton. Materials like polyester can usually withstand the hot setting.
  2. Remove your hat from the wash as soon as the cycle ends. Gently squeeze out the water, but don’t wring or twist the material. Put on the cap and let it air dry on your own crown for a customized fit. [9]
    • If the polyester shrank a little too much due to the heat from the wash, wearing it as it dries can stretch it out to an optimal fit.
    • Do not put your cap in the dryer. The hot air will continue to shrink your hat and may damage more delicate materials. Sturdier materials like polyester may be okay in the dryer, but in general, it’s best to allow your caps to air dry.
    • If you do want to risk using the dryer, check on your cap every few minutes to make sure it doesn’t shrink too much.
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Section 4 of 8:

Shrinking Your Cap with a Hair Dryer

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  1. 1
    Dampen your hat. Wet your hat by spraying it with water from a spray bottle or by dabbing it with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to any areas that feel particularly loose. You want your hat to be wet, but not soaked through. [10]
    • This method works best for cotton caps, though it may work for some polyester or wool hats, too. Some polyester is very hard to shrink, so this method may not be strong enough for all polyester hats.
    • Always wet your hat before using this shrinking method. Otherwise, you risk burning your hat.
  2. 2
    Blow dry the hat on medium heat. Turn your hair dryer on medium and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your baseball hat. Move the dryer around constantly and don’t focus on one spot for too long so you don’t accidentally burn your cap. Keep drying until the hat is only slightly damp. [11]
    • If your hat is made of polyester, it may be okay to use a high heat setting. Just be careful not to burn the material.
    • Be very careful if your hat is made of wool, as it shrinks easily.
    • Take breaks if the hat becomes too hot to touch.
  3. 3
    Wear the hat to shape it. Put on the baseball hat while it’s still warm and damp. This way, it will maintain its shape and conform to your head as it dries. [12] Take it off once it’s completely dry. If it still feels too loose, repeat the process.
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Section 5 of 8:

Shrinking Your Cap with Steam

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  1. Steam delicate materials for gradual shrinkage. Boil some water in a pot or kettle, or set up a fabric steamer . Using tongs, hold your fitted baseball hat about 6 inches (15 cm) above the steam source. Slowly rotate the hat so that all areas are exposed to the steam for 30 seconds each. Remove the hat from the heat and shape it as needed. If it didn’t shrink enough, repeat the process. [13]
    • This method works best for wool, felt, cotton, and hats with decorative embellishments. It’s less aggressive than other methods, and the gradual shrinking allows for better control.
    • If your hat is too hot to wear, place it on top of a round item (like an upside-down bowl or a ball) to help maintain its shape.
Section 6 of 8:

Temporary Ways to Shrink Your Baseball Hat

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  1. 1
    Apply size reducer tape to the inside of your hat. Hat size reducer tape is a thin, adhesive strip that attaches to the inside of your hat to make it fit more securely. To use size reducer tape, clean the inside of your hat and cut the tape to fit your hat’s sweatband. Peel off the tape’s backing and stick it to the sweatband, pressing firmly to secure it. [14]
    • Size reducer tape works best for minor adjustments on cotton or wool hats. It’s particularly useful for fitted baseball hats that have stretched out slightly.
    • This method may not work as well for synthetic or polyester caps. These materials are more porous, and the tape may not stick as well.
  2. 2
    Insert a hat fitter. Hat fitters consist of a flexible band with an adjustment mechanism, which you can use to make your hat fit more snugly. Choose a size that fits your hat and open the hat fitter to its full length. Insert the fitter into the hat’s sweatband, then adjust the mechanism until you achieve the proper fit. Trim off any excess material. [15]
    • If you don’t want to buy anything to make your hat fit better, another option is to fold some paper towels and stick them in the hat’s liner. This will make the hat slightly smaller on the inside.
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Section 7 of 8:

How to Find Your Hat Size

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  1. Measure your head to choose a hat that fits properly. If you have trouble finding a hat that fits, it may be time to determine your hat size . Simply wrap a soft tape measure around your head where your hat would sit—just above your ears and eyebrows. Make sure the tape measure feels snug, but not too tight. Write down the number in inches, and use that number when you’re shopping for hats so you can choose the perfect size. [16]
    • Note that different hat brands may have slight variations in sizing. If your measurements fall between sizes, it’s usually better to choose the larger size and shrink it down if necessary.
Section 8 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    How do I know which shrinking method to try? Before you shrink your hat, take a look at its care label to determine what material it’s made of. Different materials require different care, so use this information to decide which shrinking method you want to try. For example, wool is very delicate, so it’s best to use steam to avoid distorting its shape. Polyester, on the other hand, is much more durable and can withstand hot water. [17]
  2. 2
    How do I maintain my hat’s shape after shrinking? The easiest way to maintain your hat’s shape is to wear it a lot. [18] The heat and moisture from sweating will help it conform to the shape of your head. When you wash your cap, gently reshape it with your hands to avoid distorting the brim, crown, or other features. Store the hat on a hat rack or in a box so it doesn’t get damaged.
  3. 3
    Why is my fitted hat too big? There are several reasons your fitted hat may not fit the way it should. Different brands use different sizing methods, so a size that fits in one brand may not fit in another. This is why it’s important to measure your head so you know which size to get. If your hat gets looser over time, the material may have stretched or the elastic in the sweatband may have worn out. Your hat may also fit differently if you changed your hairstyle.
  4. 4
    How can I avoid over-shrinking my hat? To avoid shrinking your hat too much, start with a mild shrinking method and gradually increase the intensity as needed. Periodically check on your hat throughout the process, and fully dry the hat before deciding if you should continue to shrink it. In general, avoid overly high heat, as this may cause excessive or uneven shrinkage.
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  • Question
    Could any of the methods cause damage to the hat?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Any of these methods could potentially damage your hat.
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      Tips

      • Be aware that synthetic materials like polyester may not shrink as effectively as natural fibers.
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      • Make gradual adjustments to your hat’s size and shape rather than drastically shrinking it all at once. It’s easier to shrink the material than it is to stretch it.
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      Warnings

      • Be careful not to burn yourself when heating the water to soak your hat. It's not necessary to boil the water.
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      • Don't wear a wet hat out when it's cold or raining. The wetness of the hat will make the cold weather even more uncomfortable, while any extra moisture the hat receives will prevent it from drying properly.
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      • After your hat shrinks to the right size, avoid exposing it to high heat or hot water, as this may cause it to shrink too much.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/s-fHLP2Gx2g?t=91
      2. ↑ https://blog.tenthstreethats.com/posts/how-to-shrink-a-wool-hat
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/s-fHLP2Gx2g?t=125
      4. ↑ https://blog.tenthstreethats.com/posts/how-to-shrink-a-wool-hat
      5. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/08/20/how-to-break-in-a-fitted-baseball-hat/
      6. ↑ https://blog.tenthstreethats.com/posts/how-to-shrink-a-wool-hat
      7. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-break-in-a-fitted-baseball-hat/
      8. ↑ https://blog.tenthstreethats.com/posts/how-to-shrink-a-wool-hat
      9. ↑ https://www.blankstyle.com/blog/2024/06/how-to-shrink-a-fitted-hat/?srsltid=AfmBOop0Jxw6RO63sSq9F7dWp8Yi1cf1_s1ickxXcVQc-ezNNrsODmM1
      1. ↑ https://freshhalo.com/blogs/articles/how-to-shrink-a-hat?srsltid=AfmBOoo_5a5j37gcEsukKGPOg9zFNtiJIWaeCcBFr0fu9J3UCEWIH8ID
      2. ↑ https://freshhalo.com/blogs/articles/how-to-shrink-a-hat?srsltid=AfmBOoo_5a5j37gcEsukKGPOg9zFNtiJIWaeCcBFr0fu9J3UCEWIH8ID
      3. ↑ https://www.blankstyle.com/blog/2024/06/how-to-shrink-a-fitted-hat/?srsltid=AfmBOop0Jxw6RO63sSq9F7dWp8Yi1cf1_s1ickxXcVQc-ezNNrsODmM1
      4. ↑ https://greennettletextiles.com/shrink-hat/
      5. ↑ https://fashionablehats.com/blogs/news/how-to-shrink-a-fitted-hat?srsltid=AfmBOopAe4LrxnIfHeopNzFiqgh8Q3IozdP4isKJCg5c2WaXTGFCjn_v
      6. ↑ https://fashionablehats.com/blogs/news/how-to-shrink-a-fitted-hat?srsltid=AfmBOopAe4LrxnIfHeopNzFiqgh8Q3IozdP4isKJCg5c2WaXTGFCjn_v
      7. ↑ https://studentaffairs.baruch.cuny.edu/studentlife/commencement/hat-conversion-chart/
      8. ↑ https://hatheaven.com/blogs/news/how-to-shrink-your-snapback-cap-in-4-steps?srsltid=AfmBOooPMgA07EM0A90ohKAuke9DcTd9PEoRgbJuhaGnKeH_Kj2BIcaX
      9. ↑ https://www.blankstyle.com/blog/2024/06/how-to-shrink-a-fitted-hat/?srsltid=AfmBOop0Jxw6RO63sSq9F7dWp8Yi1cf1_s1ickxXcVQc-ezNNrsODmM1

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To shrink a fitted, cotton baseball hat, start by heating a large pot of water on the stovetop until it's steaming but not boiling. Then, submerge your hat in the water and let it soak for several minutes, which should be enough time for the fibers in the hat to shrink. Finally, after a few minutes, take the hat out of the water, let it cool down, and wear it until it dries so it conforms to the shape of your head. To learn how to shrink a polyester baseball hat in the washing machine, scroll down!

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