Q&A for How to Fix a Squashed Straw Hat

Spray it with heavy starch and leave it to sit in a bowl or something of similar shape.

Yes, steaming felt hats also will help them regain their natural shape.

Try steaming the hat first. That will introduce just enough moisture to make it pliable without making it too wet. However, if that doesn't work, getting the straw wetter can help you reshape it. Just make sure to dry it in the shape you want, and don't let it stay wet too long.

Yes! If the fibers aren't broken, you can often work miracles through several steaming sessions. If the hat is badly misshapen, it may be best to steam the crown and push it into a rounded shape, then re-work dents and pinches. Note that the brim can be either stretched or compressed (a small section at a time) to regain the desired curve/flip. Try steaming it using a teakettle that has a well-directed flow.