How to Fix a Warped Felt Hat

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

If your cloche is crushed or fedora flattened, there's a few home remedies to try before retiring your felt hat. The process, which involves steaming or stuffing the hat, an be approached several ways to accommodate the extent of damage and the coarseness of the fabric. However, repairs to felt hats should never involve an iron, which can singe the material.

Stuffing

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Gently pop out any dents.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Stuff the entire hat with tissue paper.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Check the progress after a day, though it could take several days depending on the hat's style and the coarseness of the fabric. Remove the paper when the hat regains its shape.

Steaming

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Set a full tea kettle over a gas or electric range. Maintain the steam so it escapes the spout steadily but not forcefully.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Position the warped area over the steam for up to 30 seconds or until the fabric is evenly saturated.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Reshape the area with your fingers without overworking the fabric. Allow it to cool and stiffen.

Wetting

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Submerge your hat in clean lukewarm water.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Shake off or wring out the excess water.

...
Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

Let the hat dry on your head until it regains its shape. Use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles.