How to Restore the Shape of a Floppy Hat

By: Mercedes Valladares

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Though wearing oversized hats are generally attention-grabbing fashion statements, a floppy hat will get you noticed as soon as you enter the room. This wide brimmed, relaxed, crown-fitting hat style is an invaluable summer accessory keeping you stylish while shielding you from the harsh sun. Often hand-woven and made of eco-friendly raffia, the easy care floppy style can be rolled up for packing. Though this accessory appears to have an unstructured pattern and make, the shape around the crown and brim are often lost over time. Reshape this style with a few care tips and restore your floppy hat to its original glory.

Step 1

Fill a spray bottle with water and spray a small amount of water on the outer shell of the hat to dampen. Do not get the hat soaking wet.

Step 2

Pour water in your steam iron according to your brand's instructions and set to a low or medium heat setting.

Step 3

Glide the tip of the iron lightly in a back-and-forth motion inside of the hat on your ironing board. Glide the tip lightly over the inside of the brim in the same motion pattern as the hat slowly begins to reshape.

Step 4

Press the steam button and pass in a back-and-forth motion, holding the iron approximately 5 to 6 inches away from the fabric surface. This step removes any notable creases from rolling or packing the hat. Alternate between steaming and ironing until the surface is smooth.

Step 5

Place the floppy hat on a display head to air dry as it reshapes. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid any discoloration to the raffia. If you do not have a display hat, roll a soft terry towel and insert it into the crown.