You’ve got your new hat—nice one. If it feels a touch snug or a little loose, don’t stress. Hat fit can change with wear and weather. Some structured styles like Andy can feel firm straight out of the box, while softer styles like William may feel a bit looser to begin with. Both are normal—and the three methods below will help you with a simple hat resize at home.
1) Use the adjustable sweatband (fastest fix)
Many Will & Bear styles include an adjustable inner sweatband. Tighten or loosen it in small increments, then wear your hat for a few minutes to check comfort. This is a great first step for a quick cowboy hat resize without changing the crown shape.
- Find the internal adjuster and gently tighten or loosen.
- Re-check the fit at the front and sides.
- Repeat in small steps to avoid over-tightening.
👉 Full walkthrough: How to use your adjustable sweatband
2) Add hat fillers (best for “a bit too big”)
If your hat is slightly loose, hat fillers (foam sizing strips) are the easiest way to fine-tune. They sit under the sweatband and are invisible while worn. Perfect for softer crowns like William, which can feel relaxed on first wear.
- Cut a strip to length (start with a small piece).
- Tuck it under the sweatband at the back.
- Try on; add more around the sides if needed.
👉 Step-by-step guide: How to use hat fillers to make your hat smaller
3) Loosen a stiff felt hat (gentle shape + wear-in)
New felt can feel firm at first—especially structured styles like Andy. A little warmth and gentle handling helps it soften to your head over the first few wears—an easy, safe approach to a felt hat resize.
- Create light, indirect steam (e.g., a kettle at a safe distance).
- Hold the hat 30–40 cm away; pass through steam briefly—do not soak.
- Gently flex the brim and lightly pinch the crown to relax stiffness.
- Let it cool on your head for a personalised set.
👉 Felt-safe method: How to loosen a stiff felt hat
Cautions: Avoid high heat. Don’t steam straw. Always test briefly first.
Can’t wait to see you out there
Whether you need a quick hat resize with fillers, a subtle sweatband tweak, or a gentle felt softening, you’ve got options. Tag us in your adventures—we love seeing these hats out in the wild.
