Free AUS & NZ Shipping Above $150AUD

40% of Profits Donated

Every Hat Sold, Plants A Tree

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Check out these collections.

Hat Resize Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Perfect Your Fit

Hat Resize Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Perfect Your Fit

 

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.


Closeup of the internal of a hat fitted with an adjustable sweatband

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.

  1. Find the internal adjuster and gently tighten or loosen.
  2. Re-check the fit at the front and sides.
  3. 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.

Cutting hat fillers in half next to brown Will & Bear hat
  1. Cut a strip to length (start with a small piece).
  2. Tuck it under the sweatband at the back.
  3. 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.

Loosening a stiff felt hat with safe, indirect steam from a distance

  1. Create light, indirect steam (e.g., a kettle at a safe distance).
  2. Hold the hat 30–40 cm away; pass through steam briefly—do not soak.
  3. Gently flex the brim and lightly pinch the crown to relax stiffness.
  4. 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

Lifestyle lineup of Will & Bear hats—felt, bucket, and beanie—ready for the road

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.

Explore all Hat Guides

Previous post
Next post

Recent Posts

The Must-Have Summer Hat - Sunny Packable Hat

The Must-Have Summer Hat - Sunny Packable Hat

Finding the perfect summer hat can be tricky. It needs to be stylish, comfortable, and easy to travel with. Traditional hats are often bulky, hard to pack, and lose their...

Read more
One The Road | This Summer’s Must Have Womens Crochet Bucket Hat

One The Road | This Summer’s Must Have Womens Crochet Bucket Hat

Meet Chelsea, our handmade 100 percent wool crochet bucket hat designed for long hot days and easy summer nights. We road tested her across South Australia, from red earth to...

Read more
Sun Smart and Packable Kids Bucket Hat for Summer Adventures

Sun Smart and Packable Kids Bucket Hat for Summer Adventures

Spring is here, bringing longer days and plenty of outdoor adventures. From beach trips to playground picnics, keeping little ones protected from the sun can be a challenge, especially when...

Read more
Womens Cowboy Hats Spring Wardrobe Essentials Guide

Womens Cowboy Hats Spring Wardrobe Essentials Guide

A women's cowboy hat is the easiest way to finish spring outfits. Think clean lines, sun smart styling, and instant confidence with dresses or denim. Meet the photographer Captured with...

Read more