The London Lounge

My panama got a bit wet toward the end of last Summer.

Now, getting it out from storage in anticipation of the warm months to come, I find that it seems to have shrunk a bit and no longer sits properly on my head, close down to my ears where I like but rather now sits quite a bit higher.

Does straw shrink from minor exposure to water? Is there a solution?

It's a pretty good panama and it would be a pity to retire.

I'm feeling a bit traumatized and leery of investing in another straw hat.....

Many hats shrink with time, especially when stored in warm conditions or when they've been wetted, as in your case. This is normal--hats are blocked with heat and moisture in the first place.

Hat stretchers or retainers used to be common. Here's a beautiful one made in Oz and modeled after antique models:

http://www.torbandreiner.com/hat_suppli ... etcher.htm

And here's a source for the economical Hat Jack, available from many places only (shop around--I listed this source because it has more discussion than some):

http://www.villagehatshop.com/jack_stretcher.html

The principle is to snug the stretcher up until the leather sweat band is taut (may squeak). Then leave it for a few hours and tighten the turnbuckle a quarter turn. Proceed this way until size is restored (you might want to overshoot by a quarter turn to allow for some rebound). A little steam from a kettle aimed at the point where the brim joins the crown will ease starting, but go very easy and don't hold the brim above the steam or it will droop. If in doubt, try it dry first.

if the hat will be stored for a long period, storing with the jack just snugged up (but not stretching) will retain the size and prevent shrinkage.

-couch

Sorry, that should read "available from many places online."