Size matters.

[Jeremiah]

So, I looked but did not find, so thought I would pop the question.

My AB Fedora is indeed fitting better........sometimes.
So, I know our heads tend to be a bit larger in the AM after waking, but with this knowledge, the Hat seems to fit differently throughout the day. Sometimes with or without felt spacers. Guessing humidity and sweat can swell the sweat band a bit or the lack there off shrink it. Is this normal Fedora with a leather sweatband? Its my first so of course this is all new to me.

Could it be as the humitiy rises the felt absorbs a bit more moisture and becomes a bit more pliable and when its drier it is stiffer and therefore less pliable and feels tighter in fit?

Just wondering. Thanks.

[BendingOak]

most of the time leather sweatbands shrink not expand but doesn't mean I haven't seem it happen. Most likely the felt isn't changing from morning to evening, it's the sweatband.

[APL]

From my knowledge and experience, it's the sweat that really affects the fit and not the felt. As time goes on (and this might not hold true to the sweats that Steve used in the AB hat you have) the sweat shrinks a little but our sweat and oils in our skin help it remain pliable. It may loosen up with the warmth of wearing it but after you take it off it'll slowly shrink back down a tad. If you find that it's a little loose, over time it'll tend to conform better. I've had hats that have taken 6 months or so to take on the perfect fit, but if they weren't loose enough to need a sizing pad at first, they would need stretched to fit right now. I've also had a hat that was so big at first that I left it in the car on a hot and sunny day and amazingly it fit perfect from that day on. I wouldn't recommend doing that with a more expensive hat, but I think that was a Fed IV standard, which run a tad bigger than their size states anyway.

Again, just my take. And I'm not a hatter, just saw that John posted as I was clicking submit. He has the experience and knowledge to give you the best info. Hope things work out!

[Jeremiah]

Yeah, good info and thanks John.

I am definitely glad it is looser than tighter though. I tend to wear the thing all day so I guess I notice it more.


So weird. About 3 hours ago I was outside and it was loose enough to keep sliding down on my ears. When I came inside placed it on my makeshift paper towel roll hat stand (till I can order one from John). Just put it on and it fits snug again like I want it to. Oh well, guess there is a mystery to it. Perhaps like the One Ring, it is trying to trick me and find its way back to its maker.

[Ridgerunner58]

The fit on mine tend to change throughout the day. I think part of it is people change size throughout the day as evidenced by watches and rings getting tighter and looser.

[Jeremiah]

Yeah, that is true. I am a climber so I have not wore an actual wedding ring for at least 10 years. I have a tattoo for a wedding band on my finger.