Just got a Fed standard - sizing/foam question

[JJT]

I am saving up (quickly) for an AB, but in the meantime got a Fed from Hatsdirect and it came within one week. Like another post here, even though I have a size 58 Squatter that fits perfectly (and always has) as well as other Akubras such as the Cattleman and a specially blocked Campdraft in brown called the R.M. from R.M. Williams, this size 58 Fed was really too big on me! So I put the foam in and it is distorting the band inside the hat. Not having done that before, I wanted to find out if that is typical and will it damage the band when I end up taking the foam out later when it (hopefully) shrinks? I will try to get pics up shorltly. Thanks!

[fatwoul]

I'd be interested to hear replies to this too, as the Fed Dlx I just ordered from them is also a 58. I really hope it isn't too massive when it gets here.

[VP]

Yeah the distortion is normal, this is what mine looked back in 2004, a few days old:

[cooncatbob]

My Fed size 58 was too big also even though I'm a perfect 58. I didn't like the way the foam distorted the sweat band either. I used folded up strips of paper towel, since my hat was only loose on the sides thats where I put the strips. Fits perfect now and the sweatband sits flat.
Bob.

[JJT]

VP, thanks for the pic. That's exactly what mine looks like now. ) Did your hat shrink up after awhile?

[VP]

Yeah, now I just stuff some tissue paper under the front of the sweatband to give the brim a nice swoop.

[Chewbacca Jones]

I'd like to also confirm that the band distortion is perfectly normal with any hat when you stuff the sweatband. In the end, even without doing that, the band might develop some waves just from conforming to your head. Nothing to fear. It might feel strange on your head, too, but that will go away over time.