Club Obi Wan

Hey all! I got my first Federation a few months back and was glad to finally get it out and about last night. However, when I got in my car I took it off and laid it on the back seat just seconds before my wife chose that EXACT spot to SIT She crushed my pride and joy flat!!!! then when I anxiously brought it to her attention she casually picked it up and tossed it aside like it was...well, a smashed hat. I did "pop" it back into shape and it seems okay. Though I did end up with a small 3 inch oblong "dimple" that runs along the side near the top of the ribbon that refuses to go away. So, my question is this...Did this event damage it in some irreparable way? Thoughts?

Ha.
I did that and much more to both my penman ABL and my AB beaver.
Looks better. You shall be fine.

No the hats not damaged in any way. One of my first hats was an akubra federation and I literally pummeled it into the dirt to get that worn in and seasoned feel. It really didn't do anything to the hat except give it character. They're pretty tough.


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If the "dimple" bothers you try steaming it out.

This is what is called "getting lived in" for a hat!

The short answer is no, crushing or working the felt doesn't hurt it. The only thing causing the dimple is the stiffener.

But for the wire in the sweatband you could ball the thing up like a piece of paper and not hurt it. (I roll my Penmans to pack them all the time)

It will probably come out on its own with a little wear. If it really bothers you and you can't wait a little steam or light spray with clear water will moisten it enough to get it out.

I deeply appreciate your input. I know I shouldn't be worrisome over the hat but that's just my nature. I have been wearing my hat daily and it's as you've all said; just fine.

soulman wrote:I deeply appreciate your input. I know I shouldn't be worrisome over the hat but that's just my nature. I have been wearing my hat daily and it's as you've all said; just fine.

My Akubra has been through the Temple of Doom and back... It's been sat on and I think I've fallen on it once or twice. I've had this baby for almost 10 years. It's been dirty, rained on etc and all I've had to do is dust it off and put it back on. Never once been brushed, repounced, etc.

For a factory made hat, Akubra is a pretty tough Indy hat. I wouldn't worry too much.

Yes, use a little damped cotton cloth in a hot iron and use the steam to bring that lid back to life!
Regards,

I only wear my Akubra hats in the colder and wet conditions. They can take a beating. I wear them in snow and heavy rain. Put them up when the weather gets warmer as they make my head sweat even in the low 60s.

I've crumbled up, sat on, and beta the @#$% out of ever hat I've owned as soon as I've taken them out of the box. The first reason is so I'm not worried about it being worn, the second is to test the hat. Granted I've only had 4, 2 being Feds, it's never hurst a single one. Listen to the guys about getting the crease out. Steam, iron, whatever. Just know the hats are meant to be worn. At one point or another your going to sit on the hat or smash it again.

Enjoy the lid... And post some pics