Give its shape back to a WWII Officer visor cap

[Alex Boban]

Good evening everyone,

 

I have a couple WWII officer dress caps that have lost their original shape after being put away for 70+ years in a footlocker. While it may be good to have this "crushed" look for an AAF crusher cap, it is not so good for a classic officer visor cap.

 

Does anyone have a hint on how to give the shape back to a cap?

 

I researched a solution on google and found something called a hat stretcher, which is basically a wooden insert that can adjust to the cap size. I wonder if there is any other solution out there?

 

Alex

[tarheeltim]

Go to Wal-Mart or an auto parts store and buy a car wash sponge that looks sort of like an hourglass or figure "8". Compress the sponge and place it inside the hat. It will expand and change the shape. I had a Luftwaffe visor with the same issue, and this worked great.

[Alex Boban]

Thanks for the great idea Tarheeltim.

[BROBS]

What he said or use unbleached muslin to reshape then just wait wait wait.

 

May be able to steam but that could possibly oxidize buttons/insignia... though it would probably be ok.

 

-Brian

[BROBS]

I wouldn't use anything that mid-shapes or puts pressure on the wool. I would worry that a thick sponge could damage the fabric.

 

-Brian

[BROBS]

Mis-shapes

 

Dang autocorrect. And it won't let me edit posts on iPhone.