What a hat size reducer is
A hat size reducer, also called sizing tape or a hat sizer, is a strip of foam or felt that sits behind the sweatband. It fills the gap between your head and the hat, so the hat fits more snugly without changing how it looks.
How much smaller it makes a hat
- A thin foam strip across the front: about half a size.
- Tape all the way round: up to one full size.
- More than one size too big: the hat is the wrong size. Exchange it if you can.
How to fit a reducer in a cowboy hat
- Fold the leather sweatband up and out of the crown.
- Peel the backing off the foam tape.
- Stick it to the inside of the hat, behind the sweatband, starting at the front where the hat feels loosest.
- Fold the sweatband back down and try the hat on. Add more tape at the sides or back if needed.
Other ways to make a hat smaller
- Caps: tighten the strap or snap, or add a foam strip behind the band.
- Knit hats: a hot wash can shrink wool, but the result is hard to control.
- Felt hats: a hatter can fit a new, thicker sweatband.