Before the renovation/restoration begins, the process is explained to the hat owner. Some people want their hat to look exactly as it did when it was brand new. However, since the renovation process completely opens the crown and flattens the brim, it is like starting with a new hat body. Because this is the case, some people decide to “update” their hat with a more current crease and/or shape. The only limitation in this area is the physical characteristics of the hat. For example, if a customer brings a hat to Shorty’s Hattery for renovation with a four inch crown the hat could not be made into a “Buckaroo” style hat which takes a six inch crown.

For sentimental reasons, some people want the original lining and sweatband put back in their renovated hats. If the customer does not specify this, Shorty’s Custom Hattery automatically replaces them with a new liner and sweatband. So make sure you let us know if you want to keep the old liner and sweatband.

This is the type of hat that we start with in the renovation process...

First...

The hat’s crown is opened and the crown and brim are measured and documented on the renovation form.

Second...

The lining and hatband are removed to prepare the hat for a chemical bath which cleanses the hat and restores its original stiffness.

Third...

The first “real” step of the actual renovation process is to submerge the hat in a chemical bath just until it is saturated.

Fourth...

The renovator takes a soft brush to remove any excess spots.

Fifth...

The hat is put in a spin dryer made especially for the hat renovation process.

Sixth...

After the chemical bath, the hat is hung to dry for 24 hours. Once dry, the crown is steamed.

Seventh...

A wood block is then inserted in the crown in the same manner as a new hat.

Eighth...

Next we take a wood wedge and set the ninety degee angle where the crown meets the brim. This is one of the "trademarks" of a high quality custom hat.

Ninth...

Then we smooth the crown and sand any spots that didnt come out in the chemical bath. The brim is sanded to remove any remaining spots on the brim and then ironed in order to reset the stiffness in the brim.

Tenth...

Finally the hatband and lining are sewn back into the hat.

The hat is now ready for the shaping process. Click here to learn more about the Custom Hat Making process.

This is what the hat looks like after it gets a custom shape fom shorty!