Tangerine Boutique - Vintage Clothing and Accessories
Below are tips on wearing hats and how to
stretch a hat
HOW to wear a hat?
LOVE hats but not Sure YOU can wear them?
For a number of years I was a Dressmaker
and Milliner and I often heard women say
just that. My response was, if you love hats
and WANT to wear them you absolutely should!
Here is a tip to start
We Suggest that the next time you go to your favorite hairstylist you take a hat or even print a picture
of what you like and bring it with you. Good
Hairstylists are very creative and can help
you look beautiful in the hat of your choice.
Ask them what they think. They can help you
with the best hair arrangement to wear with
your hat, how to place the hat on the head
and how to keep it there.
Anyone can wear hats its just a matter of
knowing how!
Another suggestion is to be creative with
the angle in which you place the hat on your
head. Women often think they must wear the
hat in the center of the head, on top and
with the label in back. Who says?! Its your
hat and your style, be creative! In the 1940s
women often wore their hats at a rakish angle
down over one eye. This would transform a
shy perhaps dowdy hat into a one which lent
an air of mystery and allure. The only "right"
way to wear a hat is the most attractive
way. Try wearing them backwards or at an
extreme angle. Play with the brim if it is
flexible. Add pins or ribbons, Have Fun!
STRETCHING your hat
A lot of vintage hats are small and need
stretching. If you are fortunate to have
a Milliner near you then they can do it but
most have either retired or gone on to other
professions. Some hats can be stretched a
little by YOU at HOME! If it is a felt, straw,
or cloth hat and only needs a little room
for comfort (in other words you can get it
on but it feels tight) then hold the hat
over a steaming kettle of water for a minute
so the steam is hitting the inside band.
Keep turning the whole time. Be careful not to let any part of the hat come near
the stove burners and be careful of your fingers! This will
soften the rayon head band and the material
of the hat a little. Shake out the steam
then put the hat on your head and wear it
for around an hour or two (go wash dishes,
put a movie in or just take a break and read)
The hat will mold to your size and stay that
way , especially if it is worn periodically.
Use common sense if you do this. If there
is metal, plastic or glass decoration on
the hat make sure the steam does not touch
it directly it could be ruined OR you could
get burned. If the hat is a deep color especially
red, the dye could run so put a paper towel on the forehead.
When you put the hat on smooth the brim and
crown so it keeps it's shape.
And once again Never let the hat come close to the heat source.
This an adult project, so if you are a young
person please don't attempt without an adult
present to help.
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