The Hat Jack Hat Stretcher by Killer Incorporated is made in the USA out of wood and metal, and is exactly what I needed to expand some fitted New Era 59FIFTY caps back to wearable size.

“Headache Relief For Hat People”

The Jack comes in three sizes, and will set you back around 15 bucks. I used it to stretch, but like shoe-trees for kicks, it is an excellent device to leave inserted while storing hats between wears to absorb moisture and prevent shrinkage.

Get the appropriate size, stick it in your tight hat and hand-crank until it feels like it may rip.  Get a teapot or pan with water boiling in the kitchen until some visible steam is produced 

With this wool baseball cap, I held each side over the steam a little bit then used a wrench to carefully expand until I sensed the threads might pop. I let it sit overnight, and cranked it a little more in the morning.

No more torture on thy forehead; I knew there had to be a tight-hat solution and a Hat Jack was the answer. Whether you rock Stetsons, Yankee-fitteds, straw hats or mack-daddy felts, the Hat Jack is an excellent piece of hardware at a great price.

Popdiatry occasionally writes about non-shoe gear in this feature called “Off The Path”.