Just ordered a Balmoral

[Bruce Scott]

Yes Tobus, I did a search online and Jock's post showed up, so I generally followed his instructions. I just soaked the hat in a washing machine though instead of a creek. There was no way I could stand to wear a wet hat until it dried however, so I just carefully took it off and put the hat stretcher inside to keep it from shrinking. If it doesn't work out right I'll try the process again, but will try to get more water out of the hat, then maybe I can wear it until it's dry.

There is no need to wear the thing sopping wet nor to keep it on your head for an extended period. I wore berets for 25 years in the Army and would frequently shape and set them using hot water with the addition of some liquid laundry detergent. The detergent ensures that that the fabric is fully wet and that the water runs right through the crown. Once really wet, squeeze out the excess water and throw the beret / bonnet into the washer and spin dry on the spin cycle for a couple of minutes. At this point it will remain damp and can be shaped on the head. Once you're happy with the look take it off your head carefully so as to retain the shape and, keeping it in shape, sit it somewhere to air dry.

That's the method I used with this TOS: