Quick answer

To break in a 59FIFTY, wear it for short indoor sessions first, then shape the brim with your hands and let the crown soften naturally. Clean it with a soft brush and cool water only when needed. Never soak the whole cap or use hot water, which can shrink the polyester and distort the fit.

Why a 59FIFTY Feels Tight at First

A new 59FIFTY is built with a structured buckram front panel and a flat brim. That structure is what gives the cap its crisp look, but it also means the cap will not stretch much. The sweatband and crown will soften slightly with wear, but the main adjustment is how you shape the brim and how you choose your size. If the cap presses hard against your temples or leaves a red mark within minutes, it is too small. A proper fit should feel snug and secure, not painful. The Great Lakes Loons New Era Official Dodger Blue GL 59FIFTY Cap comes in sizes 6-7/8 to 8 and is made of 100% polyester, so it will not shrink or stretch like cotton. Getting the size right from the start is the most important step.

How to Shape the Brim Without Cracking It

The flat brim of a 59FIFTY can be curved to your preference. The safest method is to use your hands: place your thumbs under the brim and your fingers on top, then gently bend the brim into a slight curve. Work slowly and evenly from the center outward. Avoid bending the brim back and forth repeatedly, which can crack the plastic insert inside. If you want a sharper curve, you can use a clean, round object like a coffee mug or a can, but do not force it. A little curve is usually enough. Remember that the brim is part of the cap's structure, so once you bend it, it will stay that way. Take your time to get the shape you want.

Cleaning a 59FIFTY Without Ruining the Shape

Spot clean your cap with a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth dipped in cool water and a drop of mild soap. Gently scrub the sweatband and any visible stains, then wipe away the soap with a damp cloth. Do not submerge the cap in water, and never put it in a washing machine or dryer. The structured front panel and brim can lose their shape, and the polyester fabric may wrinkle or shrink. For the Great Lakes Loons New Era Alternate Green 9TWENTY Adjustable Cap - Child, the same rules apply, but be extra gentle because children's caps may have softer materials. Let the cap air dry at room temperature, stuffing the crown with a clean towel to help it keep its shape. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can fade the colors.

Storing Your Cap to Keep It Game-Ready

When you are not wearing your cap, store it on a flat surface or on a cap rack. Do not hang it by the back strap or leave it in a hot car, which can warp the brim and loosen the sweatband. If you stack caps, place them gently so the brims do not bend. For the Los Angeles Dodgers New Era City Connect Short Sleeve Tee, which is a T-shirt, store it folded or hung to avoid wrinkles. Keep your cap away from direct sunlight for long periods to prevent the dodger blue from fading. A little care in storage goes a long way toward keeping your cap looking new.

Step-by-step: break in and care for your 59FIFTY

  1. Check the fit before you commit: Put the cap on and press down gently. It should feel snug around your head but not leave deep marks. If it is too tight, exchange it for a larger size before you try to stretch it. A 59FIFTY will not stretch much, so a wrong size will never feel right. If you feel pressure on your temples, size up.
  2. Wear it indoors for short periods: Wear the cap around the house for 15–20 minutes at a time. This helps the sweatband and crown soften without exposing it to sweat and dirt. Repeat a few times over several days. Stop if you feel pain; never force a tight cap.
  3. Shape the brim with your hands: Hold the brim with both hands and gently bend it into a slight curve. Work from the center outward. Do not use heat or water to shape it, and avoid bending it back and forth. A gentle curve is enough; overbending can crack the brim.
  4. Spot clean as soon as you see dirt: Use a soft brush or cloth with cool water and a drop of mild soap. Scrub the sweatband and stained areas gently. Wipe with a clean damp cloth and let it air dry. Never soak the cap or put it in the washing machine.
  5. Store it properly after each wear: Place the cap on a flat surface or a cap rack. Avoid hanging it by the strap or leaving it in a hot car. If it gets wet, stuff the crown with a towel to hold its shape while drying. Proper storage prevents warping and keeps the brim flat.

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