Ahahahahaha. I occasionally cave. Generally for things I didn't know I needed. :)
I gotta admit, I've never had a hat stretched. I've got a good friend that owns a pair of boot stretchers that I've used a couple of times. He's a smooth size 15 (14 UK, 31.3cm 49.5 Euro) and has a problem getting big enough shoes.
I believe you'll like the Yellowstone series. One more week til it's finished here. I started watching because a brother just insisted I needed it. I have managed to keep from buying any 'branded' merchandise :) I didn't think I liked the first season because everybody was an ass crack. 7 years (6 seasons) and here I am recommending it. That might be marketing at it's very best.
Oh yeah, there's those things...the ones we didn't know we needed. Lol
The leather band inside the hat can shrink over time, I've had this hat for twenty years, so it was just half a size too tight...now it's bloody perfect again. I've heard of boot stretchers also and heard they work well. I think R.M. Williams do one, that's the brand of boots I wear.
I'll be watch the show for sure, I've heard it's really good. I've seen 1883 and 1923 which is where the Dutton story begins and am looking forward to Yellowstone.