Getting the right hat size isn't just about comfort — it affects how you look, how the hat performs, and how long it lasts.

This guide covers everything you need to know about hat sizing, from measuring techniques to solving common fit problems.

Why Hat Size Matters

A properly fitted hat:

• Stays in place without adjusting
• Doesn't cause headaches or pressure points
• Looks proportional to your head and face
• Provides proper warmth coverage (for winter hats)
• Lasts longer because it's not being stretched or forced

A poorly fitted hat ruins the experience. Too tight causes discomfort. Too loose looks sloppy and won't stay on.

How to Measure Your Head for a Hat (The Right Way)

Most people measure incorrectly. Here's the proper technique.

What you need:

• Flexible measuring tape (the fabric kind used for sewing)
• Mirror (to check positioning)
• Someone to help (optional but helpful)

If you don't have a measuring tape: Use a piece of string, mark where it overlaps, then measure the string against a ruler.

Step-by-step:

1. Find the right position
The tape should sit where the hat will rest — about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows in front, and across the widest part of the back of your head, just above the ears.

Not higher. Not lower. This exact position.

2. Wrap the tape snugly
The tape should be firm against your head without leaving a mark. Imagine you're wearing a comfortable headband — that's the pressure level.

Too loose and you'll measure smaller than reality. Too tight and you'll measure bigger.

3. Check in a mirror
Make sure the tape is level all the way around. It shouldn't tilt up in back or slide down in front.

4. Read at eye level
Look straight at the measurement, not down at it. Reading at an angle gives you the wrong number.

5. Measure twice
Take it off, start over, measure again. The two numbers should match within 0.5 cm. If they don't, do it a third time.

6. Write it down
Your head circumference in centimeters. This is your hat size starting point.

Common measuring mistakes:

• Measuring over thick hair (measure with hair flat or how you'll wear it)
• Pulling the tape too tight (leaves marks = too tight)
• Measuring at the wrong angle (tape tilted instead of level)
• Measuring only once (everyone makes mistakes)
• Rounding too much (57.3 is not 58, it's 57)

Understanding Hat Sizes

Different countries use different sizing systems. Here's how they all connect.

European (Centimeter) Sizing

This is what we use. Your head circumference in centimeters = your hat size.

Simple. Accurate. No conversion needed.

Common sizes:

• 55 cm (21.65") - Small adult
• 56 cm (22.05") - Small to medium adult
• 57 cm (22.44") - Medium adult (very common)
• 58 cm (22.83") - Medium to large adult (most common for men)
• 59 cm (23.23") - Large adult
• 60 cm (23.62") - Large to extra large adult
• 61 cm (24.02") - Extra large adult

US Sizing

Based on inches, shown as fractions.

CM	Inches	US Size
55	21.65"	6⅞
56	22.05"	7
57	22.44"	7⅛
58	22.83"	7¼
59	23.23"	7⅜
60	23.62"	7½
61	24.02"	7⅝
62	24.41"	7¾

UK Sizing

Similar to US but slightly different fractions.

CM	UK Size
55	6¾
56	6⅞
57	7
58	7⅛
59	7¼
60	7⅜
61	7½
62	7⅝

Letter Sizing (S/M/L/XL)

Less precise but common for casual hats.

• S (Small): 56-57 cm
• M (Medium): 57-58 cm
• L (Large): 58-59 cm
• XL (Extra Large): 60-61 cm

Our specific sizes:

• S: Fits 56-57 cm
• M: Fits 57-58 cm
• L: Fits 58-59 cm
• XL: Fits 60-61 cm

Our Available Sizes

We make hats in these sizes:

Standard sizes:
55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 cm

Letter sizes (select styles):
S (56-57), M (57-58), L (58-59), XL (60-61)

Adjustable sizes:
56-58 cm range
59-61 cm range

Custom sizes:
62 cm and up — email info@capshatsua.com before ordering

What to Do If You're Between Sizes

Measured 57.5 cm? You're between 57 and 58.

General rule: Go up to the larger size.

Why?

Hats don't shrink with wear, but they can stretch slightly. A hat that's a bit big can be made smaller with sizing tape or foam inserts. A hat that's too small will always be too small.

For fur hats specifically, fur compresses over time. A snug fit becomes tight after a few wears. Better to start with a little extra room.

Exception: If you have a very round head shape (not oval), and you're exactly between sizes, the smaller size might actually fit better because the circumference is right even though the shape is different.

When in doubt, email us your measurement and the hat style you want. We'll tell you which size to order.

Adjustable Hats: Not One-Size-Fits-All

Some people think "adjustable" means it fits everyone. It doesn't.

Our adjustable hats come in two ranges:

56-58 cm adjustable:
For people who measure 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, or 58 cm

59-61 cm adjustable:
For people who measure 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, or 61 cm

You still need to measure your head and choose the correct range.

If you measure 57 cm, order 56-58 adjustable.
If you measure 60 cm, order 59-61 adjustable.

Don't order 56-58 if you measure 60 cm just because it's "adjustable." It won't fit.

How Different Hat Styles Fit

Same size, different feel. Here's why.

Structured hats (fedoras, bowlers, top hats):
Firm fit. Less forgiving. Order exact size or slightly larger.

Soft hats (berets, floppy hats):
More forgiving. Conform to head shape. Exact size usually works best.

Winter fur hats (ushankas, aviator hats):
Worn over ears. Need to account for ear coverage. If between sizes, go up.

Baseball caps:
Usually adjustable. Follow the adjustable sizing guidelines above.

Newsboy caps and flat caps:
Structured crown, fitted band. Sizing is critical. Order exact size.

Cloche hats:
Designed to sit low. Might feel tighter than other styles at the same size. That's intentional.

Men's vs Women's Hat Sizing

There's no difference in the measurement system.

A 58 cm men's fur hat has the same circumference as a 58 cm women's cloche.

The difference is in:

• Style and design
• Crown height and shape
• Where the hat sits on the head
• Decorative elements

But the actual size — the circumference — is identical.

Head Shape Matters Too

Two people can measure 58 cm but need different sizes because of head shape.

Oval head (most common):
Longer front-to-back, narrower side-to-side. Standard sizing usually works.

Round head:
Equal in all directions. Might need to size up for comfort even if measurement is exact.

Long oval:
Very elongated. Might find standard hats feel tight at temples even in correct size.

How to tell your head shape:
Look down at your head from above in a mirror. Oval is egg-shaped. Round is circular.

If you have a round or long oval head and standard sizes don't fit well, email us. We can sometimes adjust the blocking for a better fit.

How a Hat Should Fit

Perfect fit checklist:

✅ Sits level on your head (not tilted)
✅ Stays in place when you move or bend over
✅ No red marks after 30 minutes of wear
✅ No pressure points or squeezing sensation
✅ Covers your ears fully (for winter hats)
✅ Doesn't slide down over your eyes
✅ Doesn't blow off in moderate wind
✅ Easy to put on and take off

Too tight:

• Leaves a red line on forehead
• Causes headaches within 15-30 minutes
• Difficult to put on (have to force it)
• Feels like it's squeezing your head
• Leaves a headache after you remove it

Too loose:

• Slides around when you turn your head
• Falls off when you bend over
• Sits too high (exposes ears on winter hats)
• Gaps between hat and head
• Blows off in light wind
• Needs constant adjusting

Solving Common Fit Problems

Problem: Hat is slightly too big

Solution:

• Add sizing tape inside the sweatband (foam adhesive strips)
• Use hat sizing inserts (foam wedges)
• Temporary fix: tissue paper behind sweatband

Problem: Hat is slightly too small

Solution:

• For wool: Professional hat stretcher (don't DIY)
• For fur: Usually can't stretch — exchange for larger size
• Prevention: Order right size first time

Problem: Hat fits circumference but wrong shape

Solution:

• May need custom blocking
• Email us — we can sometimes adjust

Problem: Adjustable hat still doesn't fit right

Solution:

• Check you ordered correct range (56-58 vs 59-61)
• Some head shapes don't work with adjustable
• Consider fixed size instead

Special Considerations

Thick hair:
Measure with hair styled how you'll wear the hat. Hair adds volume.

Balding/shaved head:
Might need slightly smaller size than when you had hair.

Wearing over a hood or headscarf:
Add 1-2 cm to your measurement.

Children:
Heads grow. If buying for a child, consider ordering slightly larger for growth room. Hats for kids 2-5 years need replacing annually due to head growth.

Medical conditions:
If you have headaches, migraines, or scalp sensitivity, go up a size for comfort.

Can Hats Be Altered After Purchase?

Short answer: It's difficult and not always possible.

Wool hats:
Can be stretched professionally with a hat jack (specialized tool). Can't be shrunk reliably. Cost: $20-40 at a milliner or hat shop.

Fur hats:
Very difficult to alter. Fur doesn't stretch well. Shrinking damages the pelt. Don't attempt DIY alterations.

Leather hats:
Can be stretched slightly. Can't be shrunk. Professional only.

Best approach: Order the right size from the start. Alterations are a last resort, not a plan.

If your hat doesn't fit when it arrives:

Email us immediately at sales@capshatsua.com. Within 14 days, unworn hats can be exchanged. See our Returns & Refund Policy.

Tips for Measuring Others (Gift Buying)

Buying a hat as a gift? Here's how to find their size without asking directly.

Method 1: Sneak measure
Measure their head while they're asleep. Works surprisingly well.

Method 2: Check existing hats
Look inside the sweatband of a hat they currently wear. Size is usually stamped there.

Method 3: Ask indirectly
"What size hat do you wear?" Many people know if they wear hats regularly.

Method 4: Compare to your own head
If their head is noticeably bigger/smaller than yours, and you know your size, estimate from there.

Method 5: Ask someone else
Partner, parent, close friend might know.

When in doubt: Order a gift receipt and mention it's a gift. We can note the account for easy exchanges.

Ordering Custom Sizes (62 cm and up)

We can make larger sizes — we just don't keep them in stock because they're less common.

If you need size 62 cm or bigger:

Email info@capshatsua.com BEFORE ordering with:

• Your exact measurement
• The hat style you want
• Your timeline

We'll confirm if we can make it and give you a timeframe (usually adds 5-7 days to normal production).

Children's Hat Sizing

Children's heads grow fast. Here's what to expect.

Approximate sizes by age:

• 6-12 months: 44-46 cm
• 1-2 years: 46-48 cm
• 2-3 years: 48-50 cm
• 3-5 years: 50-52 cm
• 5-8 years: 52-54 cm
• 8-12 years: 54-56 cm
• 12+ years: 56+ cm (adult sizing)

Always measure. Kids vary widely. A 4-year-old might measure anywhere from 48-52 cm.

Still Not Sure? Ask Us.

We've fitted thousands of hats. We know what works.

Email info@capshatsua.com with:

• Your head measurement (in cm)
• The specific hat you're interested in
• Your concerns about fit

We'll recommend the right size. Honest answers, not sales pitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I measured 57.5 cm. Do I order 57 or 58?
A: Order 58. Always round up when between sizes.

Q: My head is 57 cm but I wear size 7¼ in US sizing. Which is right?
A: The tape measure. Order 57 cm. US hat sizes aren't always accurate.

Q: Can I return if the size is wrong?
A: Yes, within 14 days if unworn. You pay return shipping. See Returns & Refund Policy.

Q: Do fur hats stretch over time?
A: Fur compresses slightly. It doesn't stretch like fabric. Start with the right size.

Q: Do wool hats stretch?
A: Slightly, with wear. Not enough to count on. Order the right size.

Q: What if I'm exactly 58.0 cm?
A: Order 58 cm. That's your size.

Q: For adjustable, can I order 56-58 if I measure 60?
A: No. You need 59-61. Adjustable doesn't mean unlimited range.

Q: My measurement is 62.5 cm. Can you make this?
A: Email us first. Usually yes, but we need to confirm before you order.

Q: If I lose weight, will my hat size change?
A: Usually no. Head size doesn't fluctuate much with weight. Face shape changes, head circumference stays similar.

Q: Are your sizes true to size or do they run big/small?
A: True to size. We use European centimeter measurement. 58 cm = 58 cm.

Q: I have a very round head. What size should I order?
A: Email us your measurement and mention your head shape. We'll recommend.

Bottom Line: How to Get the Right Size

1. Measure carefully (twice, at the right position, snug but not tight)
2. Round up if between sizes
3. Check product page for style-specific notes
4. For adjustable, choose the correct range for your measurement
5. Email us if unsure — we'll help

We want your hat to fit perfectly the first time.

Last updated: December 2025