Hat Sizing
Figuring out your ideal hat size can be a difficult task, especially when shopping online. Not to worry -- the team at Fedoras.com will help you find yours in a jiffy, so you and your new hat can start your love affair as soon as possible. Using a tape measure -- or a good ol ruler and string -- follow these three breezy steps, and let our easy-to-follow measurement chart be your guide.
How to Measure Your Head for a Hat
All you need is a flexible tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler.
- Wrap the tape around your head where the hat will sit -- about 1/8 inch above your ears and across the middle of your forehead, roughly where your hairline starts.
- Keep it level and snug, not tight. The tape should rest comfortably, the way a hat would.
- Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. If you are using string, mark where it overlaps and measure that length against a ruler.
If you fall between two numbers, round up to the larger size. That circumference is the number you will match to the hat size chart below.
Hat Size Chart
Use your head circumference to find your US hat size and its letter-size equivalent. US hat sizes are based on head circumference divided by pi, about 3.14, which is why they appear as fractions.
| Head Circumference (inches) | Head Circumference (cm) | US Hat Size | Letter Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 3/8 | 51.8 cm | 6 1/2 | X-Small |
| 20 3/4 | 52.7 cm | 6 5/8 | X-Small |
| 21 1/8 | 53.7 cm | 6 3/4 | Small |
| 21 1/2 | 54.6 cm | 6 7/8 | Small |
| 21 7/8 | 55.6 cm | 7 | Medium |
| 22 1/4 | 56.5 cm | 7 1/8 | Medium |
| 22 5/8 | 57.5 cm | 7 1/4 | Large |
| 23 | 58.4 cm | 7 3/8 | Large |
| 23 1/2 | 59.7 cm | 7 1/2 | X-Large |
| 23 7/8 | 60.6 cm | 7 5/8 | X-Large |
| 24 1/4 | 61.6 cm | 7 3/4 | XX-Large |
| 24 5/8 | 62.5 cm | 7 7/8 | XX-Large |
| 25 | 63.5 cm | 8 | XXX-Large |
How Hat Sizes Work
Most hats are sold in one of three ways:
- Fitted sizes like 7 1/4 or Large -- these match a specific head circumference, so an accurate measurement matters most here.
- One-size or adjustable -- these use an inner drawstring, elastic, or snap to fit a range of heads.
- Small, Medium, Large -- letter sizing that maps to the chart above.
Heads are not perfectly round, either. Most people have a slightly oval shape, and quality hats are blocked to a regular oval that fits the majority comfortably. If a hat feels tight at the front and back but loose at the sides, it may be a shape mismatch rather than a size problem.
What If I Am Between Hat Sizes?
If your measurement falls between two sizes, size up to the larger one. A hat that is slightly big is easy to adjust, while one that is too small cannot be stretched much. To fine-tune a larger hat, you can:
- Add self-adhesive hat sizing tape, a foam reducer, inside the sweatband to take up a fraction of a size.
- Choose a style with an adjustable inner band.
- Ask a hatter about stretching -- many felt hats can be gently stretched close to a full size.
Quick Measuring Tips
- Measure your bare head, with no hat on, for an accurate reading.
- Use a soft tape measure if you have one; it follows the curve of your head better than a stiff ruler.
- Measure with your hair the way you usually wear it.
- When in doubt, round up.
Shop Hats by Size
Know your size? Jump straight to your fit. Browse our full range of hats by size, or shop popular sizes directly:
- Size 7 1/8 hats -- Medium
- Size 7 1/4 hats -- Large
- Size 6 1/2 hats -- X-Small
You can also explore hats by style or brand once you know your fit.
Hat Size FAQ
What is the average hat size?
For men, the most common sizes are 7 1/8 to 7 1/4, Medium to Large. For women, 7 to 7 1/8, Medium, is typical. Sizes vary widely, which is why measuring is always best.
How do I convert my head measurement to a hat size?
Divide your head circumference in inches by 3.14, pi, to get your US hat size, or match your measurement to the hat size chart above.
Are men and women hat sizes the same?
Yes. Hat sizing is based on head circumference, not gender. A 7 1/4 is a 7 1/4 whether the hat is styled for men or women.
What if my hat is a little too big?
Add foam hat sizing tape inside the sweatband to reduce the fit by up to a full size, or choose a style with an adjustable band.
