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Measuring Your Head for a Hat

Measuring your head, it's not as difficult as you would think! Follow these easy steps for measuring your head to find your correct hat size. Use the same steps for either men or women, making it especially helpful for women buying a hat that's sized for a man.

  • We offer a printable hat ruler, called the "Measure your Melon" ruler, just print and assemble! Click Here to download the ruler, then choose the "Download"  or "Print" button (depends on your browser). Make sure you read the instructions in the document about properly printing before you print.
  • Alternately, a non-stretching cloth or flexible measuring tape works well. If you don't have one of those, use a non-stretch string or rope. One thing's for sure: "eye-balling" it is the not the best approach to determine your size! 
  • Measure using inches, (nearest 1/8 inch), or centimeters, (nearest 1/4 cm), whichever you prefer. 
  • Place the tape or string about 1/2 inch above your ears and eyebrows. Start at the center of your forehead and bring the tape around your head, resting on the largest circumference of your head. The tape should be where you're likely to wear your hat (the exact position depends on personal preference). Bring the tape around to the front of your forehead where it meets the beginning of the tape and note the measurement (if using the printable ruler, it will also indicate the hat size). 
  • Hold the tape to your head as tightly as the desired fit - usually, snug to your head. Tightness is personal preference, but remember, the way the tape feels is how tight your hat will fit. It's best to use a mirror to place the tape, this allows you to see where the hat will fit on your head and where the measurements on the tape meet. 
  • Having someone help you measure works well also, hey, why not make a party of it! 
  • Be accurate and measure more than once - write down the measurement. 
  • After measuring, find your specific hat size using the conversion chart on the right, either inches or centimeters. 
  • Now order a hat for every day - you can’t have too many hats!

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Tips

  • Most of our hat sizes are M-XL, some styles are offered in S, XXL, XXXL, or XXXXL. Numerically-sized hats (7, 7 1/8 etc..) are not as common as they used to be. If a hat is numerically-sized, the listing will indicate that. 
  • One-size hats usually come with an adjustable band. Adjustable band hats usually fit S-XXL. Check each listing for specific info. An elastic band, one-size hat, usually, has a maximum size of Large. Check the listing to be sure. 
  • Head sizes can change. Did you have more hair than the last time you measured? Are you trying to go back to that retro, hippy look with longer hair? Gone on a diet or enjoyed too many bowls of ice cream? It's a good idea to measure your head each time you order a hat (and if necessary, cut down on the ice cream!) 
  • Some hats are combo-sizes with either "S/M" or "L/XL". If you are the upper range of Medium, it is probably best to go to a "L/XL". 
  • If your measurement falls between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size. You can always pad a too large hat to get a proper fit. Occasionally, some hats can be stretched if they are too small, most often this would be a brimmed hat made from natural materials like wool or fur felt (this usually does not work on cloth caps). We do sell hat stretchers, if you need one. 
  • Check the fit as soon as you receive your hat. Generally, a proper fit is when the hat rests about 1/2 - 1/4 inch above your ear (depending on your preference), not touching your ear or significantly above it. If a hat sits low, you can make it fit better by using sizing strips under the sweatband, or, foam window insulation strips are a good substitute. If you need to get a different size, we will exchange your new, never-been-worn hat, no questions asked. 

Note

  • Size charts are for general reference only. Exact fit may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and style to style. Also, materials, construction, and hair style come into play in determining head size. Remember, we will take your new, never-been-worn hat back as a return or exchange, no questions asked. So take the plunge and buy more than one! 

Women's Hats

  • Usually, women's hats are one-size-fits-most. Actual sizing varies from brand to brand. They generally fit heads with a circumference of 21 ½"- 22 ½".


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