How to Find the Perfect Hat Size Chart

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Updated: 1/10/2022 | How to Find the Perfect Hat Size

Finding the perfect hat size can be really difficult if you do not know your hat size. Finding out your hat size will make hat shopping easier and much more enjoyable as you can quickly sift through products that you know will not fit.

Many brands will offer a one size fits all (OSFA) option and we know that is not always the case.

What typically happens is when you purchase the hat, it turns out that the hat only fits medium to smaller-sized heads (57 cm and under). So a OSFA is not really a one-size-fits-all for everyone.

People with bigger heads often avoid wearing hats because they think there are hats not made for them. Luckily, there are hat brands that make hats for people with larger heads.

The best solution is to know your hat size and measurements prior to shopping for a hat. Below, we’ll show you how to find the perfect size hat for your head.

How to Find the Perfect Hat Size

What you Need

Soft Measuring Tape (with both metric and imperial measurements)

Ruler and a long string (I like to use macrame cord)

Hat size is based on the circumference of your head. We’ll show you how to measure your head so that you can find the perfect hat size.

Prior to measuring, we recommend letting your hair down and allowing it to fall naturally as it would when you are wearing a hat. You’ll find that your hat size also depends on how thick your hair is.

For a while, my partner was a size XXL (63 cm) in hats because he had long dreads. When he cut his hair, his size was reduced to XL (60 cm).

How to Measure Your Head for Your Hat Size

Using a soft measuring tape, measure your head about one-half inch above your eyebrows and earlobes where your hatband (inner portion of the crown) and the brim will rest.

Ensure that the measuring tape lays flat around the head and is not twisted. Ask someone to help you measure the circumference of your head if needed.

Another great solution is to use a string to measure the circumference of your head and then hold it against the measuring tape or ruler to determine your measurement.

Once you determine your hat size, use the hat size chart below to determine your size.

If you find that you are in-between sizes, we always recommend sizing up. Many hats come with an adjustment band on the inner part of the crown (the part of the hat that fits over your head) and you can adjust the inner band to get the perfect fit.

I used a measuring tape and found my hat size to be 58 centimeters (cm). According to the hat size chart below, I am a size large in modern or generic hat sizes.

Hat Size Chart

Metric Size in Centimeter (cm)	Inches (in)	US Hat Size	Modern/Generic Hat Size
54	21 1/8	6 3/4	XS
55	21 1/2	6 7/8	S
56	21 7/8	7	S-M
57	22 1/4	7 1/8	M
58	22 5/8	7 1/4	L
59	23	7 3/8	L
60	23 1/2	7 1/2	XL
61	23 7/8	7 5/8	XL
62	24 1/4	7 3/4	XXL
63	24 5/8	7 7/8	XXL
64	25	8	XXXL
65	24 1/2	8 1/8	XXXL

Other Hat Shopping Tips

Shopping for hats online can be very tricky. Many companies won’t have accurate measurements. Some may not even include measurements in their product descriptions at all.

When a hat does not have any size options, you’re most likely dealing with a OSFA situation, or hats made for size 57 cm or smaller.

Here are some tips to help you with online hat shopping.

Shop from brands that share and advertise their measurements in their product descriptions. I find companies that share hat sizing to be more transparent and thoughtful of their shoppers. This helps shoppers understand how products will fit and not waste their time purchasing something that may need to be returned.
Avoid shopping at stores that offer One Size Fits All (OSFA) options. They typically cater to small to medium-sized heads, so if you have a bigger head, these stores will not offer products that fit you best.
Contact customer service for product information. If you don’t see any product information, you can reach out to the brand via their “contact us” forms on their website or through social media. I’ve had tons of luck reaching out to brands on Instagram about how their products fit and their measurement information.
Try before you buy! You want your hat to fit comfortably, so one of the best things you can do is try it before you buy it. A hat that is too fitted can become a literal headache. A hat that is too big may fly right off your head or obstruct your vision. Our rule when trying on hats is that if you can fit your pointer finger between your head and the brim, then you’ve got the right hat size!
Shop with brands that allow free returns. Brands like Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue are great to shop at because they allow online returns. This also gives shoppers the opportunity to test different brands and return or exchange products that don’t fit and find something that will.
Hat fit is a matter of personal preference. You need to determine how you want your hat to look when worn and how you want it to feel around the crown and top of your head. A looser fit is preferred if you’re looking for something more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. A tighter fit may be appropriate for sports or any activity where you do not want your hat to fly away. It’s really up to you and the reason why you are wearing a certain hat.
The shape and style of a hat can vary the sizing and fit. We always recommend reading the size & fit guide on the product page of your desired hat to ensure you have selected the right size.
Use a hat filler foam to create the perfect fit. If you find yourself between hat sizes, you can use a filler foam to tailor the size and fit of your hat. A filler may also make a hat fit more comfortably.

San Diego Hat Company Julian Fedora teardrop fedora

Julian Fedora from the San Diego Hat Company

Brands that Offer Different Hat SizES

Brixton – Use this link to save 15% off your first order.
Cuyana
Gigi Pip – Use code SCHIMIGGY10 for 10% off your orders. Read our Gigi Pip Review for more information.
Lack of Color (LoC) – Even though LoC hats have their sizes listed, I’ve found that their hats run small. I recommend sizing up in LoC hats. For example, I would go for a Large or XL in LoC hats.
San Diego Hat Company (SDHC)- Their OSFA hats typically run larger than their advertised 57 cm sizing. Use code SCHIMIGGY for 15% off all your orders. We actually did a collaboration with SDHC and fell in love with the brand.
Wallaroo Hat Company – Wallaroo’s standard women’s OSFA is 58cm. They have sustainable practices and are a woman-owned and operated company. Use code SCHIMIGGY for 20% off your orders.