Find the Best Hat Size for Your Head – Complete Chart

The Definitive Guide to Finding the Best Hat Size for You

• Head and Hat size chart in CM and inches
• What are the XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL hat dimensions
• Should you size up or down in hats?
• How to measure your head circumference
• What means OS hat size?
• Do fitted hats stretch out?
• What do you do if your hat is too big?
• How did the US size of hats come about?
• Will Wearing A Hat Make You Bald?

Head and Hat size chart in CM and inches

Discover in the chart below which one you should get.

What is the right hat size?

In the charts you can see that a hat size 7 is a M size. It is perfect for a 22 inch (or 56 cm) head circumference. Hat size 57 cm is 7.12 in US. This is slightly bigger, but still a M type. An other example, is 23 inch which is 7.37 (in US) or 59 (in EU). This is a common L model. Last but not lesat, 8 is a well-known XXL type, but 8.12 (65 in EU) is the largest hat size. That fits great for a big head.

What size is a ‘one size’ hat? This standard size ranges from 6.87 to 7.25. In the EU this is 55 to 58. However, for ladies this is usually a bit smaller. So in summary it is a M hat size. This is suitable for a head circumference of 21.5 to 23 inches. If your head is a little too small, there is usually a drawstring to hold it in place as well. You can also use tap to fill the space.

What are the S, M, L and XL hat dimensions

When should you go for a S, M, L or XL hat? Small hats (S) are great for a head circumference of 54 or 55 cm (21.25 – 21.6 inch). On average the M hat size is 57 cm (22.5 inch) and it can vary from 56 to 58 cm. Furthermore, the L hat is usually 59 or 60 cm (23.25 – 23.62 inch). Last but not least, XL hats are 61 or 62 cm and XXL hats vary from 63 to 65 cm.

Should you size up or down in hats?

As you can see, an S, M or L hat can often differ. So what if you’re just in between? Should a hat be tight or loose? The best is to always size up, because you can easily adjust the hat size with extra tape. In addition, a hat size can stretch after wearing it for a few weeks or if it has become wet. Read below how you can make it bigger yourself.

Too tight creates a pressing feeling. On the other hand you also don’t want to lose the hat easily. It can also be irritating if the hat drops off. Fortunately, there is therefore tape to make the hat fit.

How to measure your head circumference and choose your hat size

Of course, the hat size is depending on your head circumference. It is usually measured in centimeters or inches, and can vary depending on the type of hat. The most common sizes are 57 centimeters (cm) and 22.5 inches (in). Do you want to know which hat size you have? Follow the steps below.

This is the way to measure your head circumference:

• Get a measuring tape, a string or a piece of paper
• Measure it across your forehead, above your ears and back of your head.
• Lay the string or paper along a ruler.
• Voila! You now know your head size.

If you already have a well-fitting one, you can also measure the inner brim to determine the size of your hat. Sometimes a label is visible on the inside stating how big it is.

What means OS hat size?

Some hats and beanies have size OS. In this case OS stands for ‘One size’. The one size hat has a size of 21.5 to 23 inches (54 to 60 cm), so a medium – large fit

Do fitted hats stretch out?

Yes, fitted hats do stretch out a little bit. The amount depends on the material and use. For example, a fitted baseball cap is often worn in different ways which can contribute to stretching out the cap’s form over time. Also if the hat gets wet, it can affect the size.

Therefore, wear it for several weeks before you make any adjustments. So how to get fitted hats bigger? I like Lovetoknow‘s idea of ​​making the cap a little wet first and then putting it on your head. The material then loosens up a bit and molds more to your head. Of course, first check whether your hat can withstand water. If this is not the case, it is better to use a hat-stretcher.

What do you do if your hat is too big?

You can make a hat smaller with hat tape. This is a kind of stretch band with adhesive tape on one side. Cut a strip of 5 to 7.5 cm and stick it on the inside (front or back) of the hat. If this is still too big, feel free to stick another piece of tape on the inside.

Do you want to wash the hat? Then make sure you remove the tape first. You could also go to a tailor if your hat is too big. They have tools to resize it.

History: how did the US size of hats come about?

It is unknown who invented the US hat size. It is believed to come from the English dimensions. However, the following calculation actually makes it very logical how it came about. So how are hat sizes determined? You calculate a circle’s circumference by multiplying the diameter by pie 3.14. It works the same way with caps, because the inside is a circle. So in this way you also calculate your fit.

Try it yourself by multiplying the diameter of your hat (or the US size) times 3.14. Then check the chart above to see if it corresponds to the inch size of your head circumference.

Will Wearing A Hat Make You Bald?

There have been studies of hair loss from a hat. One resulted in it having an effect on men hair, but not for women. Another study indicated that there was no hair loss for men with a hard hat. Another study indicates that more baldness was observed by nurses. In this case the hat is attached to the hair.

Nevertheless, hair loss seems to only occur when a hat is very tight. It only happens when it is too hot and the blood supply to the capillaries stops. Hair can also fall out faster if damaged. Maybe a hat can also have an effect on this. Therefore, if you are already balding, it is advisable to wear a hat less often. However, more research needs to be done on this.

Thank you for visiting! Read more about fashion sizes. For example, topics like head scarf sizes. If this article was helpful to you, please feel free to share it or click to the homepage and stick around for a few more seconds!