Hat Sizing Guide
Find Your Perfect Fit
A well-fitting hat should feel comfortable, sit securely and look balanced. Our hat sizing guide explains how to measure your head correctly, convert between Australian, UK and US hat sizes, choose the right size and make small adjustments when a hat is slightly too large.
How to Measure Your Head
The most reliable way to determine your hat size is to measure the circumference of your head in centimeters. Use a soft dressmaker’s measuring tape if possible. If you do not have one, a non-stretch piece of string can be used and then measured against a ruler.
1. Position the Tape
Wrap the tape around your head where the hat will naturally sit. For most hats, this is just above the eyebrows and approximately 1–2 cm above the ears.
2. Keep It Level
Keep the tape level all the way around your head. It should follow the position where the sweatband of the hat will sit rather than tilting upwards or downwards.
3. Measure Comfortably
The tape should sit firmly against your head without squeezing. Do not pull it tight. Record the measurement where the tape overlaps, preferably in centimeters.
4. Measure Twice
Repeat the measurement at least once. If the results differ slightly, use the larger measurement.
If you do not have tape measure, use a piece of string instead
Choosing the Right Size
Choose the size closest to your measurement from the chart below. If your measurement falls between the sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for a more comfortable fit.
Hat Size Conversion Chart
| Head Circumference | Approx. AU Size | UK Hat Size | US Hat Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 cm | XS | 6 1/2 | 6 5/8 |
| 54 cm | S | 6 5/8 | 6 3/4 |
| 55 cm | S | 6 3/4 | 6 7/8 |
| 56 cm | M | 6 7/8 | 7 |
| 57 cm | M | 7 | 7 1/8 |
| 58 cm | L | 7 1/8 | 7 1/4 |
| 59 cm | L | 7 1/4 | 7 3/8 |
| 60 cm | XL | 7 3/8 | 7 1/2 |
| 61 cm | XL | 7 1/2 | 7 5/8 |
| 62 cm | XXL | 7 5/8 | 7 3/4 |
| 63 cm | XXL | 7 3/4 | 7 7/8 |
| 64 cm | XXXL | 7 7/8 | 8 |
Important: Letter sizes such as S, M, L and XL are not completely standartised. Different brands and individual hat styles may vary, so always check the sizing information shown on the product page.
How Should a Hat Fit?
A correctly fitted hat should feel secure but comfortable. It should remain in place during normal movement without pressing tightly against your forehead or temples.
Comfortable, Not Tight
You should be able to wear your hat for an extended period without pressure marks, aching or discomfort. A new hat should not need to be painfully tight in order to stay on.
Secure, Not Loose
The hat should not move excessively when you turn your head or walk. A small amount of movement is normal, particularly with lightweight or wide-brim styles.
Even Around the Head
The sweatband should make reasonably even contact around your head. If the hat presses strongly at the front and back but feels loose at the sides, or vice versa, the issue may be head shape rather than simply size.
What if Your Measurement Falls Between Sizes?
If your measurement falls between two available sizes, we normally recommend choosing the larger size. A slightly loose hat can usually be adjusted very easily, while a hat that is too small may remain uncomfortable.
This is particularly useful with structured hats such as felt hats, Panama hats and traditional fedoras. Small differences in hairstyle, humidity and the shape of the individual hat can also affect how a hat feels.
Adjusting a Hat That Is Slightly Too Large
Hat inserts, sometimes called hat fillers or size reducers, sit discreetly behind the internal sweatband. They reduce the effective internal circumference without changing the appearance of the hat.
Our self-adhesive foam hat inserts can make a loose hat fit more securely and can reduce the fit by up to approximately two sizes depending on how many inserts are used and where they are positioned.
Common Hat Sizing Mistakes
- Measuring too high on the head: measure where the hat will actually sit.
- Pulling the tape too tightly: the measurement should be comfortably snug, not compressed.
- Letting the tape slope: keep it as level as possible around the head.
- Relying only on S, M or L: letter sizes vary between manufacturers, so centimeters are more reliable.
- Assuming every hat fits identically: crown shape, sweatband construction and materials can change the way two hats of the same nominal size feel.
- Choosing the smaller size when between sizes: in most cases, sizing up and using inserts produces a more comfortable result.
Hat Sizing FAQ
A 59 cm head measurement normally corresponds to a 59 cm Australian size, UK 7 1/4 or US 7 3/8. Always check the individual product sizing because fit can vary slightly between brands.
No. A hat should feel comfortably secure rather than tight. Excessive pressure on the forehead or temples usually means the hat is too small or the crown shape does not suit your head shape.
In most cases, select the larger size. Hat inserts can easily reduce a slightly loose fit, while making a hat that is too small comfortable can be much more difficult.
Yes. Panama hats are generally sized according to head circumference in centimetres or the corresponding UK and US fractional sizes. Individual styles can still vary slightly because they are made from natural woven material.
The actual head measurement is the same. A 58 cm head is 58 cm regardless of whether the hat is marketed for men or women. The difference is usually in style, crown shape, brim and the range of sizes offered.
Yes. Foam hat inserts are placed behind the sweatband and can reduce the internal circumference of a hat. They are particularly useful when a hat is slightly too loose or when you fall between two available sizes.
