Hat size guide – how to measure your head, with a size chart
Hat size guide – how to measure your head circumference and choose the right hat size, with charts for adults and children and tips for knitted hats.
A hat in the right size stays comfortable all day – it does not slip over your eyes, does not press on your forehead and covers your ears. Most knitted winter hats are stretchy, but size still matters, especially for children and for lined hats. Here is how to work out your hat size easily at home.
How to measure head circumference
- Take a soft tailor’s tape measure. If you do not have one, use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it with a ruler.
- Place the tape around your head about 1 cm above the eyebrows and ears, across the widest part of the back of the head.
- The tape should sit snugly without squeezing.
- Read the circumference in centimetres. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Size chart for adults
| Size | Head circumference |
|---|---|
| S | 54–55 cm |
| M | 56–57 cm |
| L | 58–59 cm |
| XL | 60–61 cm |
Most women’s heads measure between 54 and 58 cm, and most men’s between 56 and 60 cm, but this is only a guide. Measuring is always more accurate.
Approximate sizes for children
| Age | Head circumference |
|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 46–48 cm |
| 3–5 years | 49–51 cm |
| 6–9 years | 51–53 cm |
| 10–14 years | 53–55 cm |
Children grow quickly, so it is a good idea to measure before every season. You will find more tips in the article Kids’ winter hats.
Knitted hats and “one size”
Many knitted hats are sold as “one size”. Thanks to the stretchy knit, they fit a wide range of head circumferences, most often the majority of adults. Pay attention to:
- The knit. A rib knit stretches more than a plain knit.
- The lining. A lined hat stretches less – here size matters more.
- The style. Long, slouchy beanies are more flexible in terms of size than close-fitting models.
How to tell if a hat fits
- It covers your ears completely.
- It does not ride up when you move your head.
- It does not leave a red mark on your forehead after an hour of wear.
- It does not slip over your eyes.
Sizes for wholesale orders
If you are ordering hats for a shop, plan your range around your customers – women’s, men’s, unisex and kids’ models. When you send a wholesale inquiry, you can ask us about the sizes of each model. More about ordering in the article Wholesale winter hats from the manufacturer.