New Yorker Collection

What's your head size?

Everyone knows their shoe size. Hats? Not so much. But with a few quick measurements, you will know your hat size which, unlike your waist size, will stay the same for the rest of your life.

How to Measure Your Head and Hat Size Using String or a Measuring Tape

This is the traditional way that you can use at home to find your hat size.

What You'll Need:

• String or ribbon
• Ruler
• Hat sizing chart
• Pen or marker
• Standard Measuring Tape

Step 1: Use a Piece of String to Measure Your Head

With the piece of string in your hands, wrap it around the back of your head just slightly above your ears or about 1/8 of an inch higher than your ear tip.

Pull the string around to meet at the center of your forehead just above your eyebrows. If you like your hat to sit a bit higher, you can pull the string around your head exactly to match how your hat rests on your head.

It's important that you don't pull the string too tight. Rather, the string should fit comfortably around your forehead so that it isn't too tight or loose. This should feel exactly the way you want your hat to feel as it rests on your head.

You can mark the distance where the string meets with a pen or marker.

Step 2: Measure the String with a Ruler

Once you have marked the point of circumference on the string, you can lay it flat and place a ruler underneath to find the circumference in inches. You will likely have to measure the size to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Step 3: Using a Measuring Tape 

If you have a measuring tape you can also wrap it around your head. To measure your head size correctly, wrap the tape snugly just above eyebrows and ears. Use our chart to convert the measurement to the correct hat size.

Step 3: Match the Circumference to the Hat Sizing Chart

Once you have used the string or measuring tape to find your circumference, you'll have the exact measurements needed to use with the hat sizing chart. For example, if you found that your head measures 22 inches overall, then you would pick a hat size of medium or fitted size of 7 to 7 1/8" circumference.

You can use our convenient hat size chart above to see what your hat size will be. These sizes range from S or 21 1/4" to XXL or 25" in circumference.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Hat sizing is really based on your comfort level as well. If you prefer that a hat fits snugly for certain designs or you want a cap that fits slightly loose, you should account for that in your sizing. Your comfort matters most of all when picking the true hat size.
• In addition, there are other factors to consider, such as your hairstyle. A hat that is too tight can make your hair stick out in odd ways. Materials and brands can also fit differently. For example, wool and straw may not fit the same hat size.