To choose the right hat size, measure your head circumference in centimetres with a soft tape measure, one centimetre above your eyebrows and ears, then compare this figure with the brand's size guide. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one and adjust it with a hat sizing tape. JJ Hat Center, luxury hatter, explains the complete method here.
Measuring your head circumference accurately
Everything begins with a reliable measurement. A well-chosen hat goes unnoticed; a poorly fitting one spoils the elegance of even the finest outfit.
- Take a soft, non-stretch dressmaker's tape measure.
- Place it approximately one centimetre above your eyebrows and ears.
- Run it around the widest part of the back of your head, where the hat will rest.
- Tighten it slightly, as the sweatband would, then note the measurement in centimetres.
Repeat the measurement twice. If you do not have a tape measure, a simple piece of string or ribbon, then laid against a ruler, gives a perfectly usable result.
Conversion table: from head circumference to size
Most European hatters state the size directly in centimetres. Here are the most common reference points, to be confirmed with the guide on each product page.
| Head circumference | Size | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 55 cm | 55 | S |
| 57 cm | 57 | M |
| 59 cm | 59 | L |
| 61 cm | 61 | XL |
Some houses offer half sizes or intermediate sizes (for example 56 or 60 cm): a real advantage when your measurement falls between two reference points.
Which hat size should you choose according to material?
Felt hats
Fur felt and wool felt are noble materials but have little stretch, so it pays to get the size right from the outset. For a hat from the Felt Hats collection, choose the size that matches your measurement exactly, no more, no less. If in doubt, take the next size up and add a hat sizing tape.
Panama hats and straw hats
Woven straw offers a little more flexibility, but it should never be forced: a hat that is too small may lose its shape or break its fibres. A correctly sized Panama hat follows the shape of the head without pressure and keeps the regularity of its weave.
Trilbies and short-brimmed hats
Trilby hats, with their narrow brim, are often worn slightly back on the head or at a gentle tilt. A precise fit is essential: too large, and the hat slips down over your eyes; too small, and it rises up and loses its line.
Brands and their sizes: Stetson, Borsalino and others
Each house has its own crown cut, and sizes can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. Stetson, the number one brand at JJ Hat Center, and Borsalino, number two, state their sizes in centimetres and follow classic blocks.
Discover their models in the Stetson and Borsalino collections. On each product page, the size guide gives you the exact measurements.
Between two sizes: what should you do?
This is the most common situation. Our advice as hatters is simple: take the larger size. A hat sizing tape, slipped beneath the leather sweatband, lets you adjust the hat to within half a centimetre without altering its line. A hat that is too small, on the other hand, cannot always be rescued.
If your hat is already too tight or too loose, our article What to do if your hat is too tight or too loose? sets out the solutions.
How can you tell if the size is right?
- The hat sits without pressure: you can slip a finger between the sweatband and your forehead.
- It stays in place when you tilt your head or walk at a brisk pace.
- It leaves no red mark on your forehead after a few minutes.
- It sits neatly above your ears, without folding them.
Consider, too, the shape of your face and the height of the crown: our guide Which hat suits which face? helps you refine your choice, and the Hat Guide offers an overview of styles.
Preserving the shape of your hat
Once you have found the right size, take care to preserve it. Store your hat resting on its crown or in a suitable box, away from damp and heat. A poorly stored felt hat can lose its shape over time, along with its original fit.
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure your head for a hat?
Place a soft tape measure approximately one centimetre above your eyebrows and ears, running it around the widest part of the back of your head. Note the measurement in centimetres without pulling tight, and repeat twice to confirm.
Which hat size corresponds to 57 cm?
A head circumference of 57 cm generally corresponds to size M, or 57 in French sizing. Reference points vary slightly between brands: always check the size guide on the product page.
Should you size up or down between two sizes?
Preferably choose the larger size, then adjust it with a hat sizing tape slipped beneath the sweatband. A felt hat does not stretch reliably: if it is too small, it presses on the forehead and becomes uncomfortable.
Should a hat be tight?
No. It should hold firmly without leaving a mark: you should be able to slip a finger between the sweatband and your forehead. It should neither move with the slightest turn of the head nor cause any pressure.
Is the size the same for a straw hat and a felt hat?
Your head circumference stays the same, but the material matters. Felt is stiffer and is shaped with steam by the hatter, whereas woven straw offers a little flexibility; in both cases, choose the size that fits you from the start.
