Fitted Hat Size Charts

Introduction

Fitted hats are more than just fashion accessories—they’re essential for expressing personal style, brand loyalty, or athletic pride. Whether you’re sporting a classic New Era 59FIFTY cap or a custom-fitted piece from a designer brand, finding the right hat size is crucial for comfort and appearance.

However, hat sizing isn’t universal. Depending on where you live, the way sizes are measured and labeled can differ significantly. This global guide aims to clarify how fitted hat sizes work across different regions and offers tips for converting between size systems.

1. Understanding Fitted Hat Sizing

Unlike adjustable hats, which come with straps, fitted hats are manufactured in specific sizes. They typically conform to the circumference of the wearer’s head. The most common measurement used is the circumference in inches or centimeters.

• Head circumference: The measurement around your head, taken above your ears and across your mid-forehead.
• Hat size: Derived from this measurement using regional systems (U.S., UK, EU, Asian, etc.).

2. International Hat Size Systems

A. United States (U.S.)

The U.S. uses an imperial-based sizing system. Fitted hat sizes are fractional, ranging typically from 6 3/4 to 8+. Each increase in size represents a head circumference difference of about 1/8 inch.

B. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK system often mirrors the U.S. but can include its own traditional millinery sizes.

C. European Union (EU)

EU sizes are typically based on centimeters—a more straightforward method.

D. Asia (Japan, Korea, China)

Asian hat sizing can be a blend of metric measurements and standardized small-medium-large sizing:

Some Japanese brands also use European metric sizing.

3. How to Measure Your Head for a Fitted Hat

Step-by-Step:

1. Get a flexible measuring tape.
2. Wrap it around your head where the hat will sit—usually just above your eyebrows and ears.
3. Note the measurement in inches or centimeters.
4. Use a sizing chart to convert your measurement into the appropriate hat size.

Pro Tips:

• Measure more than once for accuracy.
• If between sizes, consider the material—cotton may shrink; wool may stretch.
• Some brands fit smaller or larger—try before buying if possible.

4. Conversion Charts: U.S. to EU, UK, and Asia

Here is a handy global conversion chart:

5. Popular Hat Brands and Their Sizing

New Era

• Known for 59FIFTY fitted caps.
• Runs true to size.
• Offers extensive size range.

Flexfit

• Offers stretch-fitted hats.
• Sizing by range: S/M, L/XL, XXL.

Kangol

• British brand with EU-based sizing.
• Uses both inches and centimeters on labels.

Stetson

• Western hats with exact sizing.
• Tends to use inches and U.S. sizes.

6. Cultural Considerations in Hat Sizing

Hat styles and sizes can reflect culture and climate. For example:

• Middle East/North Africa: Turbans or traditional headwear rarely conform to modern fitted sizes.
• Asia: Sizing may lean smaller due to average head circumference differences.
• Scandinavia/Eastern Europe: Cold climates = thicker hat linings, may affect sizing.

7. Custom and Bespoke Hat Sizing

In high-end fashion and millinery, hats are custom-sized using professional measuring tools. These bespoke hats can have fractional millimeter precision and are tailored for perfect fit and balance.

8. Online Shopping Tips for Fitted Hats

• Always check the brand’s size chart.
• Read customer reviews—some brands run large/small.
• Look for return policies.
• If unsure, order two sizes and return one.

9. Common Fitted Hat Sizing Issues

Conclusion

Fitted hats are a stylish and functional accessory, but navigating global size systems can be a challenge. Whether you’re in New York or Tokyo, London or Berlin, knowing how to measure your head and convert sizes is key to getting the perfect fit.

Use this guide to make confident hat purchases around the world—and wear your style, fitted just right.