Proper head measurement.

[Jeff M]

Forgive the basic question. I tried to run a search for it, but wasn't successful.

What is the proper way to measure your head for a hat?
I've gone with the "measure the circumference of your head with tape measure half the way up the forehead and 1/8" above the ears" method, and end up with hats that basically force me to wear them squared on my head, as when I try to give them some tilt, they rest on the top of my ear.

I see many photos of people wearing hats with a nice tilt to them, with a good inch between the ear top and the hat on the side the hat is tilted away from ...but the hat not resting on the other ear.

Seems like the measurements should be taken higher up the head.

Suggestions?

 

[Zombie_61]

I'm far from being an expert, and the true experts would likely tell me I'm doing it wrong, but I use a "tailor's tape" and simply wrap it around my head where the sweatband would be when I'm wearing the hat. So far it's worked out quite well for me.

 

[AlterEgo]

First of all, measuring is only the starting point for determining proper hat size. The cut of the hat, the extent to which it shrinks, and many other variables all factor into how any particular hat will ultimately fit. Research here how a particular hat fits--large, true-to-size, small--before buying.

However, measuring is important. Take a flexible fabric tailors tape (a metal Stanley just won't do) and string it across the part of the cranium in which you intend the hat's sweatband to seat. In this regard, ignore the part of the vendor instructions that instruct you to measure some specific the part of your head, such as 1/2 inch over the ears and eyebrows.

As for tightness, that's an individual preference, as well. As a general rule, cinch the tape up snug but not particularly tight for accurate measurement. Keep in mind that the length/ thickness of your hair when you measure will have a bearing on the results.

Here's an example: First I wait to the mid-point between haircuts, then measure my head where I like to wear hats--quite deep on my head, close over my brows, and only about 1/4 inch above my "upper" ear (one is higher than the other). For Akubra's Imperial Quality felt hats, I know they will shrink about a half size, and, for example, a Fed IV runs a little large even for an Akubra that takes shrinkage into account when it sizes its hats. So, though the part of my head where I typically wear a hat measures smack dab in the middle of a 7 and 7 1/8, for this fedora, I get a 7 1/8, and after a few wearings in the rain, it fits perfectly.

For a rabbit fur felt or beaver hat, in the short run, you will almost always have to put some felt shims under the sweat to make it fit. Over the long haul, it will gradually shrink so that you'll remove the shims. Accordingly, always err on in the direction of a bit too large rather than the least bit too small.

Even after all this rigamarole, the hat you select may still not fit, so be sure to do business with a vendor that will give a refund or exchange. Save every piece of packing material to send it back should it come down to this last resort.

Hope this helps, Jeff M.

 

[Topper]

Best is not to do it yourself! Go and see you local hatter.

1 Size varies -Confirm size in cm or inches as internationally you may cause confusion beterrn UK & UK, use a tailors tape measure.
2 Shape varies - Round, Regular and Long Oval? Mediacal Head Callipers can give you a back-front, side-side reaging to gove to a hatter for a rough indication.
3 Heads are not sooth shapes - How do you account for that big bump in the forehead from an old rugby match! Even if you get a long oval measure ok, what about the final bits... Whilst a soft felt may confirm to you exact shape , a hard shell Topper or Bowler will not.

So to do all 3 properly requires measurement with a conformateur and formillion to replicate your unique pattern, inorder to fit the hat for you.

 

[zetwal]

Great answers above. Remember too that not everyone's ears are positioned exactly the same way, and that the slope and taper of the cranium in front and back, and on the sides, can differ substantially as well. Size and wear your hat for maximum comfort and not to look like someone else. Also, not every picture of a Lounger wearing a hat is a picture of Lounger wearing a hat that actually fits properly.