Sizing parlor
Find your perfect fit here: everything you need to know about sizing your cowboy hat, before you buy or build.
If you’re unsure about your measurements or how a particular style will fit, consult a professional hat handler who shapes and fits hats. We work with each guest at our events to find the right size and adjust the fit so your hat sits the way it should. Whether you’re building in person at a corporate event, wedding reception, or private party, or designing one-on-one with us in Franklin or over Zoom, you’ll try on styles and leave with a hat that feels right.
Hold Your Horses
Let’s check the gear for the proper fit.
Steps to a perfect fit
1
Measure Head Circumference
Place a soft tape above your eyebrows and ears, circling the widest part of your head where the brim will sit. Keep it level and snug with room to slide a finger underneath. Don’t pull too tight — just snug. For accuracy, measure at your natural hat position (slightly above the ears and brows), and if you don’t have a tape, use string and a ruler.
2
Measure Brim Width & Crown Height
For brim width, lay the hat flat and measure from the outer edge of the brim to where it meets the crown. For crown height, measure from the base of the crown (where it meets the brim) to the highest point. This determines how deep the hat sits on your head.
3
Hat Size Chart
Compare your head circumference in inches or centimeters to a sizing chart. For example, 56 cm ≈ US 7, 58 cm ≈ US 7 ¼, 60 cm ≈ US 7 ½. If you fall between sizes, choose the next size up to allow for adjustments.
Make it stand out
CONFIDENT FIT
No guessing games. Knowing your exact size means every hat sits comfortably, stays secure, and looks the way it was meant to.
everyday wear
Proper sizing reduces strain on the band and brim, extending the life of your hat so it stays in shape season after season.
STYLE THAT LASTS
When your hat fits right, it feels effortless. The right measurements help balance comfort and style, giving you a polished look every time.
How Do I Measure My Head for a Cowboy Hat?
Place a soft measuring tape above your eyebrows and ears, wrapping it around the widest part of your head where the hat brim will rest. Keep the tape level all the way around — not tilted up or down — and pull it snug with just enough room to slide a finger underneath. Don’t cinch it tight; you want a comfortable reading, not a compression measurement.
For the most accurate result, measure at your natural hat position, which is slightly above the ears and about an inch above the brows. If you don’t have a soft tape, use a piece of string or ribbon, mark where it overlaps, then lay it flat against a ruler or yardstick. Record your measurement in inches or centimeters, then compare it to a hat size chart to find your numeric size.
Measure twice to confirm, especially if you’re between sizes. A consistent reading now means a confident fit when your hat arrives.
What Is Hat Size & How Is It Measured?
Hat size is a standardized measurement based on your head circumference — the distance around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. In the US, sizes typically start at 6 ¾ (about 54 cm) and run to 8 (about 64 cm), with quarter-size increments in between. Each size corresponds to a specific circumference: a size 7 fits a 22-inch (or 56 cm) head, while a 7 ½ fits 23.5 inches (or 60 cm).
Cowboy hats use this same sizing system. We measure in inches or centimeters, then convert to a numeric size using a standard chart. A proper fit means the hat sits level on your head and rests comfortably above your ears and brows. It should stay secure without pinching. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend sizing up — a professional hatter can tighten the sweatband for a custom feel. Stretching a hat that’s too small is rarely successful.
Knowing your hat size before you shop ensures every hat you build or buy feels as good as it looks.
Common Sizing Questions
Should I try on different hats before buying?
Yes. Trying on different styles, crown heights, and brim widths shows you how each one balances on your head and where the weight sits. A measurement gives you a starting size, but the shape of the crown and the material of the hat change how it feels. If you’re building a hat with us at an event or in a one-on-one session, you’ll have the chance to try on several styles and adjust the fit before we finish your custom piece.
Why might my hat fit differently than someone else with the same measurement?
Head shape varies. Two people with a 22-inch circumference can have different proportions: one might have a rounder head, the other more oval. The hat band sits differently on each shape, and a crown that feels roomy on one person might feel snug on another. Hair thickness, forehead height, and even how you prefer to wear the hat (slightly forward or back) all affect fit. We fit each hat individually when you’re building with us, adjusting the band and the tilt so it feels right on your head, not just on the tape.
Common Sizing Questions
Should I try on different hats before buying?
Yes. Trying on different styles, crown heights, and brim widths shows you how each one balances on your head and where the weight sits. A measurement gives you a starting size, but the shape of the crown and the material of the hat change how it feels. If you’re building a hat with us at an event or in a one-on-one session, you’ll have the chance to try on several styles and adjust the fit before we finish your custom piece.
Why might my hat fit differently than someone else with the same measurement?
Head shape varies. Two people with a 22-inch circumference can have different proportions: one might have a rounder head, the other more oval. The hat band sits differently on each shape, and a crown that feels roomy on one person might feel snug on another. Hair thickness, forehead height, and even how you prefer to wear the hat (slightly forward or back) all affect fit. We fit each hat individually when you’re building with us, adjusting the band and the tilt so it feels right on your head, not just on the tape.
Why Your Head Size Can Change
Your head circumference isn’t fixed. Temperature, hairstyle, time of day, and even hydration can shift your measurement by a quarter inch or more, which is enough to move you between hat sizes.
Hot weather can cause your head to swell slightly, making a hat that fit in the morning feel tight by afternoon. Hairstyle shifts—wearing your hair down versus in a bun—change the effective circumference where the hat band sits, as do thick braids, ponytails, or styling products that add bulk. Time of day matters, too. Many people retain a bit more fluid in the evening, which can make a hat feel snugger than it did earlier.
When you measure for a hat, do it in the conditions you’ll most often wear it. If you’ll be outside in summer heat or wearing your hair up, measure that way. And if you’re between sizes, go up—it’s easier to snug a hat than to stretch one that’s too small.
How Hat Style and Material Affect Fit
Not all hats in the same size fit the same way. The material, crown shape, and brim style each change how a hat sits on your head and how snug it feels.
Felt hats tend to mold to your head over time, so a fresh felt hat might feel slightly firm at first and then relax into a custom fit after a few wears. Straw hats hold their shape more rigidly and won’t stretch as much, so they need to fit comfortably from day one. A high crown gives you more interior space and can feel roomier than a low-profile crown, even in the same numeric size. Wide brims add weight and shift the balance point, so a 4-inch brim may sit differently than a 3-inch brim on the same crown.
When you’re choosing a hat, consider not just the size but the style you’ll actually wear. If you’re building with us at an event or one-on-one, we’ll help you find the crown and brim combination that fits well and looks the way you want.
Inches to US Hat Size Conversion
Once you’ve measured your head circumference, use these conversion ranges to find your US hat size. Each US size corresponds to a narrow range of measurements, so knowing where you fall helps you order with confidence.
20⅛–20½ inches = US 6⅜–6½ 20⅝–21 inches = US 6⅝–6¾ 21⅛–21½ inches = US 6⅞–7 21⅝–22 inches = US 7⅛–7¼ 22⅛–22½ inches = US 7⅜–7½ 22⅝–23 inches = US 7⅝–7¾ 23⅛–23½ inches = US 7⅞–8 23⅝–24 inches = US 8⅛–8¼
If your measurement lands between two sizes, round up. A slightly loose hat can be adjusted with sizing foam or a tighter band, while a hat that’s too small won’t stretch enough to be comfortable. When you’re building a custom hat with us, we’ll walk you through these numbers and make sure the fit is right before you leave.
Why blend in when you can walk in with a story on your head? Whether you’re shopping ready-to-wear or want us rolling up to your event, we’ll help you craft a piece that feels like you.