To find your cowboy hat size, measure around your head just above your ears and eyebrows, then match the measurement to the chart below. A 57 cm head, for example, is a size 7⅛. If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger one, because a hat can be made slightly smaller but can’t really be made bigger.

How do I measure my head for a cowboy hat?

1. Use a soft tape measure. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler.
2. Place it where the hat will sit: around the widest part of your head, about a finger’s width above your ears and eyebrows.
3. Keep it level and snug, but not tight. It should feel the way you’d want a hat to feel.
4. Measure two or three times, and use the largest figure. It’s easier if someone helps you.

What size cowboy hat do I need?

Head measurement	Hat size
54 cm	6¾
55 cm	6⅞
56 cm	7
57 cm	7⅛
58 cm	7¼
59 cm	7⅜
60 cm	7½
61 cm	7⅝
62 cm	7¾
63 cm	7⅞

Some hats are sold in S, M, L and XL. Those sizes vary between makers, so check the size information on the product page, and go by your head measurement.

How should a cowboy hat fit?

It should feel secure and even all the way around, without pressing at any one point. Here’s what to look for.

• Level: it sits straight, about a finger’s width above your eyebrows and ears.
• Steady: it stays on when you nod or look down, but you don’t need to push it on.
• Comfortable: there’s no headache, and no deep line on your forehead after a few minutes.

What if my hat is too big or too small?

A hat that’s slightly too big can usually be adjusted with hat sizing tape, a thin foam strip that sits behind the inner band, and it’s cheap and simple to use. A hat that’s too small is harder to fix. Felt can sometimes be gently stretched by a specialist, but straw has very little give. That’s why we suggest choosing the larger size if you’re between two.

Does hair change my hat size?

It can. If you usually wear your hair up, or have thick or long hair, measure with it the way you’d normally style it under a hat. A low ponytail generally fits better than a high one. If you often change your hairstyle, sizing tape lets you adjust the fit a little.

Do children’s cowboy hats use the same sizes?

You can measure a child’s head in exactly the same way. Children’s hats are often sold by age or head size, so check the product page and go by the measurement. Because children grow quickly, check it again before buying a new one. Have a look at our boys’ and girls’ cowboy hats.

Why don’t hat sizes match head measurements?

Traditional hat sizes such as 7⅛ are based on an old sizing system rather than on a direct measurement in centimetres, so the numbers look unusual at first. Each step in the chart is about a centimetre of head measurement. That’s why it’s best to measure in centimetres and look up the hat size, instead of guessing from a hat you’ve worn before.

Are my hat sizes the same from every maker?

They’re close, but not identical. Makers use different shapes of hat block, and different materials sit differently on the head. Felt usually has a little more give than straw. Most heads are also more oval than round, and some hats are shaped more for a long oval and others for a rounder head. If a hat feels tight at the front and back but loose at the sides, the shape may not suit you, even though the size is right.

Should a cowboy hat be tight?

It should be snug, not tight. A hat that’s right won’t blow off in a light breeze, but it won’t leave you with a headache either. Felt and leather sweatbands soften and shape slightly with wear, so a new hat can feel firm at first and settle after a few outings. If it’s painful straight away, or leaves a deep mark after a few minutes, it’s too small, and it’s unlikely to loosen enough to fix that.

Can I check the fit without damaging the hat?

Yes. Try it on with clean, dry hair, and hold it by the brim, not the crown. Keep any tags attached until you’re sure, and don’t reshape the brim or the crown. Under our returns policy, you can try a hat on as you would in a shop, but a hat that has been reshaped or soiled may have its refund reduced. Wear it around the house for a few minutes before you decide, as pressure points can take a little time to show.

What’s next?

With your size in hand, read how to choose a cowboy hat, or browse all our cowboy hats. Our hat care guide will help it keep its shape, and you’re welcome to contact us or try hats on in our London store if you’d like help.