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27th September 2021 
To measure your hat size, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head — usually just above the eyebrows and at the centre of your forehead. Note the measurement in centimetres, then match it to the UK hat size chart below. For most adults, a head circumference of 58 cm is a UK size 7⅛ (medium); 60 cm is a 7⅜ (large).
Whether you’re a year-round hat lover or a winter warrior, getting the fit right makes the difference between comfort and a forehead band-mark by lunchtime. This guide walks you through it in three steps, gives you a UK-to-international size chart, and answers the questions we get asked most.
Why you should measure your head
Choosing the right size hat is essential to actually enjoying wearing it. A hat that’s too big flies off in a stiff breeze. A hat that’s too small pinches the temples and leaves a band mark. A correctly fitted hat sits lightly on your head, feels secure when you move, and gives your scalp room to breathe.
Quick fit check once you have your hat: shake your head side to side, then bend forward at the waist. If the hat stays put without you holding it, the fit is right.
Beyond the fit itself, a well-sized hat finishes an outfit. It frames the face, complements the rest of your clothing, and adds the kind of polish that a borrowed-fit hat can’t. The exception: one-size hats with an adjustable inner strap – those skip the measuring step.
How to measure your hat size (3 steps):
Supplies Needed
A soft tape measure, or a length of string and a ruler. A mirror helps but isn’t essential.
Step 1 – Measure Your Head
- Stand in front of a mirror for a clear view of your measurement.
- Use either the tape measure or soft string to wrap around the widest part of your head evenly until the tape measure or string overlaps. Usually, this is above your eyebrows and at the center part of your forehead.
- Check that the tape or string is not too tight or too loose.
- For most accurate results, measure 3 – 4 times for consistent measurements.
Step 2 – Get Your Head Circumference
- If using a tape measure, note the length in centimeters.
- If using string, carefully hold onto the end-point of the measurement and line up the string against a ruler to record the size in centimeters.
Step 3 – Find Your Ideal Hat Size
- Use the Hats Size Chart, such as the reference below, to find the size corresponding to your measured length. So, if your head circumference is 59 cm, your corresponding UK hat size is 7 ¼ or international size “L”.
- If the measured head size is between two numbers, such as 57.5 cm, round up to the next whole number or 58cm and find the corresponding hat size.
- Or, if the measured head size is between two hat sizes on the chart, choose the next larger size up.
UK hat size chart (cm to UK and international sizes)
| Head circumference (cm) | UK size | US size | EU size | S/M/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 6¾ | 6⅞ | 54 | XS |
| 55 | 6⅞ | 7 | 55 | S |
| 56 | 7 | 7⅛ | 56 | S |
| 57 | 7⅛ | 7¼ | 57 | M |
| 58 | 7¼ | 7⅜ | 58 | M |
| 59 | 7⅜ | 7½ | 59 | L |
| 60 | 7½ | 7⅝ | 60 | L |
| 61 | 7⅝ | 7¾ | 61 | XL |
| 62 | 7¾ | 7⅞ | 62 | XL |
| 63 | 7⅞ | 8 | 63 | XXL |
Frequently asked questions
What size hat am I?
Measure your head circumference in centimetres at the widest point above your eyebrows. A 56 cm head is a UK size 7 (small); 58 cm is 7¼ (medium); 60 cm is 7½ (large). See the chart above for full conversions.
How do I measure my head for a hat?
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about 1 cm above your eyebrows, sitting level all the way round. Measure 3-4 times and use the average. If you don’t have a tape, use a length of string then lay it against a ruler.
What is UK hat size 7¼ in cm?
UK hat size 7¼ corresponds to a head circumference of 58 cm. That’s the most common men’s medium and women’s large in UK sizing.
Can I measure my head for a hat with a piece of string?
Yes. Wrap the string around the widest part of your head, hold the overlap point, then lay the string against a ruler to read the length in centimetres.
Are men’s and women’s hat sizes the same?
The measurements are the same — what changes is the typical size range. Most men sit between 57-60 cm (UK 7⅛-7½). Most women sit between 54-57 cm (UK 6¾-7⅛). Use the same chart for both.
