Advice on Barmah hat sizing?

[bombin]

I'd like to order a couple of Barmah squashies for me and my wife, but I'm little concerned about sizing as I keep running into reviews suggesting that Barmahs might run small. (Here are the "official" size charts:

Small 55 cm 21.6 inch
Medium 57 cm 22.4 inch
Large 59 cm 23 inch
XLarge 61 cm 24 inch
XXLarge 62.5 cm 24.6 inch

)

I'm measuring in at 23inches, which would seem to be a Large Bamrah, but I wonder if Extra Large would be a safer bet? Or would getting a Large and stretching it if it's a bit small be better?

Does anyone here have experience with these hats?

 

[bh2001]

I have one and I usually go for a size 60, I think my head is actually between 59 and 60, I chose a Large as XL 61. The Large fits ok but is a little tight however it is quite stretchy and I reckon with a bit of wearing it will stretch ok. If you are a dead on 59 it should be really comfy.
Good quality hat.

 

[bombin]

Many thanks; I think I'm close on being dead on 59 (and my wife a bit smaller), so it sounds like Large is the best choice.

They look like really great hats; I currently only have my 20 year wool bowler, which isn't ideal for summer.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

Barmah hats do tend to run small & it's advised to buy the next size up........they are also very sensitive to temperature so can feel 'big' when it's hot or 'small' when cold. Never leave your leather hat in a hot place such as in a car in full sun as they will shrink & become permantly deformed.
Another problem of getting a Barmah hat just a little too small is that by forcing it down on ya noggin & stretching it, changes the sweep of the brim, which means that the sides will curve much higher & thus the front & back dip will be also be more pronounced. If the hat should be little on the large size, you can always stick something behind the sweat band to get a snug fit but if it's too small there ain't much you can do.

 

[bombin]

I've ordered the Larges, so we'll have to see how the sizing works out.

 

[bombin]

Large Barmah Squashy Roos arrived, fits both of our heads (individually, I mean, not at the same time). Thanks for sizing advice.

What leather conditioner/treatment do people use on these? (& how freq?)