Hat size help

[mrshanno]

Hello guys...I'm considering my first fedora, but I'm a little hesitant on what size to get. There aren't any hat stores in my area, so I'll be ordering it. My head measures 22 15/16 inches. I've looked at many sites trying to determine my hat size, and the results vary. It appears that it should be a 7 1/8, 7 1/4 or a 7 3/8 (US) depending on the site. Any insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Also, as it appears that I am between sizes, I'm not sure if I should move up or down a size.

thanks

Shannon

 

[Lefty]

Welcome to the Lounge.

Though it doesn't seem like much, the difference between a 7 1/8 and a 7 3/8 is huge - like the difference between medium and large. If you are a 7 1/8 and buy a 7 3/8, it's going to fall down around your ears. If you're a 7 3/8 and buy a 7 1/8, it's just going to balance on top of your head.

I see what you mean about being between sizes. I'd go with the 7 3/8. If it's a bit big, you can always stuff a little something behind the sweatband - there is plenty of information about that here. If it's too small, you've got to stretch it, and it will probably shrink back down to size.

Take a look here.

If you're buying a new hat, check the return policy of the site. It may cost you a little to return a hat that doesn't fit, but at least you'll be able to get a hat that's right for you, and learn your size in the process.

 

[animator]

Welcome Mrshanno!

I had trouble judging my head size, so for my first real fedora I ordered a custom hat from Art Fawcett. He sent a handy device (conformer) to measure the size and shape of my head and then made a hat of fantastic quality that fit my head perfectly.

A custom hat isn't cheap, but I think it is an amazing value for the price.

 

[Lefty]

That certainly is the best, but most expensive way to go. You can't get more accurate than custom-fitted, but it will cost you a little over $300.

 

[mrshanno]

thanks for the information guys...I probably will end up trying the 7 3/8...hopefully that will work! As much as I'd love to have a custom job, I think I will save that for later (and not for my first hat), as I'll be able to make a more informed decision.

 

[Justdog]

7 3/8

Hi: That sounds like at least 7 3/8 not likely a 7 1/8 If ordering make sure of the return policy.

 

[mrshanno]

thanks again...I did bid on(and won) a hat off of OFAS in 7 3/8. It hasn't arrived yet, so hopefully this size will do the trick.

 

[mrshanno]

Thanks for all the help on the hat sizing...after measuring my head many times I thought for sure it would be a 7 3/8 size, but I got the hat and I definitely think I'm a 7 1/4. I guess this is the risk you take when measuring your own head and ordering online. Due to not having a hat shop nearby, I'll be trying again though.

I did receive a nice hat off of OFAS and I really like it except it's too loose. I hope to find another one in 7 1/4 size. It was a Christy's London Foldaway in 7 3/8. I'll be offering it in the classifieds if anyone is interested.

 

[Justdog]

7 1/4

Have a few 7 1/4 if your interested. PM me if you like.

 

[mrshanno]

Justdog,

Can you email or pm me your 7 1/4 hats? I don't seem to have sufficient privileges to private message people on this board. Do you have to have a certain amount of posts before you get priveleges?

thanks

 

[duggap]

Justdog,

Can you email or pm me your 7 1/4 hats? I don't seem to have sufficient privileges to private message people on this board. Do you have to have a certain amount of posts before you get priveleges?

thanks

I believe it is 15 posts before you can PM someone.

 

[mrshanno]

thank you duggap

 

[Justdog]

The dirty truth is that:

-- Sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

-- Sizes vary within a manufacturer (e.g., Resistol is not consistent in my experience).

-- Ovality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and this affects perceived fit.

-- The "correct" way to wear a hat is not set in stone. Two or three fingers above the brow? One or two above the ears? Tastes differ. Brimline position also varies by hat style: A porkpie will generally be higher on the head.

-- Your haircut will affect the fit.

-- A hat will rarely fit you perfectly, and you will have some that you keep a stretcher in, and some that you pad behind the sweatband. (And then you'll get a haircut and everything will change.)

Absolutely agree with your post. Real different even between 2 hats that are the same as in my 2 25's One is calletman lo and the other reg o the style also make the 2 fit a lot different. I am lucky as several of mine could not fit any better. Quality does make a difference but there are occasions where it does not. My best one is the 20 just perfect.

 

[Justdog]

Posts

Justdog,

Can you email or pm me your 7 1/4 hats? I don't seem to have sufficient privileges to private message people on this board. Do you have to have a certain amount of posts before you get priveleges?

thanks

You will have 15 in no time. I have some fedoras an open road or stratoliner clone you will probably like, It is an adams. Have a chocolate btown adams revrse tapper pretty much brand new with the box. Just dont wear them is all.
I like my OR's for now. A wormser lighter brown classic 40 style like a whippet.

 

[mrshanno]

justdog

I'm not really familiar with the wormser or the adams reverse tapper...can you give more details. I don't think I'm interested in the open road types at this time.

thanks!

 

[Justdog]

Wormser

justdog

I'm not really familiar with the wormser or the adams reverse tapper...can you give more details. I don't think I'm interested in the open road types at this time.

thanks!

Wormser in my opinion is a pretty nicely made hat from the 40's The company goes back quite a ways. The reverse tapper in the adams I have slopes back from the peak of the crown.