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Big head hats

If most hats feel tight, you are not alone. Here is how to find caps, beanies and brimmed hats that fit a large head.

Hat size calculator

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Enter your head measurement to see your size in every system.

Do you have a big head?

An adult head over about 61 cm (24 in) is large, which is a fitted 7 ⅝ or more. In the ANSUR II survey, only 5 in 100 men measured over 60.1 cm, and only about 4 in 100 wear a 7 ⅝ or larger. One-size caps usually stop around 62 cm, which is why they feel tight on the largest heads.

Sizes to look for

  • Fitted caps: 7 ¾, 7 ⅞, 8, 8 ⅛ and 8 ¼. New Era goes up to 8 ¼ (65.4 cm).
  • Stretch-fit caps: XXL. Flexfit XXL fits up to about 64 cm.
  • Letter sizes: XL, XXL and 3XL. Kangol goes to XXL (63 cm) and Melin XL fits up to 63 cm.
  • Cowboy and dress hats: many western makers go up to 8.
  • Beanies: look for XL or extra-long beanies. Standard one-size beanies stretch to about 61 cm.

Big head hats for men

Most men with a large head wear 7 ⅝ to 8. Deep-crown fitted caps, structured snapbacks with a long strap and wide-brim felt hats in true sizes fit best. Low-profile and unstructured styles tend to sit high on a large head.

Fit tips

  • Buy fitted caps in your exact size rather than an adjustable cap on its last snap.
  • A hatter can stretch a felt hat by about half a size.

How to measure your head

  1. 1 Use a soft tape measure, or a string and a ruler.
  2. 2 Wrap it around your head where the hat will sit: about 1 cm (⅜ in) above your ears and across the middle of your forehead.
  3. 3 Keep the tape level and snug, not tight. Do not pull it in.
  4. 4 Read the number where the tape overlaps. Measure two or three times and use the largest value.
  5. 5 Type the number into the calculator, or find it in the chart.
How to measure

Frequently asked questions

What hat size is a big head?

7 ⅝ and above, which is a head over about 61 cm (24 in).

Where can I buy hats for a big head?

Look for brands that list sizes to 8 or 8 ¼, such as New Era fitted caps, Flexfit XXL and western hat makers. Check the size chart before you order.

Do one-size hats fit big heads?

Usually only up to about 62 cm. Above that, choose an XL or a fitted size.

Related charts

All charts