Hat Sizing

Heads come in all sizes, and in a surprising variety of shapes. Although high quality hats are adaptable, and will usually conform to differences in shape with a little wearing, it is essential that the size be correct for the head.

To determine your hat size, measure the circumference around your head, keeping the tape level and firm, across the temples and above the eyebrow ridges. If you do not have a tape measure, download, print and assemble our hat tape here: hat_tape.pdf. Check the size chart given below. For in-between measurements use the next size up.

For more help, please view our video snippet on how to measure your head for a hat:

Circumference of head where hat brim sits:

Inches 2118 21½ 2178 22¼ 2258 23 23½ 2378 24¼ 2458 25 25½
US Hat Size 678 7 718 738 758 778 8 818
Metric Size 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

Most of the Akubra Hats, many of the Tilley Hats we carry and the Stormy Kromer Cap are offered in sizes 54 (6¾) through 63 (778) , with a number of hats available in size 64 (8). The Snowy River is available in size 65 (818) (and smaller).

For hats offered in S-M-L increments, determine your hat size first, then check to see which increment covers your hat size, as this often varies from one manufacturer to another. For the light weight canvas hats for hot weather use you may prefer a hat a little larger than your normal size.

Manufacturer/Size S M L XL XXL
BC Hats   7 - 718 7¼ - 738 7½ - 758 7¾ - 778
Panama Hats 6¾ - 678 7 - 718 7¼ - 738 7½ - 758 7¾ - 778
Tilley Hats 678 - 7 718 - 7¼ 738 - 7½ 758 - 7¾ 778 - 8

Check the Fit
When your hat arrives, check the fit before wearing to make sure you have ordered the correct size:

1. The sweatband inside the hat should fit securely on the head without binding.

2. For some in-between sizes, and for some head shapes, greater comfort may be attained by placing felt pads inside the sweatband. Felt pads are enclosed with Akubra hats and our Panama hats.

3. The top of the crown should not be so low that it touches the top of your head and prevents the hat from coming down far enough to seat properly. If it does, with a leather or cloth hat you may need a smaller size. With an Akubra fur felt hat the top can be adjusted. Check the information sheet supplied with the hat, or check our Hat Frequently Asked Questions page.

If the hat does not fit, recheck your hat size, and exchange your hat for the correct size. Hats in unused condition can be returned for exchange or refund within 90 days of purchase (see Customer Service, Returns and Exchanges and Repacking Your Akubra). Payment for foreign shipments must be by credit card or money order in US funds.

For more information ...
Please follow the links below for more information about our hats and hat care.

Hat Care
Hat Renovators
Hat FAQs
Bashing Your Open Crown Akubra
Hat Manual (pdf)

Repacking Your Akubra
Returns/Reorder Form (pdf)

Akubra Hats
Fedoras & City Hats
The Man from Snowy River
Waltzing Matilda

Banjo Paterson Hat
Banjo Paterson Hat
by Akubra
 $255.00 
Panama Fedora
Panama Fedora
by David Morgan
 $130.00 
Cattleman Hat
Cattleman Hat
by Akubra
 $215.00 
Hat Stretcher
Hat Stretcher
 $34.00 
Hat Feathers
Hat Feathers
 $9.00