Hat Sizing Guide

How to Measure Your Head

For the best fit, measure your head before purchasing any vintage hat. Hat sizing was not standardized across decades or makers, so your head circumference is the most reliable measurement to use.

Head Circumference

Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head approximately 1 inch above your eyebrows and ears, at the widest part. Keep the tape level all the way around. This is your primary hat size measurement.

Head Length (Front to Back)

Measure from your forehead (1 inch above your brows) straight back to the most prominent point at the back of your head.

Head Width (Side to Side)

Measure across your head from just above one ear to just above the other ear.


Women's Vintage Hat Size Conversion

Head Circumference US Hat Size UK Hat Size Vintage Label
20.5" / 52cm 6⅜ 6⅜ XS
21" / 53cm XS–S
21.5" / 54.5cm 6⅝ 6⅝ S
22" / 56cm S–M
22.5" / 57cm 6⅞ 6⅞ M
23" / 58.5cm 7 7 M–L
23.5" / 59.5cm 7⅛ 7⅛ L
24" / 61cm L–XL

Men's Vintage Hat Size Conversion

Head Circumference US Hat Size UK Hat Size Vintage Label
21.5" / 54.5cm 6⅝ 6⅝ S
22" / 56cm S–M
22.5" / 57cm 6⅞ 6⅞ M
23" / 58.5cm 7 7 M
23.5" / 59.5cm 7⅛ 7⅛ M–L
24" / 61cm L
24.5" / 62cm 7⅜ 7⅜ L–XL
25" / 63.5cm XL

A Note on Vintage Hat Sizing

Vintage hats — particularly from the 1940s–1960s — were often sized by number (e.g., 22, 23) referring directly to the head circumference in inches. Some are labeled S/M/L only. Always check the interior measurement of the hat band if listed, as hat sizing was not standardized across makers or decades.

Tip: Most vintage hats have very little stretch. If you are between sizes, size up. If you have questions about a specific hat's fit, feel free to contact us before purchasing.