How to Measure for a Cowboy Hat

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: June 27, 2022 References

Yeehaw! Are you looking to buy a cowboy hat? Believe it or not, cowboy hats aren’t one size fits all. Knowing your hat size can mean the difference between a rodeo-worthy and wannabe look. In this guide, we’ll tell you how you can measure for a cowboy hat, what size hat you are, and how to choose the perfect style. Get ready, cowboys and cowgirls, because we’ve got some heads to measure!

Section 1 of 3:

How to Find Your Hat Size

1
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head. Place the tape measure where you’d like the hat to sit—roughly above your eyebrows, above the ears, and a bit lower in the back.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you have long hair, tie it back in a low, tight ponytail before measuring.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- A string can be used instead of a soft tape measure; just make sure to mark it and measure it with a ruler or tape measure to find your head size.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
2
Tighten the tape measure to how tight you’d like the hat to be. The tape represents the inside rim of the hat. Add some slack for a looser fit or tighten for a more snug fit.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Keep your finger on the tape measure where the tape meets the starting point. Unravel the tape measure and notice the inch number your finger is resting the closest to. This number is your head size or circumference.
- Experts recommend measuring your head more than once to get an accurate measurement.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
4
Compare your head size to a cowboy hat size chart. Each hat company has its own size guide, but they all follow a similar size range. Check the sizing guide of the hat company you’re looking to buy from to see what size you are in their hats.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- 21 ¼ to 21 ⅝ in (54 to 55 cm): Size 6 ¾ and 6 ⅞ (Small)^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- 22 to 22 ⅜ in (55.9 to 56.8 cm): Size 7 and 7 ⅛ (Medium)
- 22 ¾ to 23 ⅛ in (57.8 to 58.7 cm): Size 7 ¼ and 7 ⅜ (Large)
- 23 ½ to 23 ⅞ in (59.7 to 60.6 cm): Size 7 ½ and 7 ⅝ (X-Large)
- 24 ¼ to 25 in (61.6 to 63.5 cm): Size 7 ¾ and 7 ⅞ (2XL)
- 25 ½ in (64 cm): Size 8 (3XL)

Section 2 of 3:

What if you’re between sizes?

If you're in between hat sizes, it’s best to go for the larger size. You can always make a bigger cowboy hat tighter, but you can’t make a smaller hat bigger. All you have to do is stick a hat size reducer tape in the hat by following these steps:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Lift up the inner band of the hat (if your hat has one—not all do).
- Stick the tape along the inside rim of the hat where your head and hat touch.
- Cut off the excess tape and put on the hat.
- Add an extra layer of tape in any spots where the hat’s loose.

Section 3 of 3:

How do you pick a cowboy hat style?

Pick a cowboy hat style that matches your personal style. There are hundreds of cowboy hat styles out there, and there are still so many being created! Each style has its own unique properties and functions. Check out these popular styles and see what you like most:
- Cattleman: Two-rowed crease and squared rim^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Brick: Rectangle crease squared rim^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Pinch Front: Angled crease and downward, rounded rim^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- Gus: Tailored crease and taller end^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Gambler or Telescope: Rounded crease and rim^{[13]
  X
  Research source}