Another 'what size...' question; as regards to vintage

[citRon]

My noggin is right at 22 1/8" or ~56.5 cm, regardless of haircut (which is short, even when its long).
When looking for vintage lids on ebay or other sites where trying them on is not an option, and asking for diameter measurement is wishy-washy, what would the buying experts recommend for sizing? 7 or 7 1/8"
-And I know each hat is different, but would I be better to err on the side of larger, and either pad the sweat or try to shrink it, or go for a 7 and attempt a slight stretch? (I have a wooden stretcher)
Of course it doesn't help that I seem to be a LO either.
Any other measure-mentally challenged individuals with experience with this?

 

[nickn5]

If it helps at all (I'm new to this myself) my head seems to be about 57.2, which means brand new 7 1/4 hats are slightly big and brand new 7 1/8 hats are a snug fit. But vintage hats have usually shrunk ever so slightly (it seems that felt hats always shrink a bit and never stretch through normal wearing), which means I try and aim for 7 1/4 size in vintage, assuming that they are in reality nearer 7 1/8 - so far it's worked.

My smaller test case will be a 1950s Stetson Open Road in 7 1/8 LO, due in the next couple of weeks, will be interesting to see if it goes on or not.

So in your case I'd suggest go for 7 1/8 vintage size. But an expert in these matters might well have a better idea.

N.

 

[Sargon]

I'm in the very same boat as my head is 22 1/16 LO and this puts me between 7 and 7 1/8. I find it can be a crap shoot. I think it's mostly the long oval part that makes it tough. I try not to go by sizes so much as the (often flawed) measurements of the inside circumference. I have found no magic formula for determining if a hat will fit before hand.

 

[MattJH]

I have found no magic formula for determining if a hat will fit before hand.

Nor I. My head is a nearly perfect 24" in circumference, but:

I've found clearly-marked 7 1/2 hats that fit me perfectly.
I've found clearly-marked 7 5/8 hats that fit slightly snug.
I've found clearly-marked 7 5/8 LO hats that are too tight.
I've found clearly-marked 7 3/4 hats that fit me perfectly.
I've found clearly-marked 7 3/4 LO hats that fit me perfectly.

My preference is definitely 7 3/4 for vintage hats and 7 5/8 for modern hats that haven't had the opportunity to warp.

 

[avedwards]

Just guessing, but since vintage hats have denser felt than modern ones, you probably will have trouble shrinking them. Sorry if this doesn't help you much.

 

[Chrome]

I'm too 56.5 and most of my old hats are 58s, shrunk with age naturally. I have aimed at 57-58 range. My new Federation is 57 and now it is great fit but with age I hope it wont shrink too much.

Fortunately nearest millinery is 100 meters from my home

 

[bolthead]

If I were you, I'd go with the 7 1/8, if it's snug you can stretch it. I've gotten quite a few vintage from ebay, take that for what it's worth......[huh]

 

[citRon]

If I were you, I'd go with the 7 1/8, if it's snug you can stretch it. I've gotten quite a few vintage from ebay, take that for what it's worth......[huh]

from seeing your impressive collection, I offer your opinion is valuable!!

...my favorite answer to the 'can you measure the inner diameter' question was "yes, it is 7 1/8" inside diameter."
-I guess it was a hat for a doll.

 

[gtdean48]

...my favorite answer to the 'can you measure the inner diameter' question was "yes, it is 7 1/8" inside diameter."
-I guess it was a hat for a doll.

A 7 1/8" diameter is about a 22.37" in CIRCUMFERENCE which is a human size hat.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

been here before …

Assuming you have a circular head, that is.

It is impossible to calculate the circumference of the inside of a normal (read: oval, not circle) hat with only one measurement. It's almost certain that the actual circumference of the hat will be either significantly smaller than Pi.D (if the 7 1/8 is front to back) or larger than Pi.D (if the 7 1/8 is side to side). Size 7 hats regularly measure up about 7 1/2 or so front to back and 6 3/8 or so side to side. The irregular diameter makes for a difficult circumference calculation.

bk