How Do you Measure A Hat?

[happyfilmluvguy]

the brim width, the crown height, circumference, etc?

 

[MattC]

All Three

The size is the circumfrence of the inside of the crown. If you are buying online, you'd also want to know crown height and brim, so that you'll have an idea if it would look good on you.

 

[Snrbfshn]

I measure...

Brim width on the underside from the outer edge to the bead (or edge of sweat, lacking a bead). Some measure topside to edge of crown. For open crown, with hat of flat surface, I measure along the side of the hat from base of crown to top, usually eyeballing it along the ruler. For a bashed hat I measure height at front of crown and side of crown.

Circumference is tougher. I use a cloth tape and measure in segments from the back of the sweat all the way around. I'll tell you, though, I've had better luck when buying hats getting the seller to accurately measure diameter across front-to-back and side-to-side (ex: 8 1/8" x 6 5/8"). Almost all of my 7 1/4s are within 1/16th inch of each other in both directions.

 

[ScottyBlues]

The same way I measure a man...

...by its integrity.

Or how about something with a Star Trek theme:
I have Spock set the sensors on 'hat'.

Or something a little more current:
I use Google Earth, but only if the hat is big enough to show up in a satellite photo.

Or:
Like any good cut of meat, grind it up and weigh it.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Paper clip method

I also use the cloth tape (tailors type measure) but first I get a handful of the jumbo paper clips and carefully slip them onto the inside sweat band - all around - with the longer part of the clip visible when looking into the upturned hat. Then I can secure the tape measure as I go and be certain when finished that there is no slack or or tight spots. I could then even take a photo of where the measurement (22-9/16" exactly, let's say) meets the beginning of the tape. I'm not in the hat selling biz but I did this to check one that fits well so I know just what my circumference is. G'luck!

 

[Wolfmanjack]

Measuring circumference

I use a belt to measure the inside circumference of a hat. Roll up the belt, place it inside the hat, unroll it until it is snug against the sweatband all around, and then mark the belt where it overlaps. Take out the belt and measure the distance between the two marks with whatever you have handy, e.g., a yardstick.

 

[toobacat]

I also use the cloth tape (tailors type measure) but first I get a handful of the jumbo paper clips and carefully slip them onto the inside sweat band - all around - with the longer part of the clip visible when looking into the upturned hat. Then I can secure the tape measure as I go and be certain when finished that there is no slack or or tight spots. I could then even take a photo of where the measurement (22-9/16" exactly, let's say) meets the beginning of the tape. I'm not in the hat selling biz but I did this to check one that fits well so I know just what my circumference is. G'luck!

I never thought about paper clips. Thanks for the idea!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Several heads are better than one (like hats!)

You're welcome Toobacat. I also like Wolfmanjack's belt idea.

 

[TallT]

Measuring the Hat

Hi Snrbfshn,

YOU WROTE:
Brim width on the underside from the outer edge to the bead (or edge of sweat, lacking a bead).

WHAT IS THE "BEAD"??
IS THE BEAD THE STITCH LINE WHERE THE BRIM IS SEWN TO THE CROWN?

Some measure topside to edge of crown.

ASSUMING THAT YOU ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT BRIM MEASUREMENT.
WHAT IS THE "EDGE OF THE CROWN"??
How can that "the edge of the crown" (if that's where it meets the brim) be accurate after an old Indiana Jones hat like mine has been worn for 15 years. . . and the crown doesn't even meet the brim with any clear-cut line.

For open crown, with hat of flat surface, I measure along the side of the hat from base of crown to top,

Do you mean AT the side of the hat?
ARE YOU MEASURING THE CROWN HEIGHT NOW, OR DOES THIS SOMEHOW STILL RELATE TO THE BRIM?

Thanks,
Terry

 

[Wookiee]

I think they are asking for the method to best measure a diameter while working with a floppy tape measure. If I am correct; my two methods are to use butchers tape around the interior, (will lightly stick to the brim and allows for an accurate reading. You then can simply remove the tape and lay it out straight for an accurate measurement. This method also precludes the need to adjust the measurement if you used a stiff leather belt for the measurement. Some "large" hardware stores now carry tape with the measurements pre-printed on them!
WookieePI

 

[moontheloon]

A front to back and side to side measurement of the hat opening are far more accurate than going through the trouble of getting a circumference measurement if you are not working with a conformature or actual hatters tools

there is also the theory of taking the front to back and side to side measurements... adding them together and dividing the sum by 2 and getting a semi accurate US size measurement ... actually more than semi accurate ... I have found it to be quite accurate

for example a hat that fits me perfectly is 8" front to back ... and 6.5" side to side ... add those together and divide the sum by 2 and you get 7.25 ... which is my exact size

and this way you need nothing more than a simple tape measure

 

[GHT]

To get an accurate size, crisscross the toilet seat with masking tape. Now push your head through stopping just above your forehead at the front and the crown at the back. Flush the lavatory cistern. That part of your head that is wet, you measure.

 

[TheDane]

To get an accurate size, crisscross the toilet seat with masking tape. Now push your head through stopping just above your forehead at the front and the crown at the back. Flush the lavatory cistern. That part of your head that is wet, you measure.

 

[LuvMyMan]

To get an accurate size, crisscross the toilet seat with masking tape. Now push your head through stopping just above your forehead at the front and the crown at the back. Flush the lavatory cistern. That part of your head that is wet, you measure.

Some may need a snorkle for this method....ahaha!

 

[LuvMyMan]

A front to back and side to side measurement of the hat opening are far more accurate than going through the trouble of getting a circumference measurement if you are not working with a conformature or actual hatters tools

there is also the theory of taking the front to back and side to side measurements... adding them together and dividing the sum by 2 and getting a semi accurate US size measurement ... actually more than semi accurate ... I have found it to be quite accurate

for example a hat that fits me perfectly is 8" front to back ... and 6.5" side to side ... add those together and divide the sum by 2 and you get 7.25 ... which is my exact size

and this way you need nothing more than a simple tape measure

This is the easy and perhaps the best way. Super simple!

 

[Rogera]

To get an accurate size, crisscross the toilet seat with masking tape. Now push your head through stopping just above your forehead at the front and the crown at the back. Flush the lavatory cistern. That part of your head that is wet, you measure.

Priceless!

 

[RJR]

Priceless!

!!!!!!.

 

[RJR]

I find the easiest,most accurate way to measure circumference is to use masking tape around the inside of the sweat.Mark where it meets,remove it,lay it flat and measure the length.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

I find the easiest,most accurate way to measure circumference is to use masking tape around the inside of the sweat.Mark where it meets,remove it,lay it flat and measure the length.

Blue painter's masking tape might be best.

But I have had good results just working a cloth measuring tape around the sweatband with my thumbs. Did it several times and got a repeatable result which later proved to be quite accurate.

Another possibility is to take it to a western store or good hatter and ask them to check it for you. In this area, they would be happy to do it for you.

 

[jonbuilder]

I place the hat on a hat stretcher open to the stretcher until it fills the hat with out being snug and measure around the stretcher just below the hat brim.