(Is)There is no such thing as the same size of hat

[daizawaguy]

Following the various hat size threads and the recent `hat size frustration` thread, whilst I agree that the same model should fit exactly the same for a given size (Akubra Fed 59cm, say), I would argue that depending on where you want the hat to sit on your head (depth of crown plays a role) and the `fit` (i.e. tighter fit for windy day hats etc.) you could well be a size or a half size different in different hats. For example, a snug fit for a light felt (59) and a looser for a warm weather straw (60). So, that means that the "I am a 59" does not mean that always a theoretically perfect 59 will be the best for all occasions and style of hat and position on your head....how do you feel about that?

 

[Feraud]

I rarely encounter hat sizes drama. Certain vintage felts run slightly tighter or looser in my size. I've yet to encounter the sizing issues I've read about.

 

[Woodfluter]

My sizing experience, while vastly less than Feraud's, matches his. The occasional vintage hat will have shrunk a little, but you can usually see that - the sweatband has gone wavy - and it's fixable.

But Daizawaguy's point is about sizing as related to how you want to wear a particular hat. And I think it's a good one. I have some that are slightly looser, look OK farther down on my head and are nicer to wear in hot weather as long as there's not too much wind, and others that can be worn a bit higher and jammed down firmly when the wind blows. And yet others that have to be a little smaller and ride higher because there just isn't enough headroom in the crown!

- Bill

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I do understand the point, and I have noticed that I favor hats in some situations based on how they fit. However, I have also noticed that there are indeed some hats that fit me so perfectly that fit would never be a factor in choosing.

Therefore, for me, there is such as thing as "the right size" for all situations. It's just so rare that I'm forced to deal with what Feraud might call "size drama." So, in theory, if I liked how a perfect, true 60cm fit me, and the entire industry could crank out the exact same 60's across the board... Can you say "utopia?"

Well... except for the low crown thing. I mean, if my head is too tall for a hat, the hat size really doesn't figure in anymore.

 

[Woodfluter]

I do understand the point, and I have noticed that I favor hats in some situations based on how they fit. However, I have also noticed that there are indeed some hats that fit me so perfectly that fit would never be a factor in choosing.

Therefore, for me, there is such as thing as "the right size" for all situations. It's just so rare that I'm forced to deal with what Feraud might call "size drama."

Yeah, precisely.

One reason I so frequently opt to don Heritage-grade Akubras is (1) I've discovered that a 59 cm will fit like a 59.5 which is my real size, (2) they don't shrink and will stay true to size and shape, and (3) they can be replaced if something weird happens. Despite their not being as nice as my vintage hats.

However, some hats are so absolutely cool that for a specific occasion, it's worth putting up with odd things like a slightly different fit that might not matter in some settings. And a slightly looser hat is cooler in another sense, in hot weather. To me anyway. Talking small differences here.

Is that worth it? Well if I'm travelling far and light, no way I'd pick a panama as my default, wear anytime hat. But I love 'em anyway.

In general, I agree with you Not-Bogart. The perfect fit is rare. The Cavanagh in my current avatar is a rare exception, but I'd hate to damage or lose it, and the dark color doesn't work with summer. So out come the others...

- Bill

 

[CRH]

Your quandary is both philosophical and practical, Dman.

I can't help but think that this type of question would have been at least somewhat common at the local men's clothier back in the day when even small towns had at least one store that stocked some felt hats in various sizes.

I can wear a tight 58 that rides high or a loose 58 that rides low and needs a shim. This means that I can wear a loose 57 high rider or tight 59 whith a shim .

My preference is for the hat to ride low with enough tilt so that the brim just barely touches the top of my left ear - it makes me feel secure like a binky :eusa_doh:.