Pardon me, my mistake(s). Wrong hat size?

[RadioHead]

Well, I guess it's what they call a "learning experience".

On Monday I recieved the 2 fedoras I had ordered from an online store in Toronto. They're fine hats, but I think I have made a couple of novice's errors.

To begin, my first "real" hat, my Stetson 0181 Bozeman wool felt was bought in Oklahoma city in June. I mostly bought it because I wanted a hat, and this one fit, and didn't look quite like a "cowboy" hat. Besides, it was the only one of its style in the store, and was on clearance for $14.00. How could I lose? Anyway, it was a "Large", and seemed to fit. I therefore assumed that my hat size was "Large".

But just to make sure, before I ordered my new hats, I measured my head as outlined on the website. The measurement was on the cusp between medium and large, and the website advised that in that case, to take the larger size.

Having ordered Large, that's what they sent, bless their corporate hearts.

I now find, after trying both, that the "Bogey" fur felt snap-brim is just about the correct size, but the brim seems too narrow, and the crown looks too low.
The "crushable teardrop" fedora seems frankly too large (just brushes my ears) and the brim is not a "snap brim", so I can't get it to look the way I wanted, although it will be OK to wear in the rain, having a wider brim.

I stand 6 feet in my socks, so add another inch or so for shoes, and I weigh 230 pounds, not even soaking wet, so I'm not a small man.

So now the question: Instead of spending hours or days searching the internet for what I need, can somebody suggest an online dealer who would have a classic style fedora with a wide brim that I can order with a somewhat higher crown? I will keep my present hats, as I can see myself wearing them from time to time, but I'd like a fedora I can wear practically every day and not look too dorky in.

I trust my head to your capable hand and experience.

Thanks

"RadioHead"

 

[Samsa]

First things first, I would have your head measured to see what hat size you actually are (i.e., 7 ,7 1/2, etc.) If there's a hatter near you, go there and try on hats until one fits - then look to see what size it is. Or, get someone to measure your head (you should be able to find tailors tape pretty easily). Then use a conversion chart to convert inches/centimeters to the proper size.

Hat size will also differ depending on the maker. I came across a vintage bowler the other week that was marked 7 1/2 (my size) but didn't fit; it just depends. Buying from an online vendor will always be risky if you don't know your hat size, or if you use "large," "extra large," etc. as the only gauge for what works.

If you have the money, I would recommend (based on reputation) buying a hat from Art Fawcett. Before he makes your hat, he mails a conformer that will measure your head size exactly.

If you don't want to spend that much, get your hat size first, and then check out a site with hats that cost less. Both www.thefedorastore.com and www.millerhats.com have more affordable hats. As to crown size/brim width, www.millerhats.com lists the specs under the description for each hat, so you should be able to find the right style.

Hope that helped!

 

[RadioHead]

Sit down, Alice. Have some tea.

First things first, I would have your head measured to see what hat size you actually are (i.e., 7 ,7 1/2, etc.) If there's a hatter near you, go there and try on hats until one fits

Thanks for the reply. However, I haven't seen a hatter- mad or otherwise- in this city for over 30 years. I don't think there's one in the next 2 closest cities, either. I have seen one or two on the Miller Hats site, though, and might get one of those.

Thanks again.

"RadioHead"

 

[BigSho]

Well if you can't find some one to measure your head you can do it yourself. Just use a string and put it around your head where the hat should sit and then measure that. You can find a conversion chart here http://www.hats-plus.com/hat-sizing.aspx. Large generally tends to equate to a 7 1/4 but because it is in actuallity two sizes it is hard to determine wihtout a measurment.

Jeremy
http://www.hats-plus.com

 

[ledsled]

paper tape measure

www.thefedorastore.com had a nice paper tape measure you could download, print out and measure your head with. It would give you all the size conversions right on the tape. I just did a quick search of Duane's website and could not find a link to it. If he sees reads your message, I'm sure he'll post a link to it. I found that little paper tape to be helpful.

Yeah, figuring out your hat size can be a "learning experience". One of these days I am going to post a few of my lessons for sale! lol

I have also found variation in the same stated hat size between manufacturers. I would recommend getting a little hat stretcher ("hat jack") for less than $20, as well as some hat sizing pads (or whatever you call them). Those can help alter the size and shape slightly to your head.

I swear the SAME hat can fit differently on my head on different days. It makes sense that humidity, temperature, blood pressure, or other factors can have an effect on how it fits. After all, the materials in the hat and our heads are not hardened steel.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I swear the SAME hat can fit differently on my head on different days. It makes sense that humidity, temperature, blood pressure, or other factors can have an effect on how it fits. After all, the materials in the hat and our heads are not hardened steel.

Mine feels like concrete sometimes. lol

I've noticed that my tight hats fit looser in the evening. One of the medical folks here on the Lounge should do a study on scalp physiology as it relates to hat wearing.