Size advice please

[trailrunner]

First off, hello to everyone! I've been lurking for a while looking at the pictures of great hats that many of you have posted, and trying to soak up a bit of the hat lore with which this place is inundated.

I have been wearing cheaper wool felt hats while backpacking for years, but I am just now planning to add a hat to my everyday wardrobe. I was about to buy my very first hat for that purpose (Federation IV), but I'm not sure about the size. My head is 58.4 cm, and hatsdirect says to round to the closest size, but I am a bit leery of rounding down. Thoughts on if I should go with a 58 or 59?

Thanks

Paul

 

[Gilgamark]

Welcome

First, welcome. Where in Tennessee are you located?

I found the thread "Felt Hat Basics" very helpful in getting started. On fit, Matt writes,

"FOR THE FIT OF A HAT

"You want a hat that doesn't bind when worn... something you don't have to tug off your head as with time such a tight hat will cause headache. You also don't want the hat falling over your ears.

"With modern hats, if you feel you are in between sizes it is better to go for the larger size. I know you may think you want a snug fit that won't blow away in a gust, though hat leathers tend to get tighter over time with the expansion from moisture then drying out constantly. Modern day felt shrinks."

This is solid advice.

 

[trailrunner]

Re: Welcome

Now that you mention it, I remember reading that just the other day. Good information forgotten in the moment in would have been useful.

I live in Knoxville, been here most of my life. Any hat stores in Nashville that I should make it a point to get there to see?

Thanks for the welcome and for the reminder.

Paul

 

[Not-Bogart13]

It should be pointed out that most people who have bought a Federation have found them to run slightly large.

 

[Gilgamark]

Good point

Good point on the brand. I'm learning that sizes definitely vary by brand.

 

[RBH]

Welcome to the Lounge trailrunner, you are gonna have fun here!!!
by the way check out this thread...

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=33307

Holler back if you can make it!

 

[Dewhurst]

I'm not sure where that 58.4 cm puts a hat on your head, but 58.4 cm is exactly the size of my noggin' where I like the hat to sit.

I can say that a 7 1/4 usually fits pretty good, but can be a bit too snug. Many times I will buy a 7 3/8, and just bring the size down a little with some felt strips so I can get at a size in between the 1/4 and 3/8 for "ultimate" comfort.

Also, since 7 1/4 is about as small as I can go being in between the two sizes, sometimes a 7 3/8 relieves any worries I have over shrinkage (that and a hat-jack).

 

[trailrunner]

Well, since I am so close to a 7 1/4, and the Federations tend to run a little large I went with the 58. Hopefully I will not be sending it back for exchange. Thanks for all the comments.