I have noticed the same thing. "Long oval" is not at all consistent. This 7 1/2 long oval is perfectly flat on the table, but bows significantly when I put it on. I think I am doomed, if that's the right word, to custom fitting.And what Sam Elliot's hat could look like if they had a hatter to fit him properly. Same hat as previous after just a little work with the steam iron for a long oval head shape. This is why folks make the effort to buy a custom fitted felt hat.