Vintage Felt Vaquero Hat

WHAT'S YOUR HEAD SIZE?

Everyone knows their shoe size. Hats? Not so much. But with a few quick measurements, you will know your hat size which, unlike your waist size, will stay the same for the rest of your life.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HEAD AND HAT SIZE USING STRING OR A MEASURING TAPE

This is the traditional way that you can use at home to find your hat size.

What You'll Need:

• String or ribbon
• Ruler
• Hat sizing chart
• Pen or marker
• Standard Measuring Tape

Step 1: Use a Piece of String to Measure Your Head

With the piece of string in your hands, wrap it around the back of your head just slightly above your ears or about 1/8 of an inch higher than your ear tip.

Pull the string around to meet at the center of your forehead just above your eyebrows. If you like your hat to sit a bit higher, you can pull the string around your head exactly to match how your hat rests on your head.

It's important that you don't pull the string too tight. Rather, the string should fit comfortably around your forehead so that it isn't too tight or loose. This should feel exactly the way you want your hat to feel as it rests on your head.

You can mark the distance where the string meets with a pen or marker.

Step 2: Measure the String with a Ruler

Once you have marked the point of circumference on the string, you can lay it flat and place a ruler underneath to find the circumference in inches. You will likely have to measure the size to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Step 3: Using a Measuring Tape 

If you have a measuring tape you can also wrap it around your head. To measure your head size correctly, wrap the tape snugly just above eyebrows and ears. Use our chart to convert the measurement to the correct hat size.

Step 4: Match the Circumference to the Hat Sizing Chart

 

Things to Keep in Mind

• Hat sizing is really based on your comfort level as well. If you prefer that a hat fits snugly for certain designs or you want a cap that fits slightly loose, you should account for that in your sizing. Your comfort matters most of all when picking the true hat size.
• In addition, there are other factors to consider, such as your hairstyle. A hat that is too tight can make your hair stick out in odd ways. Materials and brands can also fit differently. For example, wool and straw may not fit the same hat size.

Extend the life of your hat by properly storing, cleaning, drying & caring for it. Our Hat Care Guide provides easy best practices to keep your hats looking their best.

Your brim is very impressionable! Storage is vitally important to maintaining the shape of your brim. Hats with brims turned down should always be stored upside down. Pressure is taken off the brim by placing the hat on its crown, thus maintaining its form.

Crown care
Be kind to your crown! Excessive handling of your hat's crown can lead to variations from its original structure or form. Get into the habit of picking up your hat, putting it on and taking it off with both your hands on the brim.

Drying your hat
If your hat gets wet, simply place it on its crown in a dry place and allow it some time to dry itself. Your hat will dry by itself. Never attempt to force dry your hat using artificial heat. Hair dryers, radiators, and other sources of high heat will shrink your hat. Before the hat dries, take the time to smooth out any perfections.

Numerous wetting and dryings can result in shrinkage. A hat stretcher is a good defense against this rare event.

HOW TO CLEAN A HAT

Keeping your hat clean is easy. Here are some care tips.

• Wool Felt hats can be cleaned with a soft bristled hat brush or soft sponge. Felt hats must be brushed in a counter-clockwise direction with the crown facing you. When dealing with mud, allow the mud to dry. Once it is dry it will be a great deal easier to brush off. Grease spots can be brushed out with a little cornstarch. Many folks will also use a good dry-cleaner. 
• Straw hats can be brushed. A small whiskbroom can be used for those deeply textured straws. Other straws can be cleaned using a soft brush, sponge, or cloth. A moist cloth is very effective.
• Canvas/Linen hats can be hand washed. Warm water and mild detergent is all you need. Do not attempt to force dry.
• All hats: Remove dust and lint from your hat periodically to avoid deterioration and soiling.