Cowboy Hat Size and Fitting Guide: What You Need to Know

Finding the right cowboy hat size isn’t just about comfort. It’s about making sure your hat fits the way it should, whether you're working the ranch or heading into town. A poor cowboy hat fit can leave you with a hat that slides around or just doesn’t sit right on your head.

In this cowboy hat fitting guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about cowboy hat sizes. Whether you’re buying your first hat or replacing an old favorite, we’ll help you find the right fit.

 

How Should a Cowboy Hat Fit?

A well-fitting cowboy hat should feel secure without being tight. It shouldn’t slide around when you move your head, but it also shouldn’t leave marks on your forehead. The right fit strikes a balance—snug enough to stay put, comfortable enough to wear all day.

Several factors can affect how a hat fits, including:

• Head Shape – Some people have round heads, others more oval. Most cowboy hats are oval-shaped by default.
• Hat Style – Different crown shapes or brim widths can affect how a hat sits.
• Material – Felt hats may conform more with wear, while straw or palm-leaf hats tend to hold their shape.

Here’s what to look for in a proper fit:

• The hat sits about ½" to 1" above your eyebrows and ears.
• There’s a light grip around your head, especially just above the temples.
• You should be able to tilt your head forward or backward without the hat falling off.
• It shouldn’t feel like it’s squeezing or pinching at any point.

If the hat leaves deep marks, causes a headache, or feels wobbly, it’s not the right size. It might need a fit adjustment, or you need to find a better size.

 

How to Measure Cowboy Hat Size

Before you buy a hat, it’s important to measure your cowboy hat size the right way. A small mistake with the tape can mean a poor fit, so take your time and follow these simple steps for the best result.

1. Use a flexible measuring tape - Cloth or tailor’s tape works best. If you don’t have one, use a string and then measure it against a ruler.
2. Wrap the tape around your head - Measure where the hat will sit: about ½" above your eyebrows and just above your ears. Make sure the tape is level all the way around—not tilted up or down in the back.
3. Keep the tape snug, but not tight - It should feel like a comfortable hat fit—not pinching or loose. Don’t pull too hard or leave extra slack.
4. Take note of the measurement - Record it in inches and centimeters, if possible. Most hat sizing charts use inches or fitted sizes like 7 ¼, 7 ⅜, etc.
5. Double-check the fit - Try measuring twice to be sure. Small differences can affect your final size, especially if you're between two.

 

Cowboy Hat Size Chart

Once you’ve measured your head, use our handy cowboy hat sizes chart to find your size. This chart also shows how head size translates into standard hat sizes. Note: If you're between sizes, go up one size, and measure at the widest part above your eyebrows and ears.

Youth Cowboy Hat Size Chart

Kids’ hats typically follow the same measurement system but come in smaller sizes. They may also be labeled differently depending on the brand. Use the chart below to match your child's head measurement to their youth cowboy hat size.

 

How to Make a Cowboy Hat Fit Tighter

If your cowboy hat feels a little loose, you don’t always need to size down or buy a new one. There are a few easy ways to make it fit more snugly and stay in place better.

• Add hat sizing tape or foam strips - These are adhesive inserts that stick to the inside of the sweatband. You can place them at the front, back, or sides to reduce the overall fit without changing the shape of the hat.
• Use a hat liner or sweatband insert - A padded liner adds comfort while also tightening the fit slightly. Some are designed to absorb sweat too, which helps during long wear.
• Wear it with your preferred hairstyle - For those with longer hair, how you wear your hair can affect how snug the hat feels. A low ponytail or braid can give the back of the hat more grip.
• Try a hat shrink spray or steam method - Some felt hats can be slightly shrunk using steam, but this should be done carefully or with professional help—especially if the hat is expensive or made of delicate materials.

 

Helpful Tips for Finding Your Cowboy Hat Size

Already measured your head and checked the size chart? Here are a few more things that can help you get the best possible fit. These tips may be especially useful if you're between sizes or buying your first cowboy hat. 

• Try on hats late in the day - Your head can swell slightly throughout the day, especially in warm weather. Trying on hats in the afternoon gives you a more accurate sense of how they’ll fit during real-world wear.
• Match the fit to how you’ll wear it - Some folks wear their hat flat and low; others tilt it back or perch it higher on the crown. Measure and choose your size based on how you naturally wear your hat.
• Account for seasonal changes - Felt hats worn in winter may feel different than straw hats worn in summe. A slightly looser fit might be more comfortable in cold weather with added layers.
• Check brand sizing before you buy - Not all cowboy hat brands use identical sizing. A size 7 in one brand may feel tighter or looser in another. If you're loyal to a brand, use their official chart for the most accurate match.
• When in doubt, size up and use inserts - It's easier to make a hat fit tighter than to stretch one that's too small. If you're between sizes, go with the larger size and use foam tape or a hat liner if needed.

 

Shop Cowboy Hats That Fit Right

A well-fitting cowboy hat doesn’t just look better. It feels better, too. Knowing your size and how different hats fit makes it easier to find one you’ll actually enjoy wearing.

Shop our collection of cowboy hats online or swing by our store for the full experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Hat Fit

• What size cowboy hat do I wear?
  You should wear a size that fits just above your eyebrows and ears, resting snugly without squeezing. Measure your head with a measuring tape and match the number to our cowboy hat size chart to find the best fit.
  
  
• What is the biggest cowboy hat size?
  The biggest cowboy hat size is typically 8 ⅛, which fits a head circumference of about 26 ½ inches or 67 cm. Not all brands carry sizes this large, so you may need to special order or look for extended size ranges.
  
  
• Are cowboy hat sizes the same as fitted hats?
  No, cowboy hat sizes are not always the same as fitted baseball hats. While they may use similar numbers, cowboy hats can vary by brand, shape, and fit. Always refer to the hatmaker’s size chart instead of assuming they match.