Measuring Your Child's Hat Size

Just as with other pieces of clothing, when purchasing hats, you may experience varying sizes, styles, shapes, etc. Some children are fussier than others and, if something doesn't fit right, they simply will not wear it. So, getting the right fit becomes essential whether it's hats, shoes, pants, dresses, or what have you.

You probably know what size shoe or shirt your child wears. But is it tricky, measuring a child’s hat size? If you purchase a snapback style cap, there's little to worry about. The adjustability of this hat makes it, more or less, a one-size-fits-all selection. But if you're getting a fitted cap for your child, there will be some measuring and sizing involved.

To help keep your child safe from the sun and snuggly comfortable, how do you go about determining the hat size of your child? Let's find out.

Measuring is Essential

Your child's head circumference will need to be measured in order to get the right hat size. Where the hat typically rests, about 1/2 inch above the eyebrows, is where you will get the estimation of the size of your child's head. First, you'll need a tape measure.

Avoid twisting the tape to keep it as straight as possible. This will allow for more accurate numbers. Keep in mind, however, the way in which your children like to wear their hat and measure accordingly.

Yes, there are varying styles where hat wearing is concerned. Let's explore those.

The Halo Style

For this style of hat wearing, the back of the hat, at the back of your child’s head, sits low while the front is raised. Measuring for this type of hat wearing style means wrapping the tape measure, just above the neck, across the back onto the front of the forehead. The tape should be lower in the back and higher in front and fall anywhere from significantly above the eyebrows to just over them.

Tradition

Sitting low on the forehead, the front tip of the hat’s lining falls just over the eyebrows. Nearly level with the ground (parallel) is where the hat sits in this traditional style. From the center of the back to the forehead, the distance around your child's head can be calculated for this type of measuring/hat wearing style.

Got Your Measurements?

Once you have your measurements, write them down. Remember, it's better to size up if your kid’s head falls between sizes. You may notice that with the halo hat wearing style/measurement, smaller hat sizes may result. If the hat is adjustable, your child will be able to wear it in either the traditional or the halo style, because they can make it smaller or larger at will. Be sure that the hat you pick, in this case, has room on either end.

Age and Hat Measurements

Just as a point of reference, here's a chart depicting typical head measurements versus age:

• 8 to 10 years old – 22.50 inches
• 6 to 8 years old – 21.50 inches
• 3 to 5 years old – 20.50 inches
• 18 to 36 months – 19.50 inches
• 12 to 18 months – 18.50 inches
• 6 to 12 months – 17.50 inches
• 0 to 6 months – 16.50 inches

Note: Depending on brand, style, etc., coordinating inches-to-size may vary.

Hat Heaven Has Kids Hats

Hat Heaven carries more children's hats than you can imagine. Get one to match mom or dad's, or let them pick their own unique style and brand of baseball cap. Whether it's a sports team logo, catchy phrase, cartoon character, or a plain-fronted cap – in an assortment of colors – we've got what you're looking for. Or, more accurately, what your child is looking for.