The appeal of hats depends not only on the style and design but also the hat size that ensures a perfect fit. A hat must sit on your head perfectly and positioned in the way you want to make it appear as if just made for you. Moreover, the right fit means a comfortable fit which allows you to keep the hat on as long as you wish. No style would work for you unless the hat size is perfect and you will never be able to come to terms with ill-fitted hats and finally discard it. Striking the right balance between the head size and the hat style is crucial because all styles of hats might not be available in all sizes. Big hats for women mostly belong to the group of sun hats although other styles are also available but not as many as sun hats.
Big hats for big heads
Let us first be clear about what we mean by big hats because it can have dual meaning. Big hats mean hats like the sun hats that have large circumference and ideal for offering maximum shade and protection from the harmful UV rays of sunlight. At the same time the term big hats points at the head size or hat size specified by the internal diameter of the crown that ensures proper fit. Hats of sizes X, XXL and XXL usually come under the category of big hats meant for larger head sizes.
For example X means large hats that have a crown diameter of 71/2 to 75/8 and the circumference of the brim is between 231/2 to 237/8 inches or 60-61 cm.
XXL hats have a crown diameter of 73/4 to 77/8 corresponding to a circumference of 241/4 to 245/8 inches or 62-63 cm.
XXXL hats are for the largest size of head 8 inches and above with a circumference of 25 to 253/8 inches or 64-65 cm.
Women need not worry much about the head size
When we talk about women’s hats of big size it mostly refers to the outer size of hats represented by the circumference of the brim. It means that big hats for women are usually the sun hats which obviously have large circumference. The head size of women does not impact the overall hat size because women’s head sizes are more or less of a standard size with minimal difference. It makes the task of selecting hats easy because it is like one size fits all. However, it is possible that some odd woman will have a large head that defies the convention and for all practical purposes it makes perfect sense to measure the head size first instead of assuming it to be within the standard range.
The standard size of women’s hats
Hat makers produce women’s hats mostly in a single size by keeping in mind the least variation in the head size of women. The average head size can well adapt between the head sizes of 21.5 inches and 22.5 inches which is the most preferred size of women’s hats. Indeed, there are some exceptions but those only help to prove the rule. However, this is a generalized approach much like following the rule of the thumb because the hat sizes can vary between designers. The style often guides the hat size and some styles are specifically meant for smaller or bigger heads. However, it is important to maintain some flexibility and some designs have a drawstring or an adjustable inner band that ensure the proper fit.
How to know your head size
The perfect hat is perfect not only it its style and function but even the size that influences the fit. The right fit of hat can enhance your looks and complement any outfit. Never would anyone try to wear a hat that does not fit well and needs frequent tending to ensure that it not only remains in place but also positioned at the desired angle. Hats that tend to slide down and cover your eyes are most unwanted.
Measuring your head or more precisely the circumference of your head by wrapping a measuring tape around the forehead is the way to determine your head size. Place the measuring tape about an inch above the ears to get the most accurate head size. If a measuring tape is not available use a string to measure the circumference and then place the string against the ruler to note the dimensions.
Know the hat size
On knowing the size of your head refer to the chart of hat sizes to see whether your head size is small, medium, large, extra large (XL), XXL or XXXL specified by various ranges mentioned in both inches and centimeters.
The average size of hats is between 53 and 58 centimeters and if your size does not match exactly with any one size but falls in between add 1/8 inch to arrive at the correct size.
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