How to choose the right hat when shopping online
I am so used to trying on Hats to choose a favorite. What is your advice on when we cannot try them before ordering?
I am so glad I saw this comment on one of my recent hat posts. It is a valued question. How do you know what to choose when shopping online, sans being able to try on? Here is a little guide to help you in that decision process.
The first step is to know your head size.
Whether shopping for a hat in person or online, knowing your head size will help the process.
Two ways to measure your head:
- Take a tape measure and place it around the circumference of your head (about an inch above your ears and eyebrows.) Do not pull it tightly or too loose - go for a natural fit. I recommend measuring 3x to make sure you have the correct number.
- If you do not have a tape measure, use a long string, do the same step above, and mark the string where it meets up. Using a laptop or desktop, look up an online ruler - you can measure your string from there.
Want a little video tutorial? Click HERE.
Click HERE for an online ruler.
All KC Hats have an adjustable headsweat inside to customize a great fit. The ribbon can be tied or loosened up to fit your needs the day (big hair day, fresh haircut, etc.).
Sizing Suggestions:
The following are good basics for finding what hat will suit you. Everyone is different, and it is about what YOU like. These are my suggestions.
Wide face - You will look great in a brim of 2" or more. You favor a square/rounded crown (not narrow or pointy.)
Narrow face - Hats are easy for you. You can wear pretty universal with brims and crowns.
Small face - Try a narrow crown and not too wide of a brim, 4” max.
Tall - You can rock a wide brim with ease. I would not recommend a close-fitting cloche hat unless it has a brim to balance proportion.
Medium height - you can wear anything brim-width.
Petite - 4” max on brims. This gives you the look of a wider brim without a mushroom effect. You are perfect for cloches. You will likely feel perfect for fedoras in a 2 1/2" - 3" brim.
Crown Heights
Crown heights, like most of the suggestions, are a preference thing. Some people want that tall crown, and others prefer a shorter crown. At KC Hats, the crown heights I choose I know work for proportion and style factors. Unless you are going for a Boater, I recommend a 4" crown height. Any lower and the hat will not feel like it is fitting on your head.
I hope these tips help in your decision process the next time you want that hat you saw online and wonder how it will look on you.
The most important takeaway I can offer you is that your style is just that, Your Personal Style. If you put on confidence with what you are wearing - you can BEYOND pull it off - you can make a major statement.
And if you are wondering if you have the confidence to wear that hat you have been eyeing, all you need to do is put it on, head out for the day or evening, and hear the compliments that will fly your way. The best compliments are from strangers who see you. These are unbiased comments from someone who does not know you or your style. They SEE you and state how amazing you look.
Who doesn't love that?
At KC Hats, I do offer personal consultations. You can find out more about this process by sending me an inquiry HERE.