How to know your head size? All our advice

Are you about to order a hat? Are you missing some information to finalize your purchase? Don't know your head size? As a manufacturer of natural raffia hats, IBELIV quickly explains how to measure your head circumference in order to choose the right hat size. Follow the guide!

Why know your head size?

A hat that doesn 't fit is a bit like shoes that are too big or too small: it's uncomfortable and, even if you like the style, you end up not wearing it. That's why it's so important to know your head size when buying a hat, whether it's a safari, panama, cloche or cap!

In fact, the head circumference corresponds to the perimeter of the head in centimetres at the precise point where you are wearing your hat. If you don't take this measurement into account, your hat could be :

Too tight: you won't wear it because it will be uncomfortable;
Too big: you won't be able to position it correctly on your head, and it may blow away in the first gust of wind.

The different methods for measuring head circumference

Need advice on measuring your head circumference? It's easy to measure your head circumference at home, in just a few minutes. We specialize in the manufacture of natural raffia hats from Madagascar, and are happy to act as your guide. Find out how to measure your head circumference quickly with the following two methods.

Measure your head circumference with a tape measure

If you havea tape measure, also known as a dressmaker's tape measure, simply follow the steps below to find out the exact size of your head circumference.

Place the tape measure on your forehead and above your ears, running it up to the back of your head, exactly where you usually position your hats.
Be careful not to overtighten the tape measure.
Note the size of your head in centimetres.

Measuring your head circumference without a tape measure

Not everyone has a tape measure at home. Fortunately, there's a way to find out the size of your head without using a tape measure. Here's how to measure your head size in these conditions.

Use a shoelace or a piece of string.
Position it exactly where your hat will sit.
Use a pen to make a mark where the string crosses.
Place the string on a graduated ruler to determine the size of your head.

Understanding hat sizes

While some hats, such as caps, are often made in one size, most are designed to fit a head circumference calculated in centimeters. Depending on the brand, hat sizes can be expressed in two different ways:

By head size in centimetres: 55 cm, 56 cm, etc. ;
In standard sizes: S, M, L, XL.

If the hat selection you like is sold in standard sizes, simply choose the hat size that matches your head size:

XS: 52/53 cm ;
S: 54/55 cm ;
M: 56/57 cm ;
L: 58/59 cm ;
XL: 60/61 cm ;
XXL: 62/63 cm.

Please note: the correspondence between standard sizes and each head size is given as an indication only. Hat sizes may vary from one manufacturer to another.

Choosing the right hat for your head size

You now know your hat size, whether it's your head circumference in centimetres or the corresponding standard size? But you're still having trouble deciding between two hat sizes? Even after a proper measuring session, most people hesitate between two hat sizes.

If you can't decide between two hat sizes, opt for the larger one.

Measuring your head circumference by the book doesn't guarantee you'll get a round figure that corresponds exactly to commercial hat sizes. In that case, here's our advice: opt for the large hat size if you're hesitating between two sizes. That way, you can be sure of wearing your hat comfortably.

If you're looking for a hat that adapts perfectly to your head size, choose a model from the IBELIV selection.

A fan of made-to-measure? Choose one of the hats from the IBELIV selection. While we draw on ancestral Malagasy know-how to manufacture our raffia hats, we also rely on innovation to set us apart. To offer our customers made-to-measure comfort, we have created a patented system for adjusting the head size of our hats.

What does this innovation consist of? It'sa leather strap specially designed to easily adapt hat size to the wearer's head size. The result: our hats are one size fits all! No need to measure your head size before making your choice. The integrated leather strap allows you to tighten your hat by 1 to 5 cm, depending on your head size.

Some of our hats can be further customized with a hidden frame at the tip. This is particularly true of the SAFARI hat, which you can wear with the brim down or up for your outdoor escapades. It's the perfect choice for a stylish adventure! The same freedom applies to the ROVA hat, which adds a touch of vintage chic to your outfit, Audrey Hepburn style... The SOA hat also retains the shape you give it, thanks to its hidden frame, while revisiting the iconic Safari shape with its openwork cap for elegance and comfort in fine weather.

Do you have further questions about hats? Browse the IBELIV blog for all the information you need. Its content covers all subjects relating to raffia creations (hats, clutches and bags) to guide you in choosing and using your 100% natural accessories. Discover, for example, how to wear a hat or how to choose the right hat by browsing through our articles.