Hats for Big Heads: How to Find One That Actually Fits

Short answer: Measure around your head just above your ears and eyebrows, then match the number to a size chart. On ours, XX-Large fits a 24 3/8 to 24 3/4 inch head (size 7 3/4 to 7 7/8) and XXX-Large fits 25 1/8 inches (size 8). If you land between two sizes, go up one and use a size insert to snug the fit.

If a hat sits on top of your head instead of on it, leaves a red line across your forehead, or blows off the first time the wind picks up, the problem isn't your head. The hat is the wrong size. Here's how to find one that fits, and the styles we make for bigger heads.

Step 1: Measure your head

Use a soft tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap it around your head where a hat sits, about a finger's width above your ears and eyebrows. Keep it level and snug, not tight. Measure twice and take the bigger number.

Want to see it done? Our head measuring guide walks through it step by step.

Step 2: Find your size

Match your measurement to our hat size chart. These are the larger sizes:

Our hats run true to size, so the chart is the size you'll get. If you measure 23 1/2 to 24 inches, you're an X-Large, and most of our hats come in that size. If you measure 24 3/8 inches or more, look for XX-Large or XXX-Large.

Step 3: Pick a style that suits a bigger head

A wider brim balances a larger head, so outback, safari and boater styles are a good place to start. Here are styles we make in XX-Large, and some in XXX-Large:

• Outback hats: the Indy Jones and Bounty Hunter in water-resistant cotton (both up to XXX-Large), the Jackeroo Crushable Wool, and the Down Under and Lone Wolf in leather.
• Sun and water hats: the Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh, the Airflow and the Tarpon Springs, which floats (all three up to XXX-Large).
• Bucket hats: the Aussie Surf Organic Cotton, the Weathered Cotton Bucket and the Seven Mile Surf.
• Cowboy hats: the American Cowboy in a wool and Bolivian cashmere blend, in 7 3/4 (XX-Large).
• Caps and dress hats: the Merrik and Sinclair newsboy caps, the Bowler (Derby) Wool Hat and the Edward Australian Wool Top Hat.

See every style in one place: hats for big heads, or shop men's and women's hats for big heads.

What about cowboy hats?

Yes, we have one in your size. The American Cowboy comes in 7 3/4, which is XX-Large on our size chart. It's a wide-brim cowboy hat in a wool and Bolivian cashmere blend, with a 4 1/4 inch brim. Most of our other cowboy hats go up to X-Large (23 1/2 to 24 inches). If you need bigger than 7 3/4, a wide-brim outback hat like the Bounty Hunter gives you a similar western look and comes up to XXX-Large.

Women's hats for big heads

Most of our women's styles for bigger heads come in XX-Large, and some in XXX-Large. Our women's straw sun hats come in One Size Up instead: it fits 23 1/4 to 23 1/2 inches (a Large) and flexes up to an X-Large. See them all in women's hats for big heads.

Getting the fit just right

• A little loose? Every hat comes with two free size inserts. Add one to take up the extra room.
• A little snug? Some hats can be eased out a bit. Our guides show how to stretch a hat and shape and stretch a leather hat.
• Between sizes? Go up one size and use an insert. It's easier to snug a hat that's slightly big than to stretch one that's too small.

Frequently asked questions

What hat size is a big head?

On our size chart, XX-Large fits 24 3/8 to 24 3/4 inches (size 7 3/4 to 7 7/8) and XXX-Large fits 25 1/8 inches (size 8).

Do your hats run small?

No. Our hats run true to size, so measure your head and match it to our size chart.

Do you make cowboy hats in XX-Large?

Yes. The American Cowboy comes in 7 3/4, which is XX-Large on our size chart. Most of our other cowboy hats go up to X-Large (23 1/2 to 24 inches).

What if my hat is a little loose?

Every hat comes with two free size inserts. Add one for a snugger fit.

Every hat is handmade and comes with our Limited Lifetime Guarantee (50% off if lost or stolen). Shipping is free in the US over $79. Shop hats for big heads.