How to Choose a Hat

How to Choose a Hat — Complete Guide to Face Shape, Size & Material

Hats are tricky online. You can't try them on. Sizes vary. And the wrong hat for your face shape just looks... off.

This guide covers everything — from measuring your head to matching hats to your face — so you buy with confidence.

Step 1 — Measure Your Head (Hat Size Basics)

You'll need: soft measuring tape.

How to measure:

  • Wrap tape around your head

  • Place it about 1/2 inch above your ears

  • Go across the mid-forehead (not too low)

  • Keep tape level, not too tight

Standard hat size chart:



Head Circumference (inches) Head Circumference (cm) US Size UK/EU Size
21" - 21.5" 53 - 55 cm 6 5/8 - 6 3/4 Small
21.5" - 22.5" 55 - 57 cm 6 7/8 - 7 Medium
22.5" - 23.5" 57 - 59 cm 7 1/8 - 7 1/4 Large
23.5" - 24.5" 59 - 62 cm 7 3/8 - 7 1/2 XL
24.5" - 25.5" 62 - 65 cm 7 5/8 - 7 3/4 XXL

If between sizes: Size up. Use hat sizing tape (foam strip) to tighten.

One-size hats: Most stretch (knit beanies) or have adjustable straps. They fit 95% of adults (21" to 24").

Step 2 — Match Hat to Face Shape

This is the biggest factor in how a hat looks on you.

How to determine your face shape:

  • Pull hair back

  • Trace your face outline in a mirror

  • Compare to shapes below

Oval face (ideal for hats, balanced proportions):

  • Length about 1.5x width

  • Forehead slightly wider than jaw



Works with Avoid
Almost any hat style Very narrow brims

Round face (width and height similar, soft curves):

  • Cheeks are widest part

  • Jawline is rounded



Works with Avoid
Fedora, trilby, newsboy cap, beanies worn back Round-crown hats, bucket hats

Square face (strong jaw, broad forehead):

  • Forehead and jaw similar width

  • Angular features



Works with Avoid
Fedora, cloche, beanies, newsboy cap Flat caps, very structured hats

Heart face (wide forehead, narrow chin):

  • Forehead widest

  • Chin pointed



Works with Avoid
Baseball cap, beanies, bucket hat, cloche Wide-brim fedora (overwhelms chin)

Long/oblong face (longer than wide):

  • Forehead, cheeks, jaw similar width



Works with Avoid
Wide brims, bucket hat, cloche, beanie worn low High crowns (adds height)

Step 3 — Hat Types by Season

Winter hats (warmth):



Type Material Warmth Style
Beanie Wool, acrylic, cashmere Medium-High Casual
Trapper hat Fur/faux fur, fleece Very High Rugged, cold weather
Pom-pom beanie Wool, acrylic High Playful, casual
Newsboy cap Wool, tweed Medium Vintage, dressy-casual
Bucket hat (lined) Cotton, fleece-lined Low-Medium Streetwear, casual

Summer hats (sun protection):



Type Material UPF Rating Style
Baseball cap Cotton, polyester Low (face only) Sporty, casual
Wide-brim sun hat Straw, nylon UPF 50+ Beach, garden
Bucket hat Cotton, nylon Low-Medium Streetwear, fishing
Panama hat Toquilla straw Medium Elegant, vacation
Visor Cotton, mesh Low Tennis, active

Year-round/all-season:



Type Material Best For
Fedora Wool, felt, straw Dressy-casual, versatile
Flat cap Wool, cotton, tweed Classic, Irish/English style
Beret Wool, cotton Artistic, French style
Boonie hat Cotton, nylon Hiking, outdoor

Step 4 — Material Guide (What to Look For)



Material Season Durability Breathability Care
Wool Winter Excellent Good Dry clean or hand wash
Cashmere Winter Good Excellent Dry clean only
Acrylic Winter Good Low Machine wash
Cotton Summer Good Excellent Machine wash
Straw Summer Fair Excellent Spot clean only
Nylon/Polyester Year-round Excellent Low Machine wash
Fleece Winter Good Medium Machine wash
Leather Year-round Excellent Low Wipe clean

What we sell: Wool beanies, cotton caps, straw sun hats, and more. Check product descriptions for exact materials.

Step 5 — Brim Size Guide



Brim Size Type Best Face Shape Coverage
1-2" Short (baseball, fedora) Oval, square Minimal sun
2-3" Medium (fedora, trilby) Most shapes Good
3-4" Wide (sun hat, Panama) Oval, long Face + neck
4" plus Extra wide (beach hat) Long Full sun protection

General rule: Smaller faces = smaller brims. Larger faces = larger brims.

Step 6 — Sun Protection (UPF Explained)

For summer hats, UPF matters.



UPF Rating Protection Level Blocks
UPF 15-24 Good ~93% UV
UPF 25-39 Very Good ~96% UV
UPF 40-50+ Excellent ~98% UV

What we sell: Look for UPF 50+ labels on our summer sun hats.

Hat vs sunscreen: A UPF hat is more reliable than sunscreen (no reapplication needed). Best is both.

Step 7 — How a Hat Should Fit

Beanie:

  • Sits about 1/2" above ears

  • Can be worn cuffed or slouchy

  • Not too tight (no headache)

  • Not too loose (won't stay down)

Baseball cap:

  • Snug but not tight

  • Brim curves slightly (not flat)

  • Ends about 1/2" above ears

  • Adjustable strap not maxed out

Fedora/wide brim:

  • Fits like a firm handshake

  • Leaves slight red mark (not deep)

  • About 1/2" to 1" space above ears

  • Brim doesn't flop down over eyes

Step 8 — Hat Care (Make It Last)

Wool beanies:

  • Hand wash cold with wool detergent

  • Lay flat to dry (never dryer)

  • Store folded, not stretched

Cotton caps:

  • Machine wash cold

  • Air dry (dryer shrinks)

  • Use hat form to maintain shape

Straw hats:

  • Spot clean with damp cloth

  • Never submerge in water

  • Store in box, not crushed

  • Don't leave in hot car (warps)

Leather hats:

  • Wipe with damp cloth

  • Condition every 6 months

  • Keep away from rain

Fedora/felt hats:

  • Brush with soft hat brush

  • Steam to remove wrinkles

  • Store upside down (on crown, not brim)

Step 9 — Hat Etiquette (When to Remove)

Remove indoors:

  • Restaurants (at table)

  • Someone's home

  • Churches, temples

  • Theaters, concerts

  • Offices, job interviews

Keep on indoors:

  • Airports, train stations

  • Hallways, lobbies

  • Elevators

  • Your own home

Pro tip: When in doubt, take it off. Better to be polite than wrong.

Step 10 — Shipping, Returns & Duties for US Buyers

  • Free worldwide shipping — including all 50 US states

  • Duties and taxes included — no surprise fees

  • 30-day easy returns — no restocking fee

  • Try on at home. Keep tags attached.

FAQ — Quick Answers

How do I know my hat size without measuring?
Order one-size hats (most stretch). Or use a string around your head, then measure the string against a ruler.

What hat is best for a round face?
Fedora, trilby, or newsboy cap. Avoid round crowns and bucket hats.

Can I wear a wool beanie in summer?
No — too hot. Switch to cotton or straw for warm weather.

Do you ship to all US states?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam.

What's your return policy?
30-day returns. Unworn, tags attached. No restocking fee.

How do I fix a stretched-out beanie?
Hand wash in hot water, then dry on low heat (check care label first). Or sew elastic thread into the ribbing.

© Family Shopolf — Premium hats for every season. Free shipping to the US. Duties included.