Finding your perfect hat size takes less than two minutes. Follow our simple guide, use our size calculator, and order with complete confidence.
All you need is a soft measuring tape — or a piece of string and a ruler. Measure once, measure correctly, and your hat will fit perfectly the first time.
Use a flexible fabric or plastic measuring tape. If you don't have one, use a piece of string or ribbon and measure it against a ruler afterwards.
Place the tape approximately 1 cm above your ears and across the middle of your forehead — where you would naturally wear a hat.
The tape should sit comfortably against your head — not loose and not pulling. A good hat should feel secure without pressing.
Read your measurement in centimeters. Then use our size chart below or our calculator to find your perfect hat size.
Take the measurement twice to confirm. If the two readings differ slightly, use the larger measurement to ensure a comfortable fit.
Measure in the evening rather than first thing in the morning — your head can be very slightly larger later in the day after normal fluid retention, giving you the most accurate fit measurement.
Find your head circumference in the table below. All our hats are listed by centimeter measurement.
| Head Circumference (cm) | Head Circumference (inches) | US Hat Size | UK Hat Size | EU Hat Size | Size Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 – 54.9 cm | 21¼ – 21⅝" | 6¾ | 6⅝ | 54 | XS |
| 55 – 55.9 cm | 21⅝ – 22" | 6⅞ | 6¾ | 55 | S |
| 56 – 56.9 cm | 22 – 22⅜" | 7 | 6⅞ | 56 | S–M |
| 57 – 57.9 cm | 22⅜ – 22¾" | 7⅛ Popular | 7 | 57 | M |
| 58 – 58.9 cm | 22¾ – 23⅛" | 7¼ Popular | 7⅛ | 58 | M–L |
| 59 – 59.9 cm | 23⅛ – 23½" | 7⅜ | 7¼ | 59 | L |
| 60 – 60.9 cm | 23½ – 24" | 7½ | 7⅜ | 60 | L–XL |
| 61 – 61.9 cm | 24 – 24⅜" | 7⅝ | 7½ | 61 | XL |
| 62 – 62.9 cm | 24⅜ – 24¾" | 7¾ | 7⅝ | 62 | XXL |
| 63+ cm | 24¾"+ | 7⅞+ | 7¾+ | 63+ | Custom |
Enter your head circumference below and we'll tell you your perfect hat size right away.
If your measurement falls exactly between two sizes, always order the larger size. A hat that is very slightly loose can be adjusted with hat sizing tape inside the sweatband. A hat that is too small cannot be enlarged easily.
Panama hats are made from natural straw which responds slightly to humidity and temperature. In humid conditions the hat may feel very slightly snugger — this is completely normal and not a defect.
If your head circumference is outside our standard range — particularly larger than 62cm — contact us. We work directly with our Montecristi artisans and can accommodate custom sizing requests.
A well-fitted Panama hat should sit about 1–2 cm above your ears, rest comfortably on your forehead, and stay in place without gripping. You should be able to nod your head without the hat falling forward.
Your leather sweatband can be supplemented with hat sizing tape (available at most hat shops) to reduce the interior circumference by up to half a size. For making a hat slightly larger, a hat stretcher works well on natural straw.
Contact us before ordering and we'll personally help you choose the right size. We'd rather spend five minutes helping you get it right than have you receive a hat that doesn't fit perfectly.