2011 Holiday Gift Guide 1: Tips for Buying Hats as Gifts; Size Matters

This is the first in a series of gift guides we at Arth are going to be putting out throughout this holiday season. This is all about tips for buying hats as gifts.

Now, we understand that this is probably intuitive, but it needs to be said. Most hats are sized.

We do, of course have many options of adjustable and flex fitted caps and newsboys; knit hats are one size fits all; and Women’s hats are usually only available in one size because fit is not essential to the look of the hat (the way it is for men).

We would recommend trying to find out the size your intended recipient wears. The best way is to check, covertly, is to look at a hat they already own. There are three common sizing schemes Metric, Imperial American, and Named Sizes.

Here is an example of a "size adjustable" hat with drawstrings:

Here is an example of a hat that uses Metric sizing (the size will usually be a number between 56 and 62 and it represents the circumference in centimeters):

Here is an example of a hat that uses both Imperial American and Named sizing:

Imperial American always uses a fraction. Named sizing always uses a name: Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large. This particular sizing system varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Tip #2: If the size is not listed, measure the circumference of the inside of the hat. Using a centimeter measurement is best, or if you prefer to measure in inches, it will still get the job done. Using your measuring tape / string / ribbon, line it up around the sweatband and then take the measurement.


Measurements are as follows:

Good luck! If you are having trouble, please call us, email us (arth@sunricusa.com), or just come in to one of our stores. We would be more than happy to help you.