Finding a hat that fits a bigger head is harder than it should be. Most stores stock “one size fits most”, and that size quietly stops at about 23 inches. If caps sit on top of your head instead of around it, or leave a red line across your forehead, you probably need an XXL hat size. The good news is that hat sizing follows simple math, so once you know your number, you can shop any brand with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to measure your head, convert that number into US, UK and EU sizes, and choose the right size for fitted caps, stretch caps and brimmed hats.
What Is an XXL Hat Size?
In most charts, an XXL hat size fits a head circumference of about 24 3/8 to 24 3/4 inches (62 to 63 cm). In US fitted sizes, that is a 7 3/4 or 7 7/8. However, some brands shift the label up by half a step. For example, a New Era size guide from Blank Style lists XX-Large as 7 7/8 to 8, which is 63 to 64 cm. Therefore, always shop by your measurement, not by the letter alone.
Hat Size Chart: M to XXXL
| Size | Head (in) | Head / EU (cm) | US fitted | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | 22 1/4 – 22 5/8 | 57 – 58 | 7 1/8 – 7 1/4 | 7 – 7 1/8 |
| L | 23 – 23 1/4 | 59 | 7 3/8 | 7 1/4 |
| XL | 23 1/2 – 24 | 60 – 61 | 7 1/2 – 7 5/8 | 7 3/8 – 7 1/2 |
| XXL | 24 3/8 – 24 3/4 | 62 – 63 | 7 3/4 – 7 7/8 | 7 5/8 – 7 3/4 |
| XXXL | 25 1/8 – 25 1/2 | 64 – 65 | 8 – 8 1/8 | 7 7/8 – 8 |
European hats are the easiest to read, because the size is simply your head circumference in centimeters. So if you measure 62 cm, you buy a 62. UK sizes, on the other hand, run one eighth smaller than US sizes, which means a US 7 3/4 is a UK 7 5/8.
How to Measure Your Head for a Hat
- First, grab a soft tape measure. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and a ruler.
- Next, wrap it around your head about half an inch above your eyebrows and ears. This is where a hat band normally sits.
- Then keep the tape level across the widest part at the back of your head. It should feel snug, but not tight.
- Finally, read the number, and measure twice. Hair changes the result, so measure with your usual hairstyle.
As a result, you’ll have one number that works across every brand. If you land between two sizes, go up. A slightly loose hat can be fixed with a strip of hat sizing tape inside the sweatband, whereas a tight hat only gives you a headache.
The Simple Formula Behind Fitted Sizes
US fitted sizes look odd, but they come from a simple idea. Basically, the size is the diameter of your head in inches. So you can divide your head circumference by 3.14 to get your fitted size. For instance, 24.5 inches divided by 3.14 equals 7.8, which rounds to 7 3/4 or 7 7/8. Because of this, you can check any brand’s chart in a few seconds.
XXL Hat Size by Hat Type
Not every hat uses the same sizing system. Here is how XXL works across the most common styles:
- Fitted baseball caps: these come in exact sizes such as 7 3/4, 7 7/8 and 8. Consequently, they are the best choice for large heads, because there is no strap to run out of room.
- Stretch-fit caps: these are sold in bands like L/XL or XL/XXL. Typically, the XL/XXL band covers roughly 7 3/8 to 8, so check the range on the label.
- Snapbacks and strapbacks: most are “one size fits most” and top out around 7 5/8. However, a few brands sell extended versions for bigger heads.
- Fedoras, cowboy hats and sun hats: these are stiff, so the size has to be exact. In addition, look for a brand that states sizes in centimeters.
- Beanies: knit hats stretch a lot, but a standard beanie can still ride up. Therefore, look for “oversized” or XL/XXL knits.
Why Hats Fit Differently Between Brands
Even with the right number, two hats can feel different. First, crown depth matters. A shallow crown sits high on a large head, while a deep crown comes down over the ears. Second, head shape plays a role, because some hats are cut for a rounder head and others for a longer oval. Finally, materials behave differently. Wool and cotton relax a little with wear, whereas polyester holds its shape.
For a wider look at how size labels differ around the world, see the hat size section on Wikipedia.
Common Questions About Large Hat Sizes
Is 7 3/4 an XL or XXL hat?
It depends on the brand. In most general charts, 7 3/4 is the start of XXL. However, some cap makers still call it XL and only start XXL at 7 7/8.
What size is a 62 cm head?
A 62 cm head is about 24 3/8 inches. In other words, that is a US 7 3/4, a UK 7 5/8 and an XXL in most letter charts.
Will a one-size-fits-all cap fit an XXL head?
Usually not. Most adjustable caps stop at about 23 7/8 inches, so they sit too high on a larger head. Instead, choose a fitted cap or an extended-size model.
More Size Guides
Shopping for more than a hat? Our XS to XXL size chart covers clothing in inches and cm. Also, if labels like 2XL confuse you, read XXL vs 2XL vs 2X. Riders with a large head should also read our XXL motorcycle helmet size guide, because helmets use tighter size steps than hats.
The Bottom Line on XXL Hat Size
An XXL hat size usually means a 62 to 63 cm head, or a US 7 3/4 to 7 7/8. Still, labels shift between brands, so your own measurement is the only number you can trust. Measure once, write it down in inches and centimeters, and then buy by that number every time.
