Hat Sizing

Heads come in all sizes, and in a surprising variety of shapes. Although Akubra hats are adaptable, and will usually conform to differences in shape with a little wearing, it is essential that the size be correct for the head.

To determine your hat size, measure the circumference around your head, keeping the tape level and firm, across the temples and above the eyebrow ridges. If you do not have a tape measure, download, print and assemble our hat tap here: hat_tape.pdf. Check the size chart given below. For in-between measurements use the next size up.

Circumference of head where hat brim sits:

Most of the Akubra Hats we carry are offered in sizes 6-3/4 through 7-7/8, with a number of hats available in size 8. The Snowy River is available in size 8-1/8 (and smaller).

Check the Fit
When your buy your Akubra or when the hat arrives, check the fit before wearing to make sure you have the correct size:

1. The sweatband inside the hat should fit securely on the head without binding.

2. For some in-between sizes, and for some head shapes, greater comfort may be attained by placing felt pads inside the sweatband. Many hat stores will include either felt pads or foam strips with a hat purchase. Both felt and adhesive foam work, but we prefer felt, with no adhesive gumming up the inside of the hat. If neither were included with your hat purchase, felt pads can be purchased at a nominal charge from David Morgan.

The old-timers' method of placing folded dollar bills under the sweatband will also work if no felt pads are available. This method has the added advantage of equipping the wearer with a source of emergency cash!

3. The top of the crown should not be so low that it touches the top of your head and prevents the hat from coming down far enough to seat properly. With an Akubra fur felt hat the top can be adjusted.

Occasionally, some hats with low crowns do not fit even with the correct size because the crown hits the top of the head before the sweatband seats properly on the head. If the top of the hat touches the top of your head and the hat feels loose or large, push out the crown of the hat and check the fit. If the hat fits properly with the crown pushed out the crown needs to be raised. This is not difficult for fur felt hats, requiring only that the dimple of the top of the crown be raised a little.

The old cowboy method was to wear the hat in the rain for a day, and pull it down hard on the head, lower than normal, to let it dry. They probably had sore ears and a headache, but when the hat was dry the crown had been raised sufficiently to clear the head. Alternatively, check with the store from which you purchased your Akubra for help with adjusting the fit.

If the hat does not fit, recheck your hat size, and exchange your hat for the correct size. Most hat shops and stores carrying Akubras in the US and Canada accomodate exchanges, but please check with your retailer first.