Here is the brutal truth about hats for big heads:
Most hats are made for average head sizes. Many people think sizing up will fix the problem.
It does not.
If you have a big head, you know the struggle. Hats slip, press too tightly, or just look wrong. Some people stop wearing hats. Others settle for hats that feel uncomfortable or do not suit their head shape.
That is why we created The Headroom Method. This step-by-step system helps you find the hats that fit well, feel comfortable, and look proportional.
Keep reading to see exactly how it works…
The 3-Steps to Using “The Headroom Method” To Find Hats for Big Heads
There are three main steps that make up The Headroom Method:
Step 1: Measure Your Head Accurately
Step 2: Choose the Right Hat Style
Step 3: Adjust for Comfort and Fit
Here’s why The Headroom Method works so well:
Have you ever worn a hat that felt tight or looked awkward on your head? Of course you have. Most hats are made for average heads. If your head is bigger, chances are most hats will look weird or feel tight.
This method works because it is built specifically for bigger heads. Each step focuses on solving a real problem: size, style, and comfort.
By following this approach, you end up with hats that not only fit, but also look right and feel good all day.
Step 1: Measure Your Head Accurately
If you have a big head, guessing your size is the fastest way to waste money. Most people either pick XL hats or even 2XL hats, thinking it will solve their hat fit problems, or just grab whatever feels less tight in the store.
That never works.
The first thing you need is an exact measurement. Big heads vary a lot—some are wide, some long, some round, some oval. Without knowing your true size, every hat feels unpredictable.
One hat might pinch your temples, another squeeze your forehead, and another keeps sliding up no matter how many times you push it down.
Here’s how to measure your head properly:
- Grab a soft measuring tape.
- Wrap it around the widest part of your head, just above your ears, across the middle of your forehead, and around the back where your head sticks out most.
- Keep the tape level all the way around. Pull it snug, not tight; you are measuring your head, not squeezing it.
- Measure twice to be sure you get the same number. If the two measurements differ, use the larger one. You can also use our Hat Size Calculator to double-check your result and find your exact hat size instantly.
This single measurement solves more problems than anything else in the Headroom Method. It tells you which hats will fit, helps you avoid ones that never work, and sets the foundation for Steps 2 and 3.
Once you know your exact measurement, you remove all the guesswork. You’ll finally understand why most hats never fit and know exactly what size to look for, giving your next hat a real chance to fit right.
Step 2: Choose the Right Hat Style
This is the step most big-head people skip. They think size is the only thing that matters. It isn’t. Two hats can be the same size but look completely different on you.
The first reason is crown height.
If the crown is too short, it sits on top of your head like a bowl. If it is too tall, it can make your head look bigger, so choosing tall crown hats that actually fit your head shape is important. You want a crown that feels right and sits comfortably.
The second reason is crown shape.
Round crowns work better for round heads. Oval crowns sit better on long heads. If the crown shape does not match your head shape, the hat will always look crooked or feel tight on one side.
The third reason is brim width.
Big heads can look even bigger when the brim is too narrow. And if the brim is too wide, it throws off your proportions. You need a brim that balances your face, not one that exaggerates it.
Once you match size, crown height, crown shape, and brim width, the hat stops fighting your head. It starts working with it. That’s why choosing the right style matters so much. It prevents 90 percent of the “this hat looks weird on me” problems that people with big heads complain about.
To avoid hats that look awkward or unbalanced, check out our guide on how to choose the right hat for your face shape.
Step 3: Adjust for Comfort and Fit
Even when the size and style are perfect, most hats still need small adjustments to get a proper hat fit for big heads. Your head puts more pressure on certain areas, so the hat needs a little tuning.
The first issue is pressure points.
You already know the feeling. The hat digs into your temples or forehead, even when the size is correct. This happens because the hat is sitting too high or the band needs a small tweak.
The second issue is placement.
People with big heads are used to hats riding up. So they place every hat higher than it should be. When the hat sits too high, it squeezes the sides and lifts at the back, which makes it both uncomfortable and awkward.
The third issue is ignoring the internal band.
Most structured hats have some kind of adjustment system. Sweatband inserts, tension bands, and small velcro strips. People don’t use them. They just put the hat on and hope for a miracle.
Here is how to fix all of that.
Set the hat lower than you normally would. This helps the crown settle into place and gives the right amount of headroom in hats, so the pressure spreads evenly.
After that, adjust the internal band until the tight spots disappear. Even a small adjustment can transform the fit.
Finally, check that the hat sits level. If it tilts or floats at the back, the comfort will never feel right.
Once this step is done, the hat feels like it was truly made for you. Many people with larger heads have never worn comfortable hats for big heads in their life, so when they finally do, the difference is huge.
7 Checks That Tell You If a Hat Actually Fits
These points keep you from wasting money on hats that feel fine for a moment but fail once you wear them in real life. They remove guesswork and make it clear if a hat fits you or not.
1. Crown Depth Test
Place the hat on your head as you normally would. The top of the hat should sit comfortably without pressing against the crown.
If it feels shallow or like it’s squishing your head, it will be uncomfortable over time. Big heads often need hats with a deeper crown, so this test ensures there’s enough room above your head.
2. Ear Coverage Check
Check how the ha btt sits around your ears. It should cover slightly above the top of your ears without pressing down.
If the hat rides too high or pinches your ears, it will look awkward and hurt after a few hours.
3. Forehead Mark Test
Wear the hat for a few minutes and see if it leaves marks on your forehead. Light marks are fine, but deep lines mean the hat is too tight at the front.
This is common with many “standard” hats, so this test helps you avoid hats that squeeze your forehead.
4. Temple Pressure Test
Move the hat slightly side to side. If you feel pressure at your temples, the hat is too tight around the widest part of your head.
Big heads often have broader temples, so make sure the hat sits without pressing painfully on the sides.
5. Forward Slip Test
Bend forward and look down while moving naturally. If the hat slides onto your forehead, it’s too big, or the shape is wrong. A properly fitting hat should stay in place and not cover your eyes.
6. Backward Lift Test
Tilt your head back. The hat should stay low enough on the back of your head and not lift off. If it pops up, the hat is too small in depth or crown size, and will feel insecure in daily wear.
7. Proportion Test in Mirror
Finally, look at yourself in the mirror. Does the hat look proportional to your head? Even a technically correct fit can look odd if the shape or brim size is too small for your head. This test ensures the hat not only fits but also looks natural.
How to Choose a Hat for a Big Head
Now let’s focus on the factors that actually matter when picking a hat for a big head.
Pick hats with a deep crown so your head actually fits inside
Most people with big heads think width is the issue. In reality, height is the real problem. If the crown is shallow, the hat climbs up and sits like a bowl. That is why deep hats feel more natural on bigger heads.
A deeper crown gives your head space so the hat sits down, not on top. When you try on a hat, check if it covers enough of your forehead and settles naturally without hovering.
Choose hats with adjustable or stretch-fit brands for extra room
Brands fit differently. Some run tight even in larger sizes. That’s why adjustable straps and stretch-fit bands save you from frustration. These adjustable hats let you fine-tune the comfort.
They give you that extra breathing room. If your size sits between two options, adjustable is the safer pick because you can fine-tune the fit instead of forcing a hat to behave.
Go for soft, flexible materials that don’t squeeze your head
A stiff hat will fight you. If the material has no give, you’ll feel pressure right away. Soft cotton, wool blends, and stretch fabrics mold to your shape and stay comfortable for longer wear. If a hat feels hard or rigid in your hands, it will feel worse on your head.
Choose a brim size and shape that doesn’t make your head look bigger
Big heads don’t need tiny brims because they make your head look even larger. On the other hand, a giant brim can make everything look oversized. Aim for a medium brim around 2.5 to 3 inches.
This size keeps your face balanced without drawing attention to head size. Curved brims usually work better than flat ones for big heads because they follow the natural shape of your head.
Make sure the hat sits on your head without pressure on your temples or forehead
The final check is simple. Wear the hat for a full minute. If your temples start to feel tight or you see a red mark on your forehead after taking it off, the hat is too small. A good fit should sit steady without gripping your skull. You want secure, not squeezed.
The better it fits, the better it sits.
Deep Crown vs Shallow Crown for Big Heads
If you have a big head, deep crowns are your friend. They give your head enough room so nothing pinches your forehead or temples.
Shallow crowns, on the other hand, feel tight and can leave marks or make the hat uncomfortable.
Think of it this way: deep crowns create space and balance, while shallow crowns just squeeze and distort the look.
Low Profile vs High Profile for Big Heads
Low-profile hats sit close to your head. On a bigger head, they can make the hat look too tight or flatten your forehead.
High-profile hats rise above your head a bit, giving a better balance and a more natural look. These high crown hats give bigger heads the breathing room they need.
The difference is simple: low-profile hugs too closely, high-profile gives breathing room and keeps proportions right.
Best Hat Styles for Big Heads
Some styles naturally work better because of crown depth, shape, and adjustability. In fact, these are the types of hats that fit large heads. Here’s a breakdown of hats that tend to work well and what to watch out for in each.
Baseball Caps
Baseball caps for big heads work well because deep crowns and adjustable bands give enough room and keep proportions balanced.
One reader on Reddit with a 61 cm head mentioned that a deep-crown New Era cap stayed in place all day without pinching.
Avoid shallow or low-profile caps; they pinch the forehead and temples, making the head look wider than it is. Running hats for big heads should follow the same rules, focusing on depth, adjustability, and lightweight materials for maximum comfort.
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats naturally provide extra space and soft coverage. They sit lightly and don’t squash the head.
A lightweight cotton bucket hat, for example, stayed comfortable for someone with a fuller head without sliding or looking odd. Stay away from narrow or stiff bucket hats—they can sit awkwardly and make your head appear larger.
Fedoras
Tall-crowned fedoras create balance for bigger heads and prevent the forehead from looking flat.
Another Reddit user shared that a medium-width fedora with proper crown height looked natural and comfortable for their 60 cm head.
Avoid short-crowned or tight fedoras, as they can squeeze the skull and distort the look.
Snapbacks
Snapbacks with taller crowns and adjustable backs work well for larger heads. That’s why snapback hats for large heads are a top choice for comfort and fit.
A reader with a round head noted that an adjustable snapback fit perfectly without feeling tight. Don’t use snapbacks with minimal adjustment or low-profile designs, since these can press on the temples and feel uncomfortable.
Outback and Safari Hats
These hats are roomy, give solid coverage, and keep their shape well on bigger heads. Outback styles with a firm brim work especially well because they stay in place during outdoor use without squeezing your head.
Soft or floppy versions don’t hold their shape and can make the hat look uneven, so skip those.
Try The Headroom Method Today
Big heads don’t have to mean uncomfortable hats, awkward shapes, or wasted money.
This approach gives you a clear path: measure your head, test the fit, pick the right styles, and adjust for comfort. Every step solves a real problem that people with bigger heads face daily.
Now it’s your move.
Grab your tape, follow the method, and stop guessing. Wear hats that feel right, sit properly, and make you look confident. Take action today and finally enjoy hats the way they were meant to be worn.
To make sure your hat looks and feels perfect every time, check out our guide on how to wear a hat the right way.
Found this method helpful? Share it with someone who struggles to find hats that fit their big head. Everyone deserves a hat that feels right and looks good.
