Flat Cap Sizing Guide
Buying a flat cap online without trying it on first can feel like a gamble — and a cap that's even slightly the wrong size will never sit right, no matter how good the fabric or pattern is. The good news is that flat cap sizing is genuinely simple once you know what to measure and how to read a size chart. This guide walks through exactly how to find your size, what to do if you're between sizes, and which in-stock styles from our Flat Caps collection offer the most forgiving, adjustable fits.
Why Flat Cap Sizing Matters More Than You'd Think
Unlike a baseball cap with a one-size-fits-most snapback, traditional flat caps are often sized more precisely, closer to how a fitted hat works. A cap that's too small will sit high on your head and feel tight across the temples after twenty minutes. A cap that's too big will slide down over your eyes or look comically oversized in photos. Getting the size right is the single biggest factor in whether a flat cap looks intentional or accidental.
How to Measure Your Head for a Flat Cap
You only need a soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler) and two minutes.
- Wrap the tape measure around your head, about 1.5cm above your ears and just above your eyebrows — this is the widest part of most people's heads and where a flat cap should sit.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight. You want the natural circumference, not a compressed one.
- Note the measurement in centimetres (most NZ and UK sizing uses cm; US sizing often uses inches or letter sizes like S/M/L).
- Compare your measurement to the size chart on the specific product page, since sizing can vary slightly between styles and manufacturers.
If you don't have a tape measure handy, a strip of paper or string works just as well — measure around your head, then lay the string flat against a ruler.
Typical Flat Cap Size Ranges
While exact numbers vary by product, most flat caps follow a similar general range:
| Size | Head Circumference (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Small | 54–56 cm |
| Medium | 57–58 cm |
| Large | 59–60 cm |
| XL | 61–62 cm |
Always check the specific product's size guide before ordering, since some styles run slightly smaller or larger depending on fabric and construction.
What If You're Between Sizes?
This is where adjustable caps make life much easier. Look for styles with an adjustable back strap, buckle, or elastic panel — these give you a few centimetres of flexibility either way, which solves most "in-between" sizing problems. The Hammond Cotton Flat Cap is a great example: lightweight, adjustable, and forgiving if you're not 100% sure of your exact measurement. Similarly, the Retro Men's Duckbill Cap includes an adjustable fit designed to flex across the seasons.
If a cap doesn't have an adjustable element, it's worth sizing up slightly rather than down — a cap that's a touch loose is far more comfortable than one that's too tight, and wool styles in particular can feel snugger after their first wear as the fabric settles.
Sizing Tips by Cap Style
Wool and Tweed Flat Caps
Wool has a small amount of natural give, so a snug initial fit (rather than loose) usually works out well over time. Styles like the Cambridge Herringbone Wool Flat Cap combine wool with an adjustable closure, which is the best of both worlds for sizing confidence.
Cotton and Lightweight Flat Caps
Cotton has less stretch and give than wool, so accuracy in your initial measurement matters more. The Yosemite Lightweight Cotton Flat Cap is a good lightweight option, and checking the size chart carefully before ordering will save you a return.
Structured Cheesecutter and Newsboy Styles
Because these styles have a more built-up crown, a slightly looser fit often still looks correct, since the structure holds the shape regardless. The Men's Houndstooth Cheesecutter Flat Cap is a solid example of a structured style that's a little more forgiving on fit than a soft, unstructured flat cap.
Signs a Flat Cap Doesn't Fit Properly
- Too small: Red marks or a headache after an hour of wear, the cap sitting high on your head rather than settling naturally, visible gapping at the back if there's a strap
- Too big: The cap sliding down over your eyebrows, excess fabric bunching at the sides, the brim flopping rather than holding its shape
- Just right: The cap sits level, doesn't move when you tilt your head, and you forget you're wearing it after the first few minutes
Caring for Fit Over Time
Wool and tweed caps can shrink slightly if washed incorrectly, which changes the fit you originally bought. Always spot-clean rather than machine wash, and store the cap on a flat surface or cap form rather than folding it, which helps it keep its shape and original sizing for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my flat cap size without a tape measure?
Use a piece of string or ribbon wrapped around your head at eyebrow height, mark where it overlaps, then measure that length against a ruler.
Should I size up or down if I'm between two sizes?
Generally size up, especially for non-adjustable caps. A slightly loose cap is far more comfortable and easier to wear than one that's too tight.
Do flat caps stretch over time?
Wool and wool-blend caps can soften and mould slightly to your head shape with regular wear, but they won't dramatically stretch in size. Cotton caps have very little stretch.
What's the easiest type of flat cap to size correctly online?
Caps with an adjustable back strap or buckle, such as the Hammond Cotton Flat Cap, are the easiest to get right since they offer a small range of adjustment after the fact.
Can I return a flat cap if it doesn't fit?
Yes — Urban Caps offers easy returns under its Refund & Return Policy. Check the current conditions and timeframes on that page before ordering if you're unsure about sizing.
Does Urban Caps provide a size chart for every cap?
Yes — each product page includes specific sizing information, since fit can vary slightly between styles, fabrics, and manufacturers.
How long does delivery take if I need to size up or down?
Urban Caps offers fast NZ-wide dispatch on in-stock items, with free shipping on orders within New Zealand and Australia, so exchanges are generally quick to process.
Is Urban Caps a New Zealand business?
Yes — Urban Caps is a GST-registered, New Zealand-owned and operated headwear retailer with secure payments and dedicated customer support.
Final Thoughts
Getting your flat cap size right is mostly about taking an accurate head measurement and choosing styles with a little built-in adjustability when you can. Browse the full Flat Caps collection at Urban Caps — all currently in stock — to find a style and size that fits comfortably from the first wear.