How to Measure a Cowboy Hat
Whether you're buying a new hat or a case to protect one, two numbers matter most: crown height and brim width. All you need is a soft tape measure and two minutes.
1. Grab a soft tape measure
A flexible sewing tape follows the curves of a hat far better than a rigid ruler. Set the hat on a flat table, right side up, before you start.
2. Measure crown height
Measure from the base of the crown, where it meets the brim, straight up to the highest point of the crown. Measure at the front and the back and use the taller number. Don't press the tape into the crease.
3. Measure brim width
Measure from the outside base of the crown to the outer edge of the brim. Let the tape follow the brim's curve instead of cutting straight across it. Check the sides as well as the front and back, since many brims are wider on the sides.
4. Measure your head size (for a new hat)
Wrap the tape around your head where a hat sits, about 1/8″ above your ears and across the middle of your forehead. Keep it snug but not tight, then match that measurement to the brand's size chart.
5. Compare against your case
Write down your numbers and compare them to the case's limits before you buy. If your hat is right at the limit, measure a second time to be sure.
Will your hat fit the Mavericrest?
The Mavericrest fits crowns up to 5″ tall and brims up to 4.5″ wide. If your measurements are within those limits, your hat will sit securely on the case's adjustable crown bracket.
More guides: cowboy hat shapes, how to store a cowboy hat and traveling with a cowboy hat.
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