The single biggest reason people hesitate to buy a cap online is sizing — nobody wants to guess and end up with something that either clamps their head or slides around. The good news is caps are one of the easier things to get right, once you know your number and understand how adjustable sizing actually works.
Quick answer: what size cap do I need?
Measure around your head about 1–2cm above your ears, and match that number to a size chart. Most adults fall between 54cm and 62cm, which is exactly the range an adjustable snapback cap is built to cover — including every cap in the Patriot Caps range. If you're in that range, sizing isn't something you need to worry about.
How to measure your head for a cap
- Grab a flexible tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler if you don't have one.
- Wrap it around your head about 1–2cm above your ears and across your mid-forehead — the widest part of your head.
- Keep the tape snug against your head but not tight. It should sit the way a cap actually sits, not squeeze.
- Note the measurement in centimetres. If you used string, lay it flat against a ruler afterwards.
- If your number lands between two sizes, or you're buying an adjustable cap, go with the larger size — you can always tighten a snapback, but you can't stretch a cap that's too small.
Hat size chart (cm and letter sizes)
Handy as a general reference, whether you're buying an adjustable cap or a fitted one:
| Letter size | Head circumference (cm) | Head circumference (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | Under 54cm | Under 21⅝" |
| S | 54–55cm | 21⅝"–21⅝" |
| M | 55–57cm | 21⅝"–22½" |
| L | 57–59cm | 22½"–23¼" |
| XL | 59–61cm | 23¼"–24" |
| XXL | 61cm and above | 24" and above |
Every Patriot Caps design covers roughly 54cm to 62cm on its own adjustable closure — S through XL on the chart above — so for the vast majority of people, this is more of a reference than a decision you need to make.
Adjustable snapback vs. fitted caps
This is the distinction that actually matters when you're shopping. A fitted cap has no closure at the back — it's cut to one exact size (like 7 1/8" or 58cm) and doesn't adjust, so getting the size wrong means it simply doesn't fit. An adjustable snapback has a resizable closure at the back — plastic snaps, a strap, or a Velcro tab — that lets one cap size fit a wide range of head measurements.
Every cap we make, from the Digger trucker to the Pioneer structured cotton cap, uses an adjustable snapback closure. That's a deliberate choice — it means you're not gambling on a size when you buy online, and the same cap works whether you've got a smaller head or a larger one.
What if your head is outside 54–62cm?
This is genuinely rare — that range covers the large majority of adult heads. If you've measured carefully and you're still outside it, or you're just not sure, email us at [email protected] before you order and we'll talk it through with you directly.
Getting the perfect fit once your cap arrives
- Adjust the snapback in small steps. Start looser than you think you need, put the cap on, and tighten one notch at a time until it sits snug without pinching.
- Check where the brim sits. Most people find a slight downward angle, brim roughly two finger-widths above the eyebrows, gives the most natural look.
- Structured cotton caps soften with wear. A brand-new structured cap can feel slightly stiff out of the box — a few wears and it'll relax into your head shape.
- Re-check the fit after the first wash. See our cap cleaning guide for how to wash without warping the shape in the first place.
FAQ
Are Patriot Caps true to size?
Yes — every design uses the same adjustable snapback closure covering roughly 54cm to 62cm, so there's no separate sizing to choose between styles.
Do adjustable caps fit both men and women?
Yes. Head circumference, not gender, determines cap fit, and the 54–62cm adjustable range comfortably covers the vast majority of adult heads either way.
How tight should a cap fit?
Snug enough that it doesn't shift when you turn your head or walk in the wind, but not so tight it leaves a mark or gives you a headache after an hour. If you're between notches on the snapback, go one notch looser.
Find your fit
Every cap in the range is built on the same adjustable closure, so once you know your general size, you're set for the whole lineup. Have a browse through the full range or jump straight to Trucker Caps or Baseball Caps.
