How to Measure for a Fedora

Finding the right fit is the foundation of any great hat. At Lock & Co., our fedoras are sized with precision and each one is hand-blocked using traditional wooden forms to ensure the most flattering and comfortable fit.

Here’s how to measure your head for a fedora, whether you’re ordering online or preparing for an in-store visit.

Our Guide to Measuring

We recommend using a flexible dressmaker’s tape for most accurate result.

Step-by-Step
  1. Position the tape just above the eyebrows and ears, the tape should sit where the base of the hat will naturally sit.
  2. Wrap around the widest part of your head, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight.
  3. Take the measurement in centimetres or inches, noting it to the nearest millimetre or eighth of an inch.
  4. Double-check - especially if you are between sizes, or buying for the first time.

Not sure how it should feel? Read our guide: How Should a Fedora Fit?

Discover Our Fedora Collection:

Timeless, versatile, and expertly crafted - explore our selection of fedoras, from classic fur felt styles to lightweight designs for travel and warmer days.

The Lock & Co. Approach to Fit


Is a Top Hat Comfortable to Wear?

Yes. A well-fitted fedora should feel secure but never tight. Think of it like a fine pair of shoes: structured enough to hold its form, yet soft enough to move with you.

Signs of a perfect fit:

  • The hat sits evenly and doesn't shift when you move.
  • There's no pressure or pinching around the temples.
  • It feels balanced - neither floating nor forcing its way on.

Is a Fedora Adjustable or Fitted?

Most Lock & Co. fedoras are structured and fitted, rather than adjustable. However:

  • Some casual or travel-friendly styles may feature an internal drawstring or band.
  • Hat tape can be applied under the sweatband to fine-tune the fit by a few millimetres.

If you’re unsure which style is right for your head shape or lifestyle, our team is happy to assist, whether online or in-store.

Explore Further

Or continue to:

Trending Fedora Styles in 2025 →

SIMILAR ARTICLES

Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.

View all

  • INTRODUCING: 1676 EAU DE PARFUM

    To celebrate 350 years of Lock & Co. Hatters, two historic St James’s businesses have come together to create something entirely new.

  • What Hat Should I Wear on Holiday?

    Here's our guide to the best hats for every holiday this summer 2026.

  • Panama Hat vs Sun Hat: What's the Difference?

    If you're comparing a Panama hat vs a sun hat, you're not alone. While both are popular choices for warm weather, they differ in craftsmanship, materials, style and purpose.

  • The Lock & Co. Guide to Summer Hats

    In this guide, we'll explore the different types of summer hats, how to choose the right one and how to care for it so it lasts for many summers to come.

  • Best Summer Hats for Men

    From classic Panamas to lightweight fedoras, these are the styles worth investing in for Summer 2026. 

  • Best Summer Hats for Women

    Whether you're travelling abroad, attending a garden party or simply enjoying the sunshine, these are the styles to consider for Summer 2026.

  • History of Royal Ascot Fashion: 350 Years of Lock & Co. at Ascot

    This year, Lock & Co. becomes an official licensee of Royal Ascot for the first time, a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and British ceremonial style.

  • The Racing Season Edit: Where to Go & What to Wear in 2026

    At Lock & Co. Hatters, we see racing season as an opportunity to embrace timeless elegance, where the right hat doesn’t just complete a look, it defines it.

  • The 350 Gill & Whitebridge Caps

    As part of our 350th anniversary collection, we are proud to celebrate two of our most loved and iconic cap styles: The Gill Flat Cap and The Whitebridge Bakerboy Cap.