Comparison of U.S. and European hat sizes
The hats that are the most fun are the ones you can actually put on your head. Here’s a rough size chart to indicate how U.S. and European (metric) sizes equate. Some European half-sizes are available, but they are uncommon. The British and French also have their own size system, which is good to know if a hat appears to be sized smaller than it should be.
Metric U.S. U.K. French
53 6 5/8 6 1/2 3
54 6 3/4 6 5/8 3 1/2
Small 55 6 7/8 6 3/4 4
56 7 6 7/8 4 1/2
Medium 57 7 1/8 7 5
58 7 1/4 7 1/8 5 1/2
Large 59 7 3/8 7 1/4 6
60 7 1/2 7 3/8 6 1/2
XL 61 7 5/8 7 1/2 7
62 7 3/4 7 5/8 7 1/2
63 7 7/8 7 3/4 8

It’s worth remembering that most soldiers have very short hair, which is one of the reasons so many military caps are found in smaller sizes. Also, caps from the early part of the century were worn very high on the head, so these are generally smaller, too. When collectors and dealers say S, M, L, and XL, they usually refer to caps that are size 56 or smaller (S), 56-58 (M), 58-60 (L), and over 60 (XL).

If you don’t know your hat size, you can find out by taking a cloth measuring tape and measuring around your forehead, about a half inch above the ears. 21 1/5"-22" is small, 22"-22 3/4" is medium, 22 3/4"-23 1/2" is large, and 23 1/2"-24 1/4" is extra-large.
     

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