On hat sizing...

[Yojimbo Jones]

This could be more a question for hatmakers, but does the size of a hat include the sweatband or is it based on the literal circumference of the block, therefore the internal circumference of the felt rather than the finished size?

cheers, Yojimbo.

[theinterchange]

I don't have an authoritative answer, and therefore will refrain from saying what I think I remember reading. I just had to comment on your avatar and location Yojimbo. I like it.

Randy

[binkmeisterRick]

Generally, the size of the hat is based upon the circumference of the sweatband. Since that's the part that fits against your head, it makes the most sense to measure it that way. As far as hat blocks go, though, some hatters may use different sized hat blocks depending on the felt/hat body, or the thickness of the sweatband. For instance, without the sweatband, the hat will likely fit you like a hat a size or two larger, so if you wear a 7 1/4, the hat may be blocked on a 7 3/8 block, so that by the time you sew the sweat in, it will bring the fit down to the proper size. Also, it seems the labeling of many vintage blocks is all over the map, so it's probably a better idea that the circumference of the block is measured and used for proper reference.

[Yojimbo Jones]

Ok, understood. Thanks very much.

[theinterchange]

Bink, your explaination was what I was going to say but didn't want to get anyone off track with mis-information.

Randy