Understanding Fitted Hats
Fitted hats are headwear designed to fit a specific head size. Unlike adjustable hats, which use straps or snaps for sizing, fitted hats have a fixed circumference. This ensures a snug and precise fit, enhancing both comfort and appearance. Without the extra bulk of adjustment mechanisms, fitted hats provide a cleaner look. For fans of Minor League Baseball hats, fitted caps are the standard on-field headware of the players.
Selecting the right size for a fitted hat is crucial. A hat that’s too tight can cause discomfort, while one that’s too loose may shift or fall off. It also can look strange on your head with too wide a gap around your ears. To find the perfect size, measure the circumference of your head where the hat will rest. This is often about a half inch to an inch above your eyebrows. Fitted hats use sizing numbers, like 7 or 7 3/8, which correspond to these measurements in inches. Understanding these numbers helps you choose a hat that feels comfortable and looks great.
New Era fitted hats are crafted from 100% polyester which combines durability with flexibility. Minor league teams offer diverse styles in their fitted hats, showcasing unique logos and colors. This variety allows fans to express their loyalty with a touch of personal flair, and collectors to find completely unique offerings.
How to Measure Hat Size
To find the perfect fitted hat size, start by measuring your head circumference. Use a flexible tailor’s measuring tape. If unavailable, use a piece of string. Wrap it around your head, ensuring it lies just above your ears and across the middle of your forehead. Keep the tape snug but not tight. Mark the point where the tape meets itself, then note the measurement.
For accuracy, measure your head at least twice. Make sure the tape is level around your head. If using string, lay it flat against a ruler to get your measurement. Once you have the number, use it to find your hat size.
Understanding your head’s shape is also crucial. Some people have more oval or round heads, which affects hat fit. Remember, everyone’s head shape differs, so take this into account. Avoid common pitfalls like measuring over hair or at an angle. This can lead to incorrect sizes. Also, when choosing between a measuring tape and string, remember that a tape provides more precision than string.
Fitted Hats Sizing Guide
Below is the official New Era Fitted Hat Size Chart.
In case the image isn’t loading, here’s it typed out.
| Circumference (cm) | Circumference (in) | Cap Size | Age |
| 48.2 | 19 | 6 | Infant (0-2 yrs) |
| 51.1 | 20 1/8 | 6 3/8 | Toddler (2-4 yrs) |
| 52 | 20 1/2 | 6 1/2 | Child (4-6 yrs) |
| 53 | 20 7/8 | 6 5/8 | Child (4-6 yrs) |
| 53.9 | 21 1/4 | 6 3/4 | Youth (6-12 yrs) |
| 54.9 | 21 5/8 | 6 7/8 | Youth (6-12 yrs) |
| 55.8 | 22 | 7 | Adult |
| 56.8 | 22 3/8 | 7 1/8 | Adult |
| 57.7 | 22 3/4 | 7 1/4 | Adult |
| 58.7 | 23 1/8 | 7 3/8 | Adult |
| 59.6 | 23 1/2 | 7 1/2 | Adult |
| 60.6 | 23 7/8 | 7 5/8 | Adult |
| 61.5 | 24 1/4 | 7 3/4 | Adult |
| 62.5 | 24 5/8 | 7 7/8 | Adult |
| 63.5 | 25 | 8 | Adult |
Choosing the Right Size Based on Manufacturer Guidelines
When selecting a fitted hat, understanding manufacturer guidelines is crucial. Because the measurements are in inches, all hat manufacturers should be the same sizing. “Should be” are the operative words, as even among hats from the same team you’ll find a little variance between hats supposedly of the same size.
The best method is to find the size that most often fits you. Going to the team stores allows you to try on all the sizes that might fit your head and find the one that’s right for you on a hat-by-hat basis.
Checking return policies is equally important. Return policies vary by retailer and manufacturer. Ensure you can return or exchange hats if sizing is incorrect. Online shopping requires extra caution. Some sites provide virtual fitting tools. These tools help understand how sizes translate between brands. Always read customer reviews. They often provide insights into fit and comfort beyond the charts.
Trying on Fitted Hats: What to Look For
When trying on MiLB hats, choosing the right size is essential for comfort and style. When trying on fitted hats, pay attention to key indicators such as how the hat rests on your head. A properly fitting hat should sit comfortably above your ears without excessive pressure on your forehead. If the hat leaves red marks or feels tight, it is likely too small. Conversely, a hat that moves around easily or sits too low over your eyebrows is too large. I personally prefer a hat that’s barely too snug, than barely too large.
Understanding the components of a fitted cap helps in selecting the right one:
- Crown: The main body of the cap that covers your head
- Brim: The projecting front edge that shields your eyes
- Eyelets: Ventilation holes that help regulate temperature
- Sweatband: Interior band that provides comfort and moisture control
- Squatchee: The top decoration that joins the six panels together
While the standard New Era fitted hats will all have roughly the same shape / materials, you will find from hat to hat slight variances in each of these things that can affect your enjoyment while wearing it.
Another thing to think on is how do you regularly wear your hair? Me? I’m bald, so this is easy. But if you have differing hairstyles, especially hair that makes your head taller, you may need a bigger hat to compensate. When trying on hats, make sure you have your hair in the style you plan to wear the hat the most.
Caring for Your Fitted Hat
Proper care for your fitted hat begins with understanding best cleaning practices. Avoid washing machines; they can distort the hat’s shape. Instead, use mild soap and water for spot cleaning. Dab gently with a soft cloth to lift dirt and stains. Avoid soaking the hat as it may lead to fading or shrinkage. Air dry it to maintain its original structure.
Storing your hat in such away that it maintains its shape is important also. Especially the front panels of the hat. There are many different kinds of hat stands that can accomplish this for you. I use wall hooks that both make for a great presentation, and the hats add sound dampening to my recording studio. Win/Win all around.
Invest in products designed to clean and protect your hat’s fabric. Look for fabric sprays that repel water and stains. These can prolong your hat’s life by creating a protective barrier. A soft-bristle brush can also be handy for regular dusting, keeping the hat looking fresh.
Avoid common mistakes that might damage your hat, like using bleach or harsh detergents, which can weaken fibers. Never use heat to dry your hat; it could warp the brim and shrink the fabric. If your hat begins to lose its fit or show signs of wear, it might be time to replace it. A new hat will ensure continued style and comfort.
The best part about Minor League Hats? They’re always releasing new ones so you can upgrade whenever a hat needs replacing! This way you can always ensure you have the best MiLB hats.
Starting Your Minor League Baseball Hat Collection
Building a cap collection is more than just accumulating headwear – it’s about creating a curated selection that represents your style while maintaining the quality of each piece. Proper care and organization are essential aspects of collection management, starting with regular rotation of your caps to help them maintain their original shape and prevent deterioration from extended storage.
Storage solutions play a crucial role in preserving your collection. Whether you choose specialized hat boxes, wall-mounted displays, or custom-built shelving units, the right storage method will protect your caps from dust, sunlight, and physical damage while keeping them easily accessible. As your collection grows, it becomes increasingly important to document the sizing variations between different brands, helping you make more informed purchasing decisions and maintain consistency in fit across your collection.
For serious collectors, limited editions and special releases from MiLB theme nights offer unique opportunities to add distinctive pieces to their collection. These might include local food item rebrands, Copa de la Diversión options, Marvel Defenders of the Diamond hats, or any others! These exclusive caps often feature special designs, materials, or commemorative elements that can make them valuable additions to any collection. By staying informed about upcoming releases and maintaining relationships with retailers, collectors can ensure they don’t miss out on these special pieces that can define their collection.