At The Saltwater Sage Hat Company, we believe that a hat should feel like a second skin. It shouldn't just sit on your head; it should align with it.

Because we approach hat-making differently—using antique tools and custom wooden lasts—we approach sizing differently, too.

Two Ways to Find Your Fit

1. The Bespoke Experience (In-Person)

The Gold Standard.

If you are able to visit our studio or meet us at a pop-up, we do not use tape measures. We use a Conformateur to map the shape and curves of your unique head.

• The Map: This device uses dozens of movable pins to capture the exact topography of your cranium. It tells us if you are a "Long Oval," a "Round Oval," or have unique bumps and ridges.
• The Last: From this map, we carve a Custom Wooden Last. This wooden avatar stays with your hat forever to ensure it never loses its shape.

2. The Self-Measure Ritual (Remote Orders)

The Silver Standard.

If you are ordering online, you can still achieve a sanctuary-level fit by measuring carefully at home. We will send you a custom hat measuring tool kit, with instructions, to get you started with your crown. You can also get started by following these instructions.

The Tools:

• A soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape).
• Or: A piece of non-stretchy string and a ruler.
• A mirror.

The Steps:

1. The Placement: Place the tape around your head where you want the hat to rest. This is typically 1/8 inch above the ears and across the center of the forehead.
2. The Tension: Hold the tape firmly, but not tightly. It should feel exactly how you want the hat to feel—secure enough to withstand a sea breeze, but loose enough to let your thoughts flow.
3. The Check: Look in the mirror. Ensure the tape is level all the way around.
4. The Number: Measure in centimeters (cm) for the most accuracy. Measure three times to be sure.

Sizing Chart

Note: If you fall between sizes, we always recommend sizing UP. You can make a hat smaller with our provided sizing tape, but stretching a hat that is too small can damage the felt.

SizeCentimeters (CM) Inches (Approx)Hat Size

Small: 54 - 55 cm21 1/4 - 21 5/86 3/4 - 6 7/8

Medium: 56 - 57 cm22 - 22 3/87 - 7 1/8

Large 58 - 59 cm22 3/4 - 23 1/87 1/4 - 7 3/8

X-Large 60 - 61 cm23 1/2 - 247 1/2 - 7 5/8

Custom Enter measurements at checkout

Common Questions on Fit

What if I am "Between Sizes"?

Always choose the larger size.

Every Saltwater Sage hat (excluding the bespoke custom lasts) comes with a specialized Adjustable Sweatband or a set of Felt Fillers. You can tuck these behind the inner band to perfect the fit until it feels secure.

Why does the Wooden Last matter?

Felt is a living material. Over time, with heat, moisture, and wear, it wants to shrink.

If you ordered a Bespoke Commission, your hat comes with its own Custom Wooden Last. We recommend placing this wooden form back inside the hat whenever you aren't wearing it. This acts as a permanent "save button" for your size.

Will the hat stretch?

A high-quality fur felt hat will mold slightly to your head shape over time (breaking in, much like a good pair of leather boots), but it will not stretch significantly in size. This is why accurate measuring is the first step in the ritual.