How to Measure Beret Size

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A beret is a soft, round, flat-topped hat, originating from Spain and France, that is popular in cultures across the world. Berets are also widely used in military uniforms. Whether you’re considering buying a beret as a fashion statement or you need to order one as part of a uniform, you’ll want to ensure a proper fit so it’s comfortable and stays on your head. In order to do so, all you need to do is find your head measurement using a flexible measuring tape. You can use this same measurement when you shop for any type of hat. Soon enough, you’ll have a well-fitted, sharp-looking beret on your head!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Taking Your Head Measurement

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Measure-Beret-Size-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-Beret-Size-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Measure-Beret-Size-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid11844835-v4-728px-Measure-Beret-Size-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You won’t be able to comfortably and accurately measure your head by yourself. Ask a friend or family member to help you take the measurement to make sure you get the right number, so you can buy a beret that you’ll love! [1]
    • You can also get your head measured at a hat shop or a department store, if you don’t have anyone who can help you.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    A tailor’s measuring tape is a flexible measuring tape that is used for taking all kinds of fashion measurements. Get your helper to start wrapping it around your head by placing the end on your forehead about where a hat would rest, which is usually about 1 in (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. [2]
    • Make it easier for your helper by sitting down to get measured, unless they are much taller than you.

    Tip : If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, you can always wrap something like a piece of string or yarn around your head, then measure it afterwards with a ruler or carpenter’s tape measure.

    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    Have your helper wrap the tailor’s tape measure all the way around your head, so that it is parallel to the floor. Make sure it is about 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm) above your ear on each side, which is where a beret would typically rest when it’s on your head. [3]
    • If the measuring tape feels really tight around your head, ask your helper to loosen it up a bit. The goal is for the measuring tape to feel snug, but not constrictive, just like you want your beret to fit.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    Read the number on the tape where it meets the starting end on your forehead. Use this number when you’re shopping for berets to find one that fits you properly. [4]
    • To get your US fitted hat size, you can divide your head’s circumference by 3.14. For example, if your head is 22 3 ⁄ 4  in (58 cm) around, your US fitted hat size is 7 1/4.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing the Right Beret Size

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    This the approximate range that most small-sized berets fall in. Double-check a brand’s sizing chart, if they have one, to make sure that this is true for berets made by a particular manufacturer. [5]
    • If you’re shopping for berets made by a US manufacturer, the sizes will probably be listed as US fitted hat sizes.
    • Look at a beret brand’s website to find a sizing chart if you’re shopping for a beret online or ask for a sizing chart if you’re shopping in person.
    • Some brands might have extra-small berets that are slightly smaller than this range.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    This is the average range for medium-sized berets. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, if they have one, to be sure. [6]
    • Some beret’s might be one-size-fits-most, in which case there won’t be sizes to compare your head size with. You might be able to find a size range for the beret on the manufacturer’s website. Higher end berets usually come in different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    This is typically the head size range for large-sized berets. Remember to read a brand’s sizing chart to make sure, if they have one available. [7]
    • Some brands might also offer extra-large berets that are slightly bigger than this range.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    A beret that is slightly too big will be more comfortable to wear than a beret that is too tight. Go for the next size up if you can’t find a beret that is exactly your size. [8]
    • For example, if your head size is 23 in (58 cm) and a size S beret is 22 1 ⁄ 2  in (57 cm), while a size M beret is 23 1 ⁄ 2  in (60 cm), choose the size M beret.

    Tip : If you're shopping online and you can't find your exact size, or at least a very close size, try shopping for your new beret at a brick-and-mortar store where you can try different sizes on to avoid ordering something that won't fit you.

  5. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Beret Size
    The plateau is the outer diameter of the beret, similar to the brim on a hat. A beret with a smaller outer diameter will look better on you if you have a narrow face. It’ll look more fitted on your head and not big and floppy. [9]
    • The outer diameter of a beret is sometimes measured in “col,” which is the diameter of the plateau in inches. In this case, a beret with a col of 9 or 10 could be good for you if you have a narrower face.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Measure-Beret-Size-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-Beret-Size-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Measure-Beret-Size-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid11844835-v4-728px-Measure-Beret-Size-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A beret with a bigger diameter will look more suited to your head if you have a bigger face. A beret with too small of a plateau will look out of place on your head, even if it is well-fitted around your head. [10]
    • If the beret you are considering buying has a plateau measured in col, get one with a col of 10 or 11, if you have a rounder face.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Always double-check a beret maker’s sizing chart when you’re shopping for a new beret to make sure you get the right size for your head circumference. This is especially important if you’re ordering your beret online.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, wrap something like a string around your head and measure it afterwards with a ruler or stiff tape measure.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Tailor’s measuring tape

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put on a Bonnet: A Quick Guide for All Hair Types (Plus Bonus Tips)
      How to
      Laundry Strip Hats & Remove Stains (Plus Bonus Cleaning Methods)
      How to
      Wear a Cowboy Hat Properly
      How to
      Make a Chef's Hat
      How to
      Wear a Fascinator
      How to
      Make a Gnome Hat
      How to
      Wear BUFF® Headwear
      How to
      Wear Flat Caps
      How to
      Shrink a Hat
      How to
      Wear a Bucket Hat
      How to
      Stretch a Hat
      How to
      Avoid Hat Hair
      How to
      Wash a Hat
      How to
      Determine Your Hat Size
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.marlowwhite.com/measuring/m-cap-size.html
      2. ↑ https://www.marlowwhite.com/measuring/m-cap-size.html
      3. ↑ https://www.brixton.com/en_us/sizing-fit-care/
      4. ↑ https://www.brixton.com/en_us/sizing-fit-care/
      5. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html
      6. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html
      7. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html
      8. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html
      9. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html
      1. ↑ https://www.laulhere-france.com/en/size-guide.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,450 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement