Parents Guide To Pick The Best Fitted Hats For Kids
Need help to pick the right size for your kid’s hat? Go for fitted hats!
Fitted hats are made based on the measurement of the kid’s head. It sits perfectly on the head without any adjustments required. Thus, kids can have a comfortable experience wearing the hats all day long without any fall-off issues or uneasiness.
Finding the right size for fitted hats is a bit tricky. You can’t fix the wrong size as there are no size-adjusting features. But no worries, this guide will help you purchase the best-fitted hats for kids. So, let’s begin-
What Are Fitted Hats?
Fitted hats are also known as ‘Dad Hats.’ These hats perfectly fit as they are designed according to the size of the wearer’s head. The structure of these hats is similar to baseball caps. The round crown of the hat is formed with six fabric panels- two front panels, a right panel, a left panel, and two back panels. These meet at the top with a button attachment. This forms a well-structured and defined shape of the hat.
However, fitted hats don’t have any adjustable straps for sizing. So, they won’t give you more sizing options as snapback hats. But they are made of stretchable fabrics, allowing a stable fit. You will also get a clean surface on the back panel of the cap for customization. Here, you can add embroideries, patches, or any designs.
Why You Should Buy Fitted Hats for Kids? – Benefits
Comfort is the major concern when it comes to kids’ hats. The fitted hats are designed according to the measurement of the kid’s head. So, they stay in place without being too tight or too loose.
When the hat is loose, it frequently falls off the child’s head. A light wind blows, or movement can displace them from the head. Again, if the hat is too tight, it brings discomfort to the child. Fitted hats offer the ideal size to solve these issues so the kids don’t feel uneasy. The stretchable fabric of the hats further is also flexible to an extent. So, if the child grows a bit, it will still fit.
How To Measure The Head For The Right Size Of Kids Hat?
Following the below steps, you can easily find the ideal size of your kids fitted hat:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Materials
To measure the head size for different kinds of hats, you will need the following-
- Measuring tape
- Pen
- Paper
Step 2: Measure Kids Head
Take the measuring tape above the baby’s ear and eyebrow and measure the widest part of the head. Make sure the tape is not too tight or too loose. You can measure in centimeters or inches. You should take this measurement several times to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Find The Hat Size
Once you have taken the measurement, divide it by 3.14 to find the hat size. For example, if the measurement you tool is 20 inches, the hat size will be = (20÷3.14) = 6.37. So, the circumference of the hat will be 6.67 inches.
Things To Know Before Buying Fitted Hats For Kids
You must remember some points when picking the right fitted hats for kids. Here is what to consider:
Kids Hat Size Chart (International)
Though the sizes of the kids’ hats may differ for different brands, you must have an idea of which one to pick. The below chat shows you the international size chart for kids’ hats:
Age (approximately) | Head circumferencein cm | Head circumferencein inches | UK size | US size |
0-6 months | 40 | 15 3/4 | 4 7/8 | 5 |
42 | 16 1/2 | 5 1/8 | 5 1/4 | |
6-12 months | 44 | 46 | 5 3/8 | 5 1/2 |
17 3/8 | 18 1/8 | 5 5/8 | 5 3/4 | |
12-24 months | 48 | 19 | 5 7/8 | 6 |
24-48 months | 50 | 19 1/2 | 6 1/8 | 6 1/4 |
4-8 years | 52 | 20 1/4 | 6 3/8 | 6 1/2 |
54 | 21 1/8 | 6 5/8 | 6 3/4 |
Thumb Rule To Pick The Right Size
Even if you follow the size chart, do a trial on your kid before purchasing. To ensure the hat is not too tight or loose, place two fingers inside it after making them wear it. If fingers can get in, it’s the ideal size. But make sure there is no room for more than two fingers; otherwise, the hat will be too loose. Interesting Topic: Black Girl Hats: Chic Styles for Trendy Looks
Material and Construction
The fitted hats remain closely attached to the heads of the kids. So, you must look for breathable fabrics so the children stay comfortable. Look for cotton or mesh hats as they are lightweight and breathable. These will allow air circulation and keep your kids relaxed.
Also, consider stretchable fabric for the hat so it can fit well on the hat. A sweatband on the hat will provide additional conformity by absorbing the moisture. This will help them to overcome sweat. However, if it’s winter, you should get fleece or wool hats for kids. This will keep the children warm in the cold weather.
Design and Style
The fitted hats are excellent for customization. Their minimalistic designs allow you to add additional elements to experiment with. For instance, these hats have enough space on the back due to their lack of adjustable straps. You can add embroideries to the back panels.
Besides, the left and right panels also have free spaces for customization. Additional styling considerations that you may look at are as follows:
- Brim Shape: Fitted hats are available in both flat and curved brims. Pick anyone your kid likes.
- Color & Print: Kids usually like bright colors. These hats are available in different colors and prints. You can match one with your kid’s outfits.
- Eyelets: Eyelets are the holes located on the top of six panels of the fitted hat. These holes provide additional ventilation and prevent the head from overheating.
Sun Protection
Always purchase broad-beam hats for kids to shield their faces. This will save them from direct sun contact. For better protection, go for hats with a UPF rating of 50+. This will block 98% of harmful UV rays. So, your kid can play on sunny days wearing a fitted hat.
Price
Fitted hats are usually more expensive than regular ones due to their precise size. However, they are available at different prices. This varies in quality, materials, and sometimes sizes. You should do competitive research and get the best for your kids.
Difference Between Fitted Hats and Snapbacks
Criteria | Fitted Hats | Snapbacks |
Fit | Fitted hats offer a snug fit based on the measurement of the wearer’s head. | Due to the snap-locking feature, one snapback hat can fit multiple head sizes. |
Adjustability | They do not have any additional adjustable features. | These hats come with plastic snaps at the back for size adjustment. |
Brim | Brims can be curved or flat. | The brims of these hats are usually flat. |
Comfort | These hats are customized for specific head sizes, so they are more comfortable. | Snapback hats can bring discomfort if not properly fitted. |
Suitable For Kids | As kids grow so fast, they may not use fitted hats for a long time. These will soon get tighter. | Kids can use snapback hats for extended periods by adjusting the size as their head grows. |
Top 5 Fitted Hats For Kids: Best Picks
Sl. | Fitted HatsFor Kids | Best Features | Buy Now |
1 | Junior Mesh Ball Cap |
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2 | Fox Racing Boys’ Legacy Flexfit Hat |
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3 | ArmourVent Stretch Fit Hat |
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4 | Carhartt Canvas Baseball Cap |
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5 | Volcom Boys’ Big Full Stone Flexfit Hat |
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Fitted Hats For Kids
- Not Measuring The Head Size: One major mistake parents make while purchasing a fitted hat is guessing the size. Remember, there are no adjustable straps in these hats. So, the wrong size may not fit the kid. Even if it fits, the baby might not be comfortable in the hat.
- Ignoring Growth: The kids grow rapidly, and so does their head’s size. So, an accurately fitted hat will feel tight soon. Therefore, purchase a hat that has room to grow. You should consider stretchable fabrics.
- Not Considering Seasonal Needs: The material of the cap should be chosen carefully considering seasonal needs. If you get a warm fabric hat for summer, it will make the child sweaty and uncomfortable. So, you need to go for mesh or cotton hats. Again, for rainy reasons, look for water-resistant features. But it’s always better to get hats that fit multiple water conditions.
- Overlooking Brand Differences: The sizing of hats varies for different brands. You can’t randomly go for an S, M, or L size without checking the size chart; this will result in an incorrect fit.
Wrapping Up
While purchasing fitted hats for your kids, do a measurement check and match it with the brand’s size chart. This way, you will be able to pick the right size. Besides, the material and sun protection features should be considered to ensure the kids’ comfort. Also, look for customization options or designs. Last but not least, do competitive research on pricing to get the best deal.
FAQs
Why are fitted hats called fitted hats?
Fitted hats are called fitted hats because they are designed to fit perfectly on the head and don’t require adjustable straps.
Should a fitted hat be tight or loose?
A fitted hat shouldn’t be tight or loose but just comfortable. It should have such fittings that you can insert two fingers in the hat.
Are fitted caps more expensive?
Yes, fitted caps are designed for specific head sizes. Unlike snapback or adjustable hats, they can’t be used in multiple head sizes. This makes fitted hats more expensive than others.
Do fitted hats shrink over time?
Fitted hats can shrink when washed. This is due to the shrinking of natural fibers. Sweat, moisture, etc., can also shrink the hat.