There is nothing worse than ordering a fresh Chicago Bulls or Lakers cap online, waiting for it to arrive, and realizing it's too tight to wear. It sits on your shelf collecting dust instead of being on your head.
Unlike adjustable snapbacks, the New Era 59FIFTY (Fitted Cap)—the official on-court cap of the NBA—requires a precise fit. It’s unforgiving. If you get the size wrong, you can’t wear it.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to measure your head without a fancy tape measure, how to read the confusing size chart, and how to pick the right style so you can rock your team's gear with confidence.
1. The "No-Tape-Measure" Hack (How to Measure)
Don't have a flexible tailor's tape measure lying around? No problem. You probably have everything you need right now in your pocket.
What you need:
- A shoelace, a phone charging cable, or a piece of string.
- A standard ruler or a construction tape measure.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wrap it: Take the string (or cable) and wrap it around your head. Place it exactly where you want the hat to sit—usually about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows and ears.
- Mark it: Pinch the point where the string overlaps with your finger.
- Measure it: Lay the string flat on a table and measure the length with your ruler. This is your head circumference.
Pro Tip: Measure 2-3 times to be accurate. If your measurement falls between sizes, always round up. A slightly loose hat is comfortable; a tight hat gives you a headache!
2. NBA Hat Size Chart (Inches to Cap Size)
Once you have your measurement, use this chart to find your New Era size.
| Head Circumference (Inches) | Head Circumference (CM) | New Era Fitted Size |
|---|---|---|
| 21 1/4 in | 53.9 cm | 6 3/4 |
| 21 5/8 in | 54.9 cm | 6 7/8 |
| 22 in | 55.8 cm | 7 (Small) |
| 22 3/8 in | 56.8 cm | 7 1/8 |
| 22 3/4 in | 57.7 cm | 7 1/4 (Medium) |
| 23 1/8 in | 58.7 cm | 7 3/8 (Popular) |
| 23 1/2 in | 59.6 cm | 7 1/2 (Large) |
| 23 7/8 in | 60.6 cm | 7 5/8 |
| 24 1/4 in | 61.5 cm | 7 3/4 |
| 25 in | 63.5 cm | 8 (XXL) |
(Note: The most common size for adult men is usually 7 3/8 or 7 1/2.)
3. Which Style Should You Buy? (59FIFTY vs. 9FIFTY)
Are you confused by the numbers on the sticker? Here is the quick breakdown to ensure you buy what you actually want.
A. The "Pro" Look: 59FIFTY (Fitted)
- What is it? The classic, flat-brim cap players wear on the court. It has a structured crown and no strap on the back.
- Best for: Die-hard fans who know their exact size and want the authentic "on-court" look.
- Verdict: If you want to look like the pros, get this.
👉 Browse New Era 59FIFTY Collection on Amazon
B. The "Safe" Gift: 9FIFTY (Snapback)
- What is it? It looks almost identical to the 59FIFTY from the front, but it has an adjustable plastic strap on the back.
- Best for: Buying a gift for a friend (when you don't know their head size) or if you have a lot of hair.
- Verdict: The safest choice for gifting.
👉 Browse New Era 9FIFTY Snapbacks on Amazon
C. The "Dad Hat" Comfort: 39THIRTY (Flexfit)
- What is it? It has a pre-curved brim and a stretchy sweatband. It is not boxy like the others.
- Best for: Casual wear, golfing, or dads who prioritize comfort over street style.
- Verdict: Maximum comfort.
👉 Browse New Era 39THIRTY Caps on Amazon
4. 3 Final Tips Before You Buy on Amazon
- Check the Material: Polyester hats (Game Day Authentic) don't shrink much. However, if you buy a Wool blend hat (Retro/Heritage style), it might shrink slightly with sweat or rain.
- Hair Volume: If you have thick hair, dreadlocks, or an afro, go one full size up.
- The "Break-in": A new 59FIFTY might feel stiff and boxy. Gently curving the brim with your hands (like a baseball player) can make it fit your forehead better instantly.
Bonus: What if you bought the wrong size?
If you already have a hat that is just a little bit too tight, don't throw it away. You can use a Hat Stretcher. It’s a wooden tool that expands your hat while you sleep. It’s a lifesaver for expensive collections.
Ready to find your team's gear?
Now that you know your size, test your knowledge with our history quizzes or grab your team's gear below!
- Search for Chicago Bulls Hats on amazon
- Search for LA Lakers Hats on amazon
- Search for Golden State Warriors Hats on amazon
- (Feel free to search for your favorite team!)
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