The so-called "Modern hat size"

[PieBoy96]

Friends,

I've noticed that when some AC members list hats for sale, they list its size in circumference in inches, followed by something like, "7 1/8 modern hat size." I'm not a mens headwear historian, but that type of sizing was in practice during our period of study -- a glance at an original forage cap label (attached) can illustrate that (source: Heritage Auctions http://historical.ha.com/c/item.zx?s...42&lotNo=25003). I've just noticed the term "modern hat size" being used more and more over the years on the B/S/T section of the site, and just wanted to point out the system is not necessarily "modern." If anything, in recent times we've steered away from it more towards "S - M - L - XL"! haha!

For those interested in the conversions of hat sizes into inches or US military sizes, Wambaugh and White have a convenient table online at http://wwandcompany.com/index.php/st...7-federal-caps Note that to convert circumference in inches to a hat size, take the measurement and divide it by Pi (approx 3.14).

Not a rant, just supplying info for our collective knowledge. Maybe someone knows the origin of the hat size system, I would presume it has to do with the diameter of hat blocks or something similar?

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: The so-called "Modern hat size"

Funny Ive never seen anybody post a pair of trousers as Size 2, modern waist size 48.

[brown]

Re: The so-called "Modern hat size"

Good point. I think of it in terms of civilian hat size, not "Army" hat size, but have been known to use the term modern hat size to show that my "size 8" Army size is about the same as there modern fitted baseball cap in 7 3/4, not a civilian "8."

Robert, if size 2 trowsers are 48", I'd hate to get on the bad side of the guy in size 4.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: The so-called "Modern hat size"

Good point. I think of it in terms of civilian hat size, not "Army" hat size, but have been known to use the term modern hat size to show that my "size 8" Army size is about the same as there modern fitted baseball cap in 7 3/4, not a civilian "8."

Robert, if size 2 trowsers are 48", I'd hate to get on the bad side of the guy in size 4.

Typical sarcasm on my part.