Baseball cap sizes – why is it hard to choose the right one?

Although choosing summer hats for a child isn't complicated, parents may sometimes have doubts about baseball cap sizing. The first issue is that we come across various size markings. Baseball cap 98, baseball cap size 55, baseball cap size 48 50. These are three different markings that can be confusing and disorienting. Each manufacturer can introduce its own sizes, which makes choosing difficult, because we're not sure which size will be suitable. However, with knowledge of the basic ways of marking sizes, working out how to choose the right baseball cap size will be much simpler.

See how important sun protection is: How to protect children from the harmful effects of the sun?

Baseball cap sizes for children

Mustard baseball cap

Baseball cap size 44, 46, 50, 52 etc. – what does it mean?

Baseball cap sizes are often expressed in the way shown above. Deciphering them isn't difficult, though, if you know what the numbers given alongside the size actually mean. Although the answer is very simple, not everyone needs to know it. It happens that we're choosing a cap for a child for the first time, or we want to buy a model as a gift. Of course, parents who have already been through this kind of shopping know perfectly well that the numbers indicate the child's head circumference. Now it seems simpler, doesn't it?

Baseball cap 48 50 – baseball cap sizes expressed as a range

Baseball cap sizes can be expressed as two numbers indicating a size range. The notation may also look like this – 48/50, but this is still the same cap size and means a head circumference of 48 cm – 50 cm. For more flexible models, or adjustable styles, this is a very commonly used method, although the ranges may also vary, e.g. 52 – 56. So if the circumference falls within the given range, the size should be suitable.

Sizes based on the child's height, e.g. baseball cap size 86 or 92/104

This is another way manufacturers may mark baseball cap size. In this case, we don't take head circumference into account but the child's height.

How to fit a hat to a child – head circumference and baseball cap size

We already know what baseball cap sizes are available, so it's time to find the right one. Most often, head circumference is used to determine the correct size. This is also how we do it at MyBasic. Children of the same age can have heads of different sizes, so buying a cap based only on age may turn out to be a poor choice. Similarly, it's worth noting that during infancy a baby's head grows very quickly, so it would be good to take a measurement before each cap purchase.

How to measure baseball cap size using head circumference?

Powder pink baseball cap

Now all that's left is to measure the circumference of your child's head. Choose a soft tape measure – we don't recommend using metal measuring tapes, as they're uncomfortable and unpleasant for the child too. If you don't have a tape measure, use a piece of string, for example. Measure the head circumference with it and place it against a ruler to get the result. Taking a measurement is one of the surest ways to choose a cap that fits well on the head. This matters, because a cap that's too big can fall over the eyes, while one that's too small will press on the head.

Baseball cap size chart – when you can't measure your child

Sometimes we go shopping without our little one, or we simply can't measure the head circumference at that moment. In such cases, we really have to rely on a baseball cap size chart. In such a chart, the baseball cap size may be assigned according to the child's age. Charts often include the average head circumference for children of a specific age and are based on percentile charts, e.g. for a three-year-old boy, this is a circumference of 49.5 cm – 51 cm. Such charts also take the child's gender into account – for a three-year-old girl, the circumference is 48.5 cm – 50 cm.

Baseball cap dimensions at MyBasic

Our cap dimensions include the child's head circumference, the height of the cap (measured from the top of the cap to the peak) and the length of the peak. For example, the blue baseball cap for babies is suitable for a head circumference of 46 cm - 50 cm, its height is 15 cm, and the peak is 5.5 cm. These parameters will help you choose the right baseball cap size for children even more accurately. Above, however, is an example of a baseball cap for children aged 2 to 14. The model has a Velcro adjustment at the back, which makes fitting easier. A well-chosen summer hat will best fulfil its function. The child will feel comfortable in it and won't want to take it off. It will also provide effective protection from the sun.