If you've ever struggled to find a hat that actually fits your head, you know the frustration. For years, I found myself constantly searching for decent sunhats for large heads, especially an XL size. It often felt like a hopeless quest, leaving me with uncomfortable, ill-fitting hats or none at all. But after a dedicated search and some fantastic discoveries, I'm thrilled to share my journey and practical tips to help you find that elusive perfect fit.
Last summer, I was gearing up for some serious hiking across New Zealand's stunning landscapes. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors and is bald, a good sunhat isn't just a fashion accessory – it's an absolute necessity for protecting my skin from the harsh sun. I needed a reasonably priced but decent hat with a medium to large brim, something that could offer real protection without breaking the bank. The problem? Every hat I tried on seemed designed for a "standard" head size, leaving me feeling like my head was simply too big for the market. Finding an XL, let alone one that looked good and felt comfortable, felt impossible.
I must have visited countless stores, trying on hat after hat, only to be met with disappointment. They were either too tight, leaving an uncomfortable red mark around my forehead, or so shallow they felt like they'd fly off with the slightest breeze. I even considered giving up, thinking I'd just have to make do with a smaller, less protective hat. But the thought of another summer spent squinting and worrying about sunburn spurred me on. I knew there had to be solutions out there for people like me.
My persistence paid off, and I started uncovering some truly excellent options. It turns out, with a bit of digging, finding hats for bigger heads is entirely possible!
One of the first and most valuable tips I received was about Hills Hats. A good friend of mine, who also has a significant head size (he measures his at a generous 65cm!), had recently had a hat custom-made by them. He couldn't stop raving about how perfectly it fit. This was a game-changer for me. The idea of a hat tailored to my exact measurements was incredibly appealing.
I immediately checked out their online store. Knowing that Hills Hats are proudly made in Petone, Wellington, gave me an extra sense of confidence in their quality and craftsmanship. Their website showcased a fantastic range of styles, and the option for custom sizing truly set them apart. It's a wonderful feeling to know that there are dedicated hat makers out there who understand that one size does not fit all.
During my search, I also remembered seeing a good selection of hats in various sizes at Hunting and Fishing stores. These places often cater to practical outdoor needs, so they tend to stock more robust and generously sized options compared to general fashion retailers. It's worth browsing their instore selections, as you might stumble upon a hidden gem that offers both protection and a comfortable fit.
Another avenue I explored, which proved surprisingly fruitful, was local flea markets. I've always been a fan of the unique finds at these markets, and hats are no exception. You can often discover a great variety of styles and, importantly, a wider range of sizes than you'd expect. From vintage pieces to handmade creations, flea markets offer a chance to find an awesome sun hat with a unique character. As someone who needs good work sunhats because I'm bald and work outside a lot, these diverse hunting grounds are invaluable.
While my initial quest was for a summer sunhat, my journey opened my eyes to the broader world of headwear. I realized that finding brands that cater to diverse needs and sizes across different seasons was just as important. That's how I stumbled upon www.wholecustomdesign.com. I was looking for reliable online retailers that offered a good selection, and their site caught my attention.
Though my immediate need was for sun protection, I also started thinking about the colder months. New Zealand winters can be quite chilly, and I needed something warm and protective for those outdoor adventures too. It was during this exploration that I found a truly impressive item: the Winter Fluffy Fur Knitted Cap for Women. It looked incredibly soft and warm, designed with ear protection, making it perfect for battling the cold.
This particular cap, available at Wholecustomdesign, featured a plush, cold-proof design with a soft, warm knitted fabric. Its "grey-56-58" sizing indicated a good range, suggesting the brand understood the importance of different head measurements. While it wasn't my summer hiking hat, discovering a brand like Wholecustomdesign that offered such thoughtful and protective headwear for other seasons was a huge win. It showed me that with a bit of effort, you can find a whole world of hat options, no matter your head size or the weather.
Based on my own experiences, here are some actionable tips to help you on your quest for the ideal hat, especially if you're looking for sunhats for large heads: