How To Measure Your Head Size for Traditional African Caps (Like the Fila)

Traditional African caps carry a deep cultural meaning because they’re not just stylish, with their lovely designs and patterns and colors but they’re also symbolic. But if the cap doesn’t fit well, it can throw off the entire look. Whether you’re picking up a Fila, Abeti Aja, or any other regional design, knowing the right head size makes all the difference. Below, we’ve laid out four straightforward steps to help you measure properly, whether it’s for you or someone else.

Step 1: Get Your Measuring Tools

To get started, you’ll need one of these:

• A flexible measuring tape (like the kind tailors use)

• Or, if you don’t have one, a piece of string or yarn and a ruler

Step 2: Wrap It Around Your Head

Take your measuring tape (or the string) and wrap it around your head. Start about a finger’s width above your eyebrows and make sure it circles all the way around the fullest part of your head making sure it passes  just above your ears and ending at the front. Keep it flat and level, not slanted.

If you’re using string, mark where it meets, lay it flat, and measure the length with your ruler. That number is your head size.

Step 3: No Access to the Person’s Head? Try This Instead

If you’re buying a cap for someone who isn’t with you, check and measure inside a hat they already own and wear regularly, that is likely give you a solid clue about their size. If they don’t have any caps,try taking a  look at other hats or headwear they’ve used before, or use a sizing chart to make a close guess. You could also send them this step by step guide blogpost so they can do the measuring on their own.

Step 4: Use the Size Chart to Choose a Fit

Now that you’ve got the measurement, compare it with this Fila-specific sizing chart to find the right match:

Size in Inches	Size in cm	American Hat Sizes
19 3/8”	49.2	6-1/8
19 1/2”	49.5	6-1/4
20 1/4”	51.4	6-3/8
20 3/4”	52.7	6-1/2
21”	53.3	6-5/8
21 1/2”	54.6	6-3/4
21 5/8”	54.9	6-7/8
22 1/8”	56.2	7
22 1/2”	57.2	7-1/8
23”	58.4	7-1/4
23 3/8”	59.3	7-3/8
23 3/4”	60.3	7-1/2
24 1/2”	62.2	7-5/8
25”	63.5	7-3/4

If your number is between sizes, go with the larger one. This is especially helpful for caps made with heavy or stiff fabrics like Aso Oke or brocade.

Extra Tips

If you’re wearing the cap to a wedding, cultural event, or party, make sure it fits securely but doesn’t squeeze. A good cap should stay in place without feeling tight.

Now you’re set! With these steps, you can confidently pick out a cap that fits your head and your style. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us through our email A4SV.co@gmail.com or check out the contact section of our website.