A 8½ hat fits a head circumference of about 26¾ inches (67.8 cm), covering heads from roughly 26.5 to 26.9 inches (67.3–68.3 cm). 8½ is the top of MONGO's range and about as far as any cap we know of is built to go.
8½ hat size in inches and cm
| Hat size | Head (inches) | Head (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 8⅜ | 26¼ (26.1–26.5) | 66.8 (66.3–67.3) |
| 8½ | 26¾ (26.5–26.9) | 67.8 (67.3–68.3) |
The maths: 26.70 in ÷ 3.1416 = 8.500, which is 8½ (written 8 1/2 on a lot of labels). Full range on the hat size chart.
How common is a 8½ head?
In the US Army's ANSUR II survey (4,082 men and 1,986 women measured), the median head circumference was 57.4 cm for men and 56.0 cm for women, and the 95th percentile was 60.1 cm for men and 59.7 cm for women. An 8½ head (67.3–68.3 cm) is around 7 cm above the men's 95th percentile, far beyond anything the published ANSUR II summary breaks out. We're not going to dress up a guess as a statistic. It's extremely rare.
8½ in New Era, Flexfit and Richardson sizes
| Brand / model | Your size |
|---|---|
| New Era 59FIFTY (fitted) | Not listed (chart stops at 8) |
| Flexfit 6277 | No: XL/2XL tops out at 8 |
| Flexfit 110 (one size) | No: max 7⅞ |
| Richardson 112 XL | No: about 7⅞ max |
| Closest you can get | 59FIFTY 8: about 1¾ in (4 cm) too small |
Brand figures come from each maker's published size chart. Details and caveats in our fitted hat size chart by brand.
Do one-size caps fit a 8½?
No. A one-size cap is built for heads around 4 inches smaller than an 8½.
Does MONGO fit a 8½?
Yes, at the top of our range. MONGO snapbacks fit hat sizes 7½–8½, up to 26.7 in / 68 cm. On an 8½ head you'll be on the last snap or close to it.
Honest caveat: the 8½ band runs from about 67.3 to 68.3 cm, and our stated limit is 68 cm. If you measure more than about 26¾ in (68 cm), we can't promise a fit. Measure three times with our measuring guide, then try it with the 30-day fit guarantee behind you.
Try the XL Performance Snapback 2.0 ($59.99, 7 colours) or the XL Foam Trucker ($44.99). Free US shipping and a 30-day fit guarantee: if it doesn't fit, we cover the return shipping.
Neighbouring sizes
8½ hat size FAQ
What is 8 1/2 hat size in cm?
About 67.8 cm, covering heads from roughly 67.3 to 68.3 cm.
What hat size is 68 cm?
68 cm (26¾ in) is an 8½.
What hat size is 27 inches?
A 27-inch head works out to about 8⅝ (27 ÷ 3.1416 = 8.59), just above MONGO's 8½ limit.
What is the largest hat size MONGO fits?
8½, a head circumference up to 26.7 inches (68 cm).
Is 8 1/2 the biggest hat size?
It's near the top of what any cap maker builds. Sizes above 8½ exist but caps for them are rare.