Charles Gale is an agent for Christys' & Company Limited London Head Wear.

When Miller Christy began making the finest quality hats in London in 1773 no one could have known the quality and tradition of that bygone age would live on more than 200 years later.

It took Miller a seven year apprenticeship to learn the "art and mystery of feltmaking". Those skills have not changed and have been passed down to the current generation of hat makers.

The large red hat boxes with the "Christys' London" name embossed in gold are a familiar sight wherever quality hats are sold.

Throughout the world when people see a Christy hat, they know there has been no compromise in quality and that the hat on their head bears the tradition started by Miller Christy all those years ago.

Hat Sizes and Measurements

Hats size is usually generally measured in one of three different sizing scales; British, North American or European/Metric.

• British hat sizes are given in an imperial measurement of the diameter of the head in inches. Sizes usually range from 6 1/2 to 8.
• North American hats use the imperial scale however measurements are an eighth of an inch larger than British hats for the same size hat.
• European hat sizes use the metric sizing standard which is a measure of head circumference given in centimetres. Metric sizes usually range from 52 - 64.

Calculating Your Own Hat Size
To calculate your metric (European) hat size a measurement of the head circumference should be taken in centimetres. This is best achieved by passing a cloth tape measure around the head. Alternatively a piece of string may be used and measured against a ruler or tape measure. It is important that this measurement is taken where a hat would normally rest. To take a measurement position the tape measure or string so that it rests just above the brow at the front of the head, touching the top of the ears at the side. Pull the tape so that is taught but not too tight and take a measurement.

Hats are sized to the nearest whole centimetre so it is advisable to size up if your head falls between two measurements.

The way a hat is worn is obviously dependent upon personal taste so this suggestion is only offered as a guide.

Christy Hats are available in British imperial sizes with a metric European equivalent. Conversion charts are given below