Table of Contents
- New Era vs 47 Brand Sizing: The Core Differences
- How to Measure Your Head for Fitted Caps
- Fitted vs Snapback Sizing: What Changes
- Crown Profile, Depth, and Head Shape Matching
- Size Conversion Chart: Inches to Centimeters
- How to Shrink a Baseball Cap (and When Not To)
- Wash, Care, and Break-In: How Sizing Changes Over Time
- Where to Find 47 Brand Caps That Fit Right
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 13, 2026
New Era vs 47 Brand Sizing: The Core Differences
The biggest difference between New Era and 47 Brand sizing comes down to structure: New Era builds most caps around fitted, numbered sizes, while 47 Brand leans on adjustable closures and one-size-fits-most designs.
The two brands also treat crown depth and panel construction differently. A cap that fits your head circumference can still sit wrong if the crown is too tall or the brim curve doesn't match your face.
Fitted vs Adjustable: Two Different Approaches
New Era's fitted line uses numbered sizing, typically from about 6 7/8 to 8, based on head circumference in inches. With no strap or snapback, sizing accuracy matters from the first wear.
47 Brand takes the opposite route. Most caps use an adjustable strap closure, which is why you'll see "OSFA" or "OSFM" on the label instead of a number, the brand's biggest advantage for online shoppers.
| Feature | New Era Fitted | 47 Brand Adjustable |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing method | Numbered (inches) | One size fits most |
| Adjustment | None | Strap or snapback |
| Best for | Precise, locked-in fit | Flexibility and gifting |
| Fit consistency | High within a size | Varies by silhouette |
The trade-off: fitted caps look cleaner and more consistent but require knowing your size, while adjustable caps forgive a wider range of heads but can feel looser at the crown.
How to Measure Your Head for Fitted Caps
To measure your head for a fitted cap, wrap a flexible measuring tape about a centimeter above your ears and across the middle of your forehead, then read the number where the tape meets. That measurement, in inches, is your starting size for any New Era fitted cap and a useful reference for adjustable styles.
A common mistake is measuring too low, across the eyebrows, which adds length and pushes you into a size that feels too loose. Measure twice at the same height, and use the larger number if you land between sizes.
Using a Measurement Tape Correctly
Keep the tape snug but not tight, flat against your head, not digging in, because a compressed measurement sends you a size too small. String and a ruler work just as well.
For 47 brand sizing, your exact number matters less because the adjustable strap covers a range, but knowing your circumference helps you judge whether a "one size fits most" cap will sit comfortably or feel tight.
Fitted vs Snapback Sizing: What Changes
Snapback sizing removes the guesswork of numbered sizes but adds its own quirks. A snapback uses a plastic strap with snaps at the back, fitting a range of heads rather than one exact measurement, the closure on most 47 Brand trucker and adjustable caps.
The catch is crown depth: two snapbacks with the same strap can sit very differently. A shallow crown on a larger head perches too high; a deep crown on a smaller head swallows the ears.
New Era fitted caps avoid this because the whole cap scales with the size, crown, panels, and brim adjust together. That's why fitted fans stay loyal to numbered sizing.
Crown Profile, Depth, and Head Shape Matching
Crown profile is the most overlooked factor in cap fit, and where most online orders go wrong. You can nail your circumference and still end up with a cap that looks off because the profile doesn't suit your head shape.
Low, Mid, and High Profile Explained
Low-profile caps have a shallow crown that sits close to the head, usually around 3.5 to 4 inches deep at the front panel. They suit rounder and smaller heads and read as more casual.
Mid-profile sits in the middle, roughly 4 to 4.5 inches deep, and is the most versatile. Most everyday caps, including many 47 Brand styles, land here.
High-profile caps have a tall, structured crown, often 4.5 to 5 inches or more. They add height and suit longer or narrower faces but can look oversized on smaller heads.
The insider point most guides skip: match the profile to your face length, not just your circumference. A high-profile cap on a short face looks top-heavy; a low-profile cap on a long face looks flat.
Match Your Head Shape to a Structure
Head shape falls into four broad categories, each pairing better with certain crown structures. Use this as a starting filter, then fine-tune with your circumference.
| Head Shape | What It Looks Like | Best Crown Structure | Closure That Works Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Width and length are close; fuller cheeks | Low to mid, unstructured or soft-structured | Adjustable strap or snapback |
| Oval | Longer front-to-back than side-to-side | Mid to high, structured front | Fitted or snapback |
| Long or narrow | Noticeably longer than wide | High, structured, deep crown | Fitted |
| Small | Below-average circumference, compact features | Low, shallow crown | Adjustable, tightened |
A quick visual test: in a mirror, compare the distance from your brow to the top of your head against the width across your temples. Greater height means you lean oval or long and can carry a taller crown; greater width means you lean round and should stay low to mid.
Depth: The Measurement Nobody Lists
Crown depth is how far the cap drops from the top of the crown to the bottom of the sweatband. It's rarely printed on a product page, but it decides whether a cap perches or swallows your ears.
- A shallow crown on a larger head sits too high and exposes the sides of the head.
- A deep crown on a smaller head drops past the ears and looks oversized.
- A deep crown on a long face balances proportions; the same crown on a round face adds unwanted height.
New Era fitted caps sidestep much of this because the whole cap scales with the size. Adjustable caps keep one crown depth across the range, so the strap changes the fit but not the structure.
For a relaxed, broken-in feel right away, a low or mid-profile style like the 47 Brand Chicago Cubs Clean Up Adjustable Cap is a strong starting point, its curved brim and soft cotton sit close to the head without a stiff break-in.
Size Conversion Chart: Inches to Centimeters
Converting your measurement is straightforward: one inch equals 2.54 centimeters (nist.gov). Most sizing charts list both, so you can match your number to either column.
| Fitted Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 6 7/8 | 21 5/8 | 55 |
| 7 | 22 | 55.9 |
| 7 1/8 | 22 3/8 | 56.8 |
| 7 1/4 | 22 3/4 | 57.8 |
| 7 3/8 | 23 1/8 | 58.7 |
| 7 1/2 | 23 1/2 | 59.7 |
| 7 5/8 | 24 | 61 |
Measure in millimeters if you can, it's more precise than rounding to the nearest fraction and removes guesswork between sizes.
How to Shrink a Baseball Cap (and When Not To)
You can shrink a baseball cap slightly by soaking the crown in warm water, then drying it with gentle heat, but the result is unpredictable and works best on natural cotton. Synthetic blends and structured fronts often resist shrinking or warp instead.
The honest advice: shrinking is a fix for a cap that's marginally too big, not a sizing strategy. If it's a full size too large, return it and size down.
When not to shrink:
- Structured, high-profile caps, which can lose their shape
- Caps with glued or fused front panels
- Any cap where the brim is the part that fits wrong
For adjustable 47 Brand caps, you rarely need to shrink anything. The strap does the work. Tighten it a notch and you're done.
Wash, Care, and Break-In: How Sizing Changes Over Time
Washing and break-in both change how a cap fits. A cotton cap typically relaxes with wear, molding to your head over the first few weeks, while a structured cap holds its shape longer but can warp if you clean it wrong.
The Break-In Window: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
Break-in is when a new cap conforms to your head. How much give you get depends on the material and construction.
| Construction | Typical Give Over 30 Days | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Unstructured cotton (soft crown) | Noticeable, roughly a quarter to half size | Fabric relaxes and molds to the crown of your head |
| Structured cotton twill | Slight, less than a quarter size | Front panels hold shape; sweatband softens |
| Wool blend fitted | Minimal | Wool resists stretching; fit stays close to original |
| Polyester performance | Minimal to none | Fabric is dimensionally stable; little give |
| Mesh trucker | Varies by front panel | Mesh back has no give; front panel does the conforming |
A slightly snug unstructured cotton cap often becomes the most comfortable one you own within two to three weeks. A structured cap that feels snug on day one usually stays snug, so don't count on break-in to fix a tight fit.
How Wash Method Changes Fit
Cleaning is where fit can shift permanently. The method matters as much as the frequency.
- Hand wash, cool water, air dry: The safest option for every construction. Cotton relaxes slightly and evenly; structured crowns keep their shape if you reshape while damp.
- Machine wash, gentle cycle, air dry: Tolerable for unstructured cotton. The agitation can distort a structured front panel and loosen the sweatband stitching over repeated cycles.
- Machine wash, warm or hot water: Shrinks cotton and can pucker fused front panels. Avoid on any structured cap.
- Machine dry, any heat: The fastest way to shrink a cotton cap and warp a structured crown. Never dry a structured cap in a hot dryer.
- Spot clean only: The right call for wool blends and any cap with glued or fused front panels, which can delaminate in a full wash.
A cap that fits well on day one can loosen after several washes if the cotton relaxes unevenly. Rotating between two caps spreads the wear and keeps each closer to its original fit.
Reshaping While It Dries
Stuff the damp crown with a rolled towel or place it over a bowl while it air dries to hold the crown profile. For a structured cap, watch the front panel: if it dries flat, the crown loses the height that made it fit your face shape.
For adjustable 47 Brand caps, you rarely need to shrink or reshape anything. The strap does the work. Tighten it a notch and you're done.
Where to Find 47 Brand Caps That Fit Right
Getting the size right is half the battle; finding the right team and silhouette is the other half. The Vault carries a curated range of 47 Brand headwear, including the 47 Brand Trucker Chicago White Sox Adjustable Mesh Cap at $25.99, the 47 Brand San Diego Padres Adjustable Hat at $31.99, and the 47 Brand Denver Broncos Cuff Knit Beanie at $19.99 for colder game days.
If you're shopping for a gift and unsure of the exact size, adjustable 47 Brand styles are the safer call. They cover many head sizes and suit both men and women, which is why they make up most of the brand's lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are New Era and 47 Brand the same?
No, they are separate companies with different sizing systems. New Era is known for its fitted 59FIFTY caps with specific numbered sizes, while 47 Brand focuses on adjustable styles like the Clean Up and Trucker. This means a New Era size 7 3/8 won't directly translate to a 47 Brand size. Always check the individual brand's size chart and measure your head before ordering.
Does New Era run big or small?
New Era fitted caps generally run true to size, but the fit can vary by model. The 59FIFTY is a structured, high-profile cap that sits higher on the head, while the 39THIRTY is more relaxed. If you're between sizes, many people size up for a looser feel or down for a snug fit. Using a measurement tape to get your exact head circumference in inches or centimeters is the most reliable approach.
How does the 47 Brand fit compare to New Era?
47 Brand caps typically have a more relaxed, broken-in feel from the start. The Clean Up and Dad Hat styles are unstructured with a lower crown profile, while New Era's 59FIFTY is structured and mid-to-high profile. If you prefer a casual, slouchy look, 47 Brand sizing is often more forgiving. For a sharp, structured look, New Era is the go-to. Neither is better; it depends on your head shape and style preference.
How do I measure my head for a fitted cap?
Use a flexible measurement tape around your head, about one-eighth of an inch above your ears and at the mid-forehead. Keep the tape snug but not tight. Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. Compare that number to the brand's size conversion chart. For New Era, you'll match to a fitted size like 7 1/4; for 47 Brand, you'll often choose OSFA or a specific adjustable range. Always measure twice for accuracy.
Can I shrink a baseball cap if it's too big?
Yes, you can shrink a baseball cap slightly using hot water and heat. Submerge the cap in hot water, then dry it with a hairdryer or place it in direct sunlight. Be cautious: shrinking is permanent and can distort the brim or logo. If the cap is only slightly loose, try adjusting the strap or adding a sweatband instead. For fitted caps, shrinking is riskier and may ruin the structure.
Finding a cap that fits starts with one number and one silhouette decision, and it ends with a cap you actually reach for every game day. The Vault makes that easy with a wide selection of sports-themed headwear, collections for both men and women, and free, same-day shipping so your gear arrives before the first pitch. Get started with The Vault and find your fit today.