Hat fitted in shop but feels too tight. Should I try exchange???

[bassjunky]

Went to my local countrywide to get a riding hat and jodhpurs last Saturday and was told at the till that I should have my hat checked for fit because they don't accept returns on hats due to it being a safety item.

So on their advice I was fitted by the shop assistant with the hat that I had chosen and informed it was slightly too big (based on what she told me I believe this to be correct) and to try a smaller size. They didn't have the next size down in that model but had two sizes smaller, I tried it and was definitely too small.

The assistant then recommended a different model in the size down from the one I was going to buy. I tried it and said I'd like to try the size up as it was tight. She said we could do that but that that size seemed right and the foam would squish in. I tried the next size up and was comfortable with that fit but was told it was too big at the back so I should get the smaller one. Also tried a navy one in the smaller size and decided I preferred the black but preferred the fit of the larger one as it wasn't so tight. Again the assistant said the smaller size was a better fit 'Are you sure? It will get a lot bigger when the foam compresses?' so I complied and got the smaller size. After all she is the expert. Right?

Well for three days running I have come home from work and worn the hat for at least an hour because I was still concerned that I should have got the bigger size. Each time it has given me mild headache and feels tight around all of my head. The foam doesn't seem to have a whole load of squishing space to get much larger as it isn't particularly thick foam imo.

Should I go and exchange the hat for a larger size? Or at least get a second opinion on the fit instore? Do they really change that much in size? Mine is a champion Juniour X-AIR for reference.

Despite the fact they said no returns I feel as it is their fault I got the wrong size they should exchange or reimburse me. If I had got the larger hat I originally intended to buy I could have at least padded it with hat foam if it turned out to be too big. I can't wear this if it gives me headache everytime. The hat still has all tags on etc and has only been worn in the house for 5 hours max.

 

[Tobiano]

See if you can. The exact same thing happened to me and I suffered through some horrible headaches for a few weeks until I gave in and realised I simply had too small a hat. It was too late to take it back by then so I just had to buy another one. I am sure shops often sell you a too small hat because they can see it doesnt move around but they cant feel that it is painful! Have a go and see how you get on. Good luck.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

I would take it back, try to see same person who sold it you and tell them , under the sale of goods act it is not fit for purpose, and ask politely for an exchange for a different side. You were only going on their advice, and a correctly sized hat should not cause you to have a headache!!!

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I've just bought a new hat. Our local, very good saddles spent about an hour and a half with me, I tried on every skull which was close to size, and the one I have now does feel tight, and I have been wearing it at home but the best bit of advice I had was to wear it when riding. Your mind is concentrating on riding, and you do get more used to it, that said I've only ridden for 30 minutes in it so far!

 

[Holzdweaver]

I had a similar thing when i went to buy a navy show hat for showing my friends mare (wanted a smart one with flesh harness), id tried on and chosen a hat in a tack shop when i found the make to fit the shape of my head, to be told i had to have it fitted which i was happy about as i was confident id chosen the right one. The lady fitting it was quite, well not rude but a bit intimidating and abrupt to be honest and seemed annoyed when i said the next size down, which she insisted i buy instead, hurt my head (she even rolled her eyes at me!). I was told not to be silly as the foam will compress and then it wont be as tight and will be a perfect fit. i tried the bigger one and it was very comfy, even turned my head upside down and it stayed on, snug but not painful. She said she wouldnt sell it to me as it didnt fit and she had been fitting hats for years etc. Asked the advice of my friend and she said to follow the experts advice and to buy the one she recommended, so i did.
Every time i wear the thing it gives me the most painful pressure headaches and when i take it off i have a dent along my forehead! kept wearing it hoping it would get better and it never did, the padding wont give anymore and its still painful to wear. I couldnt afford to buy another, and i didnt show enough to justify the extra cost of two show hats, i treated myself (which i very rarely do) and payed about £180 for it. I dont show the mare anymore (it was quite a short show carreer!) so its just sat gathering dust on a shelf now as theres no way i can downgrade it to wear as an everyday hat which is what id intended it for when i didnt need it for best
When i got my replacement everyday hat, i bought the same make but a different model in the next size up and its the comfiest hat iv owned and never moves a fraction.

 

[Dave's Mam]

Any decent hat fitter can make the SLIGHTLY larger one fit. My head is an odd shape, but my local tack lady spent over an hour at my fitting, adding fitting panels & tape. Hat fits like a glove, doesn't come of when i am upside down & it's unfastened, but is NOT too tight.

 

[limestonelil]

I would take it back, try to see same person who sold it you and tell them , under the sale of goods act it is not fit for purpose, and ask politely for an exchange for a different side. You were only going on their advice, and a correctly sized hat should not cause you to have a headache!!!

I think you should take your hat back as above , just be polite and stand your ground, you have nothing to lose. Don't wear it again, you have given it long enough.Be prepared to state your case with a manager/head honcho if necessary.I can still remember a hat I was sold slightly too small,it never 'grew' to fit and gave me horrible headaches, but sale of goods act hadn't the same clout then.

 

[limestonelil]

P.S. If they don't want to exchange it for one that fits comfortably, then ask for a full cash refund as it is not fit for purpose, because you can't wear it and it sounds as though you were badly advised and were more or less forced into buying the wrong size.

 

[bassjunky]

The size I preferred stayed on my head when I tilted upside down but was apparently too big for me. As some of you have said some hat tape could have sorted that out. Going to go back tomorrow and explain the situation and ask for an exchange or a full refund if they wont as it isn't ft for purpose due to them recommending a hat that is too small. Thanks for the advice everyone

 

[Bav]

From my own experience with my current hat, when fitted a year ago it felt too tight, but like the shop fitter said and as said already on this thread, when you 'wear it in' it fits perfectly.
If anything I'm now thinking of changing hats as it feels too big now!! *sigh* I do love an expensive hat

 

[casspow]

I have some experience in hat fitting myself, please DO NOT get your hat padded out with tape (it will only wear down and your hat will become unsafe and not fit correctly) you should try on every brand/style out there to see what fits bet - I assure you there will be one out there

OP fingers crossed you can take the hat back if it's really not suitable but try and persevere because I'm sure the person who fitted it for you will be properly qualified if from countyrwide.

Sorry this sounds like such a moan, I work within the equestrian business and see so many hats not fitted properly and look unsafe there's nothing more important than protecting your noggin'

 

[Art Nouveau]

I've just bought a new hat - had to be the most expensive one in the shop that fit best! I ended up with a Charles Owen Ayr8 and I love it. The strange thing is that I had borrowed my mum's charles owen skull cap a couple of times and that gave me a horrible headache and it's in exactly the same size. However, the shop assistant said that often skull caps are a slightly different shape to peaked hats, being a bit rounder, so there would be more pressure on my forehead.

 

[TrasaM]

I've just bought a new hat - had to be the most expensive one in the shop that fit best! I ended up with a Charles Owen Ayr8 and I love it. The strange thing is that I had borrowed my mum's charles owen skull cap a couple of times and that gave me a horrible headache and it's in exactly the same size. However, the shop assistant said that often skull caps are a slightly different shape to peaked hats, being a bit rounder, so there would be more pressure on my forehead.

I tried to switch to the Ayr8 but it didn't fit me properly but I'm ok in the CO skull cap. Was really disappointed about it and ended up buying the same model again.

 

[Steorra]

Hope you manage to get it exchanged OP.

I've also had trouble with hat fitters insisting that a too-small hat fit (rammed it on my head so hard my neck was sore for the rest of the day, and it left deep lines across my forehead for the few seconds it was on that took ages to fade). Shop insisted it fitted and refused to sell me a bigger one because it would be unsafe!

I realise they need to be close-fitting but that is ridiculous IMO. I wonder whether shops are trying to protect themselves against being sued for poorly fitted hats? There was no way I could've worn the one I tried for more than a couple of seconds though.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I have some experience in hat fitting myself, please DO NOT get your hat padded out with tape (it will only wear down and your hat will become unsafe and not fit correctly) you should try on every brand/style out there to see what fits bet - I assure you there will be one out there

OP fingers crossed you can take the hat back if it's really not suitable but try and persevere because I'm sure the person who fitted it for you will be properly qualified if from countyrwide.

Sorry this sounds like such a moan, I work within the equestrian business and see so many hats not fitted properly and look unsafe there's nothing more important than protecting your noggin'

Totally agree with above.

Iv been fitting hats for years and never had one come back, but would like to think if the customer wasn't happy they would bring it back, after all if I fitted it, its my responsibility.

It is scary the amount of riders not wearing the correct size hat/wrong shape for your head. I don't insist on fitting but if the customer don't want it fitted they sign a disclaimer stating such.

Op I can't say on the fit of your hay but do take it back, if it was fitted by staff its their responsibility. You should not get a headache and normally its due to the fact your temples haven't got the room ( they swell when your active) this should of been checked at the time of fitting. You can get a mark around your forehead that's fine but the temple are is most important.
Let us know how u go as the fact the hats are non returnable doesn't matter if incorrectly fitted by staff.

 

[ester]

Not all styles/brands fit all heads which may result in a few shop trips - my most recent hats have all been bought at badminton. No issue with tape, you can replace it if you wear it down.

Having had hat fitting training in a previous life I wouldn't trust that all sales people are that great at fitting.

 

[thatsmygirl]

Hope you manage to get it exchanged OP.

I've also had trouble with hat fitters insisting that a too-small hat fit (rammed it on my head so hard my neck was sore for the rest of the day, and it left deep lines across my forehead for the few seconds it was on that took ages to fade). Shop insisted it fitted and refused to sell me a bigger one because it would be unsafe!

I realise they need to be close-fitting but that is ridiculous IMO. I wonder whether shops are trying to protect themselves against being sued for poorly fitted hats? There was no way I could've worn the one I tried for more than a couple of seconds though.

I find this thread quite shocking, are hat fitters not talking to their customers? Once iv found the correct size/shape hat or what I believe to be, I always try the hat either side ( size wise, 1 up and 1 down)
This I find helps the customers and myself as the size down will be to small so they are then happy with that and the next size up will be to big and when moved my myself on the customers head ( front to back) the hat will move on its own with no eyebrow movement. Sometimes and only sometimes u put the bigger one on and it is actually the better fit so its just the way I like to do things and have never had one returned. and in fact iv had customers bring in their hats from other shops that have been fitted for my view on it as they feel its not right. Do hat fitters ask what customers do with their horses? To establish which hats are best suited due to pony club rules/jockey rules and jumping with peaks etc etc

 

[bassjunky]

Didn't have time to take it back today but to answer those who suggest it might be correct size, I can feel my pulse after wearing it a few mins, which develops into a mild headache. I do get headaches regularly so I am sensitive when my head is restricted but I still think it shouldn't be that tight. The size above was reasonably comfortable but still tight and stayed on my head over 5 seconds when I tipped upside down.

 

[thatsmygirl]

Do let us know how you get on as you shouldn't get any issues really. Do u know another shop/hat fitter around you could ask to check it? But the fact you have headaches isn't right anyway.

 

[Meems]

I ordered two hats for size online last year, for some reason I kept the one that felt slightly too tight and sent back the one that fitted perfectly. I didn't like wearing it at first because it was uncomfortable but I've stuck with it and kept wearing it and now it feels fine.

 

[bassjunky]

Do let us know how you get on as you shouldn't get any issues really. Do u know another shop/hat fitter around you could ask to check it? But the fact you have headaches isn't right anyway.

I have just relocated for a new job so don't know anyone here. I am tempted to just keep wearing it 'til Friday and then take it back then if it isn't better. Maybe yesterday I was just having a fat head day? lol

 

[thatsmygirl]

You could do but hopefully if u do take it back you won't get any hassle, the only thing I could see them getting funny about is if they stand by the fact its corrected fitted ( nobody on here knows so can't say anyway) fingers xd you get it sorted

 

[limestonelil]

OP did you get this sorted satisfactorily so you don't still get a headache when riding? I was reminded about it due to thread on saddle not fitting.

 

[bassjunky]

Yeah I did thanks, I just persevered with it, it's still very tight and makes me too hot but it doesn't cause me pain, or at least I am too distracted by the riding to notice (plus I was in significant pain anyway due to saddle being a literal pain in the butt ha)

 

[sasquatch]

I've been few about 5 hats in the past few years, kept breaking them.

Ive had my JTE for a year and found the fit varies on how my hair is worn. If hair is in a french plait/high bun/high pony tail I would get a pressure headache, but a low pony tail/low bun/hair down is fine. When I bought it, I was warned that how you wear your hair when you ride can influence fit, and to wear my hair as I normally wear it to ride when getting it fitted.

My experiences with having a hat fitted have always been positive though, the staff that fitted me always took what I had to say on board and would tell straight away if it was too big or too small or give their opinion on fit when I wasn't sure, but would never force me into buying a hat they thought was a bit small.

I do have quite an awkward head though and cant actually wear a lot of skullcaps/charles owen hats but I liked the JTE anyway and the fact it fit was an added bonus. I did find the foam in Harry Hall hats moved around a lot and had a lot of give and most of them were replaced as I kept falling off or they got too big

 

[georgiegirl]

Hmmm difficult one....if it's really really small then take it back. When I had my hs1 fitted if felt really tight and for the first week or so with riding gave me a horrid headache and red marks on my forehead....it's now perfect. Nothing worse than a hat the shifts when your jumping etc annoying and unsafe! Persevere if you think it will bed down

 

[NeverSayNever]

I've been few about 5 hats in the past few years, kept breaking them.

Ive had my JTE for a year and found the fit varies on how my hair is worn. If hair is in a french plait/high bun/high pony tail I would get a pressure headache, but a low pony tail/low bun/hair down is fine. When I bought it, I was warned that how you wear your hair when you ride can influence fit, and to wear my hair as I normally wear it to ride when getting it fitted.

My experiences with having a hat fitted have always been positive though, the staff that fitted me always took what I had to say on board and would tell straight away if it was too big or too small or give their opinion on fit when I wasn't sure, but would never force me into buying a hat they thought was a bit small.

I do have quite an awkward head though and cant actually wear a lot of skullcaps/charles owen hats but I liked the JTE anyway and the fact it fit was an added bonus. I did find the foam in Harry Hall hats moved around a lot and had a lot of give and most of them were replaced as I kept falling off or they got too big

Im genuinely surprised anyone can wear their hair up, under a hat ?! Id have thought having a ponytail or bun under your riding hat would create a pressure point and be dangerous. I had the same happen with a gatehouse OP and persevered.. hacked out in it a couple of weeks on and had to get off and lead my horse home as I had the most awful headache and wanted to throw the hat in a ditch! The shop changed it for me

 

[thatsmygirl]

I've been few about 5 hats in the past few years, kept breaking them.

Ive had my JTE for a year and found the fit varies on how my hair is worn. If hair is in a french plait/high bun/high pony tail I would get a pressure headache, but a low pony tail/low bun/hair down is fine. When I bought it, I was warned that how you wear your hair when you ride can influence fit, and to wear my hair as I normally wear it to ride when getting it fitted.

My experiences with having a hat fitted have always been positive though, the staff that fitted me always took what I had to say on board and would tell straight away if it was too big or too small or give their opinion on fit when I wasn't sure, but would never force me into buying a hat they thought was a bit small.

I do have quite an awkward head though and cant actually wear a lot of skullcaps/charles owen hats but I liked the JTE anyway and the fact it fit was an added bonus. I did find the foam in Harry Hall hats moved around a lot and had a lot of give and most of them were replaced as I kept falling off or they got too big

You can not have a hat fitted with your hair up in a bun or French plait, end off

 

[Skib]

You should wear a hat for 30 minutes or so in the store before purchasing - We took grand daughter to Robinson's and she did just that. Our local sadlers just told me to take my hat home, keep all the labels attached and wear it for an evening watching TV.

 

[bassjunky]

Im genuinely surprised anyone can wear their hair up, under a hat ?! Id have thought having a ponytail or bun under your riding hat would create a pressure point and be dangerous. I had the same happen with a gatehouse OP and persevered.. hacked out in it a couple of weeks on and had to get off and lead my horse home as I had the most awful headache and wanted to throw the hat in a ditch! The shop changed it for me

I think sasquatch was referring to a bun or plait worn just below the hat compared to a bun/plait worn at the nape of the neck or just worn down all together. I did notice that when wearing my hair down whilst trying to wear my hat in it didnt cause my temples to throb or give me headache.

30 mins is a long time to wear a hat in a shop. I suppose if you have other things to shop for it helps. I think it will do for now, I'm not planning to ride for 3 hours a day