Fedora vs Trilby: Which Hats Should UK Retailers Stock?

Hat sizing is one of the most important parts of wholesale stock planning because a product can have the right colour, material and style but still be difficult to sell if customers cannot find the correct fit.

This wholesale hat sizing guide UK explains how retailers can approach size selection, initial stock quantities and repeat ordering more strategically.

Why Hat Sizing Matters for Retailers

Customers purchasing fitted hats need more than an attractive product image. They also need confidence that the selected size will fit correctly.

For retailers, poor size planning can lead to:

• popular styles being unavailable in required sizes;
• too much stock remaining in slower-selling sizes;
• missed sales;
• unbalanced displays;
• unnecessary inventory pressure.

Size planning should therefore be treated as part of purchasing strategy rather than an administrative detail.

How Hat Sizes Are Usually Determined

Hat sizing is commonly related to the circumference of the wearer's head.

Measurements are generally taken around the head where the hat will naturally sit. The corresponding size then depends on the sizing system used for that particular product.

Retailers and customers can refer to the Carriston Hat Size Guide for current sizing guidance.

Do All Hats Use the Same Size Range?

No. Available sizes can vary between products.

Some styles may be offered across several fitted sizes, while others may have different size structures or adjustability.

Retailers should therefore check each product individually rather than assuming every hat is available in exactly the same range.

How Many Hat Sizes Should a Retailer Stock?

There is no universal number because the right mix depends on the retailer's customer base and available product range.

For an initial order, the objective should be coverage before excessive depth.

That means it can be more useful to represent several available sizes than to purchase a large quantity of only one size without sales evidence.

Start With a Balanced Initial Size Mix

When there is limited historical sales information, retailers can begin with a relatively balanced size assortment.

Then monitor:

• which sizes sell first;
• which sizes receive the most enquiries;
• which sizes remain in stock longest;
• returns or exchanges relating to fit;
• differences between individual hat categories.

This data becomes increasingly useful when placing repeat wholesale orders.

Do Different Hat Styles Need Different Size Strategies?

Potentially, yes.

The customer buying a cowboy hat may not have exactly the same profile as someone purchasing formal headwear, a fedora or a summer hat.

Retailers should analyse sizes by category rather than assuming the strongest-selling size will be identical across the entire hat department.

Fedora Hats

Retailers can review current fitted options in the Fedora Hats collection.

Cowboy Hats

Western and statement styles can be reviewed in the Cowboy Hats collection.

Trilby and Pork Pie Hats

Retailers may also compare Trilby Hats and Pork Pie Hats when planning a broader fitted range.

Physical Stores Can Learn From Try-On Behaviour

Brick-and-mortar retailers have the advantage of observing which sizes customers physically try.

Staff can record:

• frequently requested sizes;
• sizes that sell out first;
• products customers find particularly generous or close-fitting;
• categories with stronger demand.

This information can improve future buying decisions considerably.

Online Retailers Need Clear Sizing Information

Ecommerce customers cannot try a hat before purchasing, so sizing information needs to be easy to find.

Online retailers should make sure product pages provide:

• available sizes;
• clear sizing guidance;
• accurate product information;
• multiple useful product photographs;
• relevant fit or adjustability details where available.

Linking customers directly to a size guide can reduce uncertainty during the buying process.

Avoid Overstocking Based on Assumptions

It can be tempting to assume one size will automatically be the strongest seller.

However, purchasing heavily into one size without historical evidence can create an unbalanced stock position.

A better approach is to:

1. start with reasonable size coverage;
2. record actual sales;
3. identify patterns;
4. increase quantities where demand is proven;
5. reduce slower-moving sizes where appropriate.

Use Sell-Through Data for Repeat Orders

After the first selling period, retailers should have better information than they did during the initial purchase.

Rather than repeating exactly the same size quantities, use previous performance to determine the next order.

For example, if a particular size repeatedly sells out while another remains available much longer, future purchasing can be adjusted accordingly.

Seasonality Can Affect Size Planning Too

The volume of hat sales may change throughout the year.

Summer products may see stronger demand during warmer periods, while wool felt and structured styles may perform differently during autumn and winter.

Retailers should therefore consider both size demand and seasonal demand when deciding how much stock to hold.

Keep Product Size Information Consistent

Consistency helps customers understand what they are purchasing.

Product listings, size guides and customer-service guidance should use clear terminology and avoid unnecessary ambiguity.

This is especially important for online retail, where customers rely entirely on the information provided before placing an order.

How Carriston Wholesale Ordering Works

Approved Carriston trade customers can access wholesale pricing through their wholesale account and order available products from the existing Carriston store.

The current minimum wholesale order is £100.

Retailers can visit the Carriston Wholesale page for trade account information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wholesale Hat Sizing

How do I know which hat size to order?

Measure head circumference according to the appropriate sizing guidance and compare the measurement with the size information available for the product.

Should retailers stock every available size?

This depends on available budget, customer demand and the product. Retailers should aim for useful customer coverage while avoiding excessive inventory in sizes without proven demand.

What should a new retailer do without historical size data?

Begin with a balanced initial selection where practical, then use actual sales and customer enquiries to refine future quantities.

Are all Carriston hats available in the same sizes?

No. Size availability can vary by individual product, so retailers should review each product before ordering.

Can online customers check Carriston sizing?

Yes. Carriston provides a Hat Size Guide to help customers and retailers review sizing information.

Can retailers purchase Carriston hats at wholesale prices?

Approved trade customers can access wholesale pricing through their Carriston wholesale account.