I prefer mine to be snug enough to remain in place. Comfort is paramount to me.

Manufacturers are a bit generous in their sizing, eg., if you normally wear a 71/4, the balmoral will be a bit loose. I usually stitch a an inner headband to take up the slack.

Over time though, they shrink - and it ain't my head gaining circumference either. I remove my additional headband to improve the fit and continue wearing the lid until it fades too much, or simply wears out.

Slainte yall,
steve