Robert Mackie bonnets on Ebay

[geomick]

If you only need to stretch it a 1/4", I don't imagine that would be too hard.

from the feel, I think the hat band was specifically designed to resist stretching

[Father Bill]

from the feel, I think the hat band was specifically designed to resist stretching

So was my waistline, but for many years it managed to do so anyway!

[SF Jeff]

gamble taken, lesson learned - probably need to stick to 58 (7-1/4) or 59 (7-3/8) since the 57 is just a little too small to fit properly.

With my head and hair, size definitely matters. 59 (7-3/8) fits perfectly. 58 sits too high and 60 sits too low. One would think a quarter inch either way wouldn't make too much of a difference, but on my head it does. It's a pain sometimes because many retailers only sell in 1/4" sizes.

Personally I would rather have a glen on the small side. If it sits a bit high on my head I think that can look OK. But if it sits too low, that looks shabby and unkempt.

[User]

I favor my hats slightly larger than needed, and I add padding around the inner band to adjust the fit. If the hat is too small, I stretch it. But not all hats accept stretching well.

[PassingW]

https://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/...almoral-57667/

There is some very fine advice on fitting a balmoral in the linked thread. It worked like a charm for me!