Head Shape
Around here, we don’t like to use the term “fat head.” Instead, it’s a question of oval, round, and everything in between.
Your head shape is best discovered by looking downwards at the top of your head. Obviously, this isn't a view that any of us are accustomed to. Using a handheld mirror and a hanging mirror, you can get a good look all by yourself. Otherwise, have a loved one take a look for you. After a good portion of mocking and laughter, they should be able to tell you what shape your noggin is.
Oval heads are long and skinny from front to back. Then there’s a middle shape, which is sometimes called “intermediate,” “average” or “normal” (not that other heads are weird, of course). Average heads are still oval shaped, but to a lesser degree. Finally, there are round heads, which are roughly as wide as they are long. Hence, the profile of the top of your head will look round-ish.
Different helmets are made to fit different head shapes. Most major companies have charts, which show where their helmet models lie on the oval to round spectrum. If you already have a model in mind, googling it will quickly tell you the head shape it was built for.
Head Size
For each helmet on our website, you’ll find a chart that matches helmet size to head circumference. Measuring this is easy to do, so don’t just guess!
You’ll need a flexible measuring tape, because trying to wrap a metal tape measure around your forehead isn’t going to cut it. If you don’t have one, ask a few of the women in your life – they tend to have these kinds of things. If that fails, wrap a string around your head, mark the point where it wraps all the way around, and then lay the string flat to measure it.
You want to measure your head circumference at the largest point . This is normally around eyebrow level. Once you have a number, simply consult the sizing chart and see where you line up. For metrics like us, you may have to convert to inches first.
It is worth noting that some helmets tend to run a size larger or smaller than their charts suggest. In these cases, our lovely customers have been kind enough to let us know. Check the comments and product description for the helmet in question to see if this is the case.
Customization
It’s always a great idea to buy a helmet with removable padding. Everybody’s head is a bit lumpy, and this customizing feature will allow riders to get that perfectly snug fit. It’s also handy in case you gain or lose weight.
Helmets should be snug all around. They should not flop down over your eyes, nor fail to settle completely on your head. Padding will break in over time, so it’s okay if the helmet feels quite snug at first. For this reason, anyone in between sizes should probably opt for the smaller choice. This is especially true for racers, who need a close fit all around the head.
For all riders, the helmet has to mesh with the rest of your gear. When you buy a new helmet, we recommend trying it on with all of your other equipment. Keep the helmet on for over 30 minutes and – if possible – mount your bike and assume a riding position. If you notice any pressure points or large gaps, take advantage of our hassle-free returns and exchanges to try a different size or model!
Remember: do not ride with the helmet until you're sure it fits. If you take it for a spin, we can't take it back.