59FIFTY Fitted Cap Fit Guide
59FIFTY Fitted Cap Fit Guide
New Era's 59FIFTY is the gold-standard structured fitted cap — worn flat-brimmed, true to size, with zero adjustment. Getting the fit right the first time matters. This guide walks you through measuring your head, reading the size chart, understanding snugness, and caring for your cap during break-in.
Step 1 — How to Measure Your Head
You need a flexible tape measure (or a strip of paper and a ruler).
- Wrap the tape around your head about 2 cm above your ears and across the middle of your forehead — where the cap will sit.
- Keep the tape level all the way around — do not tilt it up at the back.
- Pull it snug but not tight. You should be able to slip one finger underneath.
- Read the circumference in centimetres. Measure twice to be sure.
No tape measure? Mark the paper strip where the ends meet, lay it flat, and measure the length.
Step 2 — Find Your Size
Match your head circumference to the size chart below. All New Era 59FIFTY caps share the same sizing standard.
| Head Circumference (CM) | Head Circumference (Inches) | 59FIFTY Size |
|---|---|---|
| 54.9 cm | 21⅝" | 6 ⅞ |
| 55.8 cm | 21⅞" | 7 |
| 56.8 cm | 22⅜" | 7 ⅛ |
| 57.7 cm | 22¾" | 7 ¼ |
| 58.7 cm | 23⅛" | 7 ⅜ |
| 59.6 cm | 23½" | 7 ½ |
| 60.6 cm | 23⅞" | 7 ⅝ |
| 61.5 cm | 24¼" | 7 ¾ |
| 62.5 cm | 24⅝" | 7 ⅞ |
| 63.5 cm | 25" | 8 |
Sizing above applies to adult 59FIFTY caps.
If your measurement falls between two sizes, size up. The cap will relax slightly with wear, and a cap that is too small will not stretch to fit.
Step 3 — Understanding How a 59FIFTY Should Feel
Out of the box (new cap)
- A brand-new 59FIFTY will feel firm and snug — this is normal and expected.
- You should be able to put it on without forcing it, but it should sit securely without wobbling.
- There should be no pressure points or headaches within the first 10 minutes. If there are, size up.
The right fit
- The cap sits about 2–3 finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- It does not slide forward or backward when you shake your head.
- You can feel light, even pressure around the entire circumference — not pinching at any single point.
Too small
- Red marks or indentations on your forehead after short wear.
- Headache or pressure building within 15–20 minutes.
- You have to force the cap past your ears to get it on.
Too large
- The cap sits on top of your ears instead of above them.
- It rotates freely or shifts with movement.
- More than 2–3 cm of space between the sweatband and your head.
Step 4 — Breaking In Your 59FIFTY
All structured 59FIFTY caps require a short break-in period. The crown and sweatband will conform to your head shape over the first few wears.
Standard break-in (wool, cotton, and most fabrications)
- Wear the cap for 30–60 minutes at a time for the first 3–4 sessions before wearing it all day.
- If it feels tight, dampen the sweatband lightly with warm water, put the cap on, and wear it for 20–30 minutes while it dries. The sweatband will mould to your head.
- Do not soak or submerge the cap — this can cause stiffeners in the crown to warp.
Leather caps (e.g. New Era 59FIFTY Leather)
Model-specific note — Leather 59FIFTY caps: Genuine lambskin leather caps (such as the New Era Yankees MLB Leather 59FIFTY) require more gentle break-in. Do not use water or steam on leather. Instead, wear the cap in short sessions and allow the leather to soften naturally with body heat. Conditioning the leather with a small amount of leather conditioner on the inside of the sweatband can help soften it faster.
Step 5 — Brim Care and Shaping
The 59FIFTY is traditionally worn with a flat brim. This is part of the silhouette. We recommend keeping it flat.
If you prefer a slight curve:
- Curve the brim gradually by hand — never force a sharp bend in one go.
- Work the brim in small increments over several days.
- For wool or cotton brims, you can hold the brim over gentle steam for 5–10 seconds, then curve it by hand and hold until cool.
Leather brim note: Do not apply steam to leather or synthetic leather brims. Shape leather brims by hand only, using slow, gentle pressure over time.
Cap Care by Material
Wool, cotton & polyester caps
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Do not machine wash — the structured crown will lose its shape.
- Air dry only, ideally placed on a round object (a bowl or cap form) to maintain the crown shape.
Leather caps
- Wipe with a dry or very lightly damp cloth only.
- Apply leather conditioner every few months to prevent cracking.
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading and drying.
- Never expose to rain or soak — genuine lambskin leather is not water-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
My measurement is exactly between two sizes. Which should I choose?
Always size up. A 59FIFTY will never stretch enough to accommodate a head that is too large for the shell, and a slightly loose cap can be adjusted with a cap insert (hat size reducer tape). A cap that is too small cannot be stretched without damaging it.
The cap feels tight at first. Is that normal?
Yes — mild snugness on the first few wears is completely normal for a structured fitted cap. If it causes headache or visible marks within 10 minutes, however, that is too tight and you should exchange for the next size up.
Can I reshape the crown if it gets dented?
For wool/cotton caps: lightly steam the interior of the crown, then push the dent out from the inside with your hand and allow to cool. For leather caps: use hand pressure only — never steam.
Do all 59FIFTY caps use the same size chart?
Yes. All New Era 59FIFTY fitted caps share the same sizing standard regardless of team, colourway, or material. The chart above applies to all adult 59FIFTY models in our catalogue.
Where do I find the size of a specific cap on the product page?
Each fitted cap in our store lists the corresponding head circumference in centimetres and inches directly on the product page, matched to the fitted cap size. Check the sizing information section on any 59FIFTY product page.
Still unsure about your size? Contact us before ordering — we are happy to advise based on your exact measurements.