I wear a medium hat at 7 1/4. I don't think you should fit this like a normal hat, but let it 'sit' on top of your head, giving a space, so the fact it does not 'fit my noggen like a regular hat doesn't bother me. I like the full protection bee suit mesh fabric around the neck area. I have both the 'old' and 'new' version of this veil. If you want more air flow, the newer one will give you that, but it seems like the older version offers more protection in a 'bee storm'. Just my view. Thank you.