Standard Wig Cap Size Chart
| Size | Head circumference | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 21.5" (54.5 cm) | Petite heads, many teens |
| Medium | 22.5" (57 cm) | Most adult women, our standard size |
| Large | 23.5" (59.5 cm) | Larger heads or wigs worn over braids |
Glueless wigs with adjustable bands or drawstrings fit a wider range, roughly 21" to 23.5". Custom caps can be made to exact measurements through our custom service.
Which Cap Sizes to Stock
Medium fits most adult women, so it should make up most of a first order. Add small for petite clients and teens, and large for clients who wear wigs over braids or thick natural hair. Glueless wigs are held by the elastic band, combs and drawstring rather than glue, so a band that can be tightened covers clients between sizes. Children's wigs are made on smaller caps; see our children's medical wig.
How to Measure for a Wig
You need a soft measuring tape. Flatten the hair or braid it down first.
| # | Measurement | How |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Circumference | Around the head along the hairline, behind the ears and across the nape |
| 2 | Front to nape | From the front hairline over the top of the head to the nape |
| 3 | Ear to ear over the top | From the top of one ear, over the crown, to the other ear |
| 4 | Ear to ear across the forehead | Along the front hairline from ear to ear |
| 5 | Temple to temple | Around the back of the head |
| 6 | Nape width | Across the nape at the hairline |
Measuring for a Topper
- 1Part the client's hair where they usually part it
- 2Measure the thinning area from front to back
- 3Measure it from side to side
- 4Add about 1 cm on each side so clips can grip healthy hair
Choose the nearest base size: 6x6, 6x7, 7x7, 8x9, 10x12 or 13x13 cm, or order a custom shape. Stock bases are listed on our hair toppers page.
Measuring for a Men's Hair System
Our standard stock base is 8x10 inches, which most clients trim to fit. Crown pieces run from 3x3 to 5x5 inches, and a crown-to-mid-scalp piece is about 4x6 inches (see the crown hairpiece). For anything else, send measurements or a template. Base materials are compared in our hair system base guide.
Option 1: Measurements
| Measurement | How |
|---|---|
| Front to back | From the front hairline to the back edge of the bald area |
| Side to side | Across the widest part of the bald area |
| Temple to temple | Around the back of the bald area |
| Ear to ear over the top | Across the crown |
Option 2: Template (recommended for custom units)
- 1Cover the bald area with cling film
- 2Wrap clear tape over the film until it's firm
- 3Draw the hairline and the edge of the bald area with a marker
- 4Mark the front, back, left and right
- 5Trim along the outline and mail it to us with a hair sample We build the unit as a custom hair system and save it under a client code for reorders.
Measuring for a Medical or Vacuum Wig
Medical wigs use the same six measurements as standard wigs. Vacuum and silicone base wigs need a full head mold. Contact us and we'll send detailed molding instructions.
Sending Hair Samples
- Cut a small lock from the side or back, at least 2 inches (5 cm) long
- Include grey hairs if the client has any
- Tape the sample to paper and label it with the client code
Further Reading
- Wig Cap Construction Explainedmachine-made, lace front and full lace caps.
Wig Cap Size Chart FAQ
What if the client is between sizes?
Choose the larger size and tighten the adjustable straps, or order a custom cap from measurements. A wig grip band also helps a cap feel secure.
How accurate do measurements need to be?
Measure twice and round to the nearest quarter inch. For hair systems, a template is more accurate than measurements.
Do you make petite and extra large caps?
Yes. Small caps suit petite heads and many teens, and we make extra small and extra large caps from the client's measurements. Send the six measurements above with your order and we'll build the cap to them.
Can you make custom cap sizes?
Yes. Custom caps are available on wigs, medical wigs and hair systems.