There's a reason you never see motorcyclists trundling down the road in bike helmets. Just as the Department of Transportation only approves some helmets for use by motorcyclists (based on impact protection, penetration protection and retention), most other sports helmets are designed to meet the specific impact and protection needs of players in that specific sport. While helmet designs and styles will thus necessarily vary, the same basic principles for finding the right fit will apply across the board.
Step 1
Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your head, about one inch above your eyebrows. Make sure that the tape is horizontal and snug, but not tight; how tight the tape fits is how tight your helmet will fit. Helmet sizing is relatively standard for most sports but may vary slightly between manufacturers (see Resources for examples of sizing charts), so this measurement--the wearer's head circumference--is what you should look for on the helmet packaging to be sure you've found the right size.
Step 2
Try the helmet on. Fasten any chinstraps or other fasteners, and make sure any applicable padding has been installed. Make sure that the forward edge of the helmet sits no more than one inch--about two finger-widths--above your eyebrows.
Step 3
Ask someone to rock the helmet forward and back. If the helmet moves around on your head, it's too loose; if your head moves with the helmet, it's an appropriate fit.
Step 4
Ask your helper to place a hand on top of the helmet and twist it from side to side. Again, your head should move with the helmet; if the helmet slips around on your head instead either adjust the helmet and try again or try on a different helmet.
Tips and Warnings
- Not all heads are shaped the same; nor are helmets. You may need to try on a number of helmets before finding one that fits well, as this is a function not just of size but also finding the right shape to fit your head.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible measuring tape
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