Wearing a helmet is important during activities such as cycling and skateboarding to help prevent serious injury if you fall off.
Helmets are designed to fit snugly around the head, but they don’t always fit perfectly. If you want to ensure that your helmet fits properly, you’ll need to measure your head.
So, let’s take a look at how to measure your head so you know what size helmet to buy.
A Step-By-Step Guide On Measuring Your Head For A Helmet
To measure your head, follow these steps:
Step 1
Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart.
Step 2
Place your hands on your hips.
Step 3
Look in the mirror and make sure there is no other hat or hair obscuring your face. If they are, remove them both.
Step 4
Have someone take your height (in inches) by standing behind you and placing their hand on your back.
Step 5
Take your neck circumference (in inches) at the base of your skull, just above your ears. This measurement should be taken while looking down toward the floor.
Step 6
Add 2-5 inches to this number depending on how much room you have between your chin and your eyebrows.
Step 7
Measure from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin.
Step 8
Subtract your height from this total. The result will give you your ideal helmet size.
How Are You Able To Know Which Size Helmet To Buy?
The most common sizes for adult helmets are:
- Small – 17-18″
- Medium – 19-20″
- Large – 21-22″
- Extra Large – 23-24″
If you’re not quite sure which one to get, here are some things to consider when choosing a helmet size:
If you’re an average sized adult male, you probably don’t need extra large. Extra large helmets can be too big for people who wear glasses, or those who have larger heads than others.
If you like wearing hats, you may find it easier to adjust to a smaller helmet.
A small helmet might feel tight if you have a wide head, especially if you play sports or ride bikes.
If you’re a woman, you might prefer medium or large helmets because they tend to be more comfortable than small ones.
It’s also possible that you could outgrow a particular size helmet. For example, if you were once a small child, you might now be able to use a large helmet.
What Size Helmet Should I Wear?
When shopping for a new helmet, try to match the size to your head. For example, if you’re a large man, you might choose a large helmet. However, if you’re a small person, you might find that a small helmet feels better.
You’ll likely notice that different brands of helmets come in different sizes. So, before buying a helmet, check the sizing chart to see which size matches your head best.
You can also ask a salesperson or friend to help you pick out a helmet that fits well. If you do decide to go online to shop for a helmet, keep in mind that the measurements listed on websites aren’t necessarily accurate.
This is because manufacturers often change their website information without telling customers. That said, if you plan to purchase a helmet online, you can still get a good idea of its size by measuring your head first.
Why Should I Wear A Helmet?
Helmets protect your brain and spinal cord from injury. They can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, broken bones, and even death.
They can also save time and money. A helmet can reduce the risk of getting into car accidents and motorcycle crashes. It can also reduce the risk of being involved in other types of accidents.
Helmets can also make riding safer. If you wear a helmet, you won’t have to worry about falling off your bike or crashing into something.
Helmets can also help you stay safe while playing sports. They can prevent you from suffering a concussion. And, they can prevent you from getting injured during contact sports.
Finally, helmets can help you look cool! Wearing a helmet makes you stand out among other riders. This can encourage you to ride faster and farther.
How Do Helmets Work?
There are two main parts of a helmet: the outer shell and the inner liner.The outer shell protects your head from impact forces. It usually consists of either plastic or fiberglass.
The inner liner helps absorb shock and cushion impacts. It typically contains polyurethane foam. Both parts work together to provide protection against falls, collisions, and other dangers.
Tips For Buying And Wearing A Helmet
When choosing a helmet, remember that helmets are made differently depending on where you live. For example, some countries require helmets to meet certain standards.
These standards include things like CPSC requirements, ANSI requirements, etc. Always wear your helmet when riding. Helmets provide protection against injury, but they won’t protect you from serious injuries if you aren’t wearing them.
If you ride frequently, you may want to invest in a helmet liner. Liners keep your head warm and dry during cold weather rides. They also add comfort and reduce noise.
Remember that helmets are only as safe as the rider who wears them. Make sure that you know how to safely remove and install your helmet before hitting the road.
Don’t forget about the rest of your body. Wear proper clothing and footwear, and pay attention to traffic conditions.
Never assume that other riders will see you or hear you. Be aware of your surroundings and others around you.
Learn how to fall correctly. Falling is a natural part of cycling, but falling incorrectly can cause serious injuries.
Avoid cycling alone at night. Cycling at night increases your risk of being involved in a collision.
Use common sense. Stay alert, watch for cars, and obey all traffic laws.
Keep your bike clean. Dirt and mud build up on your bike over time, making it harder to control and increasing your chance of crashing.
Final Thoughts
A helmet can be an important safety tool. However, it’s not enough to just buy a helmet. You need to use it properly.
Wear your helmet every time you ride. Don’t forget to check the fit and adjust it regularly.
Make sure that you’re familiar with its features and limitations. Learn how to put it on and take it off safely.
This way, you can be sure that you are protected every time you need to use it.
Thank you for reading!
