Katie is a light of love + kindness. She lights up every room she walks in. We admire her motivation and passion of life. She wears many hats in her life and is an advocate for Craniofacial differences. She inspires those around her as she fights to break down social stigmas behind disabilities.
What are the roles or hats you lead in your life?
So a couple of hats that help me lead my life are; being a dog mom to my two rascals, being a daughter and sister in the most amazing family I could ask for. An aunt to my many nieces and nephews. And lastly being an advocate for Craniofacial differences.
What hats do you find the most challenging and what do you do to embrace them?
For me the most challenging hat that I wear is the advocacy hat. It’s not something that I can just shut off. It’s something that I eat, breathe and live. But I wouldn’t have any other way. I get to inspire others just by looking different.. I get to help others understand through my Facebook page that being different is not all that bad.
What hats are least known about you?
Some hats least known; mmm, that’s a hard one. I am a pretty open book. A least known one is depression. It’s not a bad thing. There’s such a stigma around it. But I wear it proudly. I have so much help and love to live with depression. It’s not a hat that I wear alone. It’s a hat that my family and friends help me wear.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom is the one who inspires me most in my life. We don’t always get along. We’re both stubborn. But she has been through so much with me. She has only missed one surgery in my life (I’ve since forgiven that) but she never stops to make sure I’m okay. I’m eternally grateful for that. I’m lucky she chose me.
How do you practice self love?
Self love is hard I’ll be the first to admit that. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For me getting out in nature, being with my dogs or my family. Or shopping. I have a list that I keep that I add to every chance with something I love about either myself or my life. I have found that when my depression is high I pull out that list and it reminds me that life is not all that bad.
What advice do you have for someone who doesn't feel confident?
One thing that has always helped me is to remember. Someone always loves you. And they need you. Life is never going to be easy. For some it’s harder than others. But surround yourself with those who will boost you. If you can’t find someone know that I love you. I may not know you but how can I not love someone who is struggling? Reach out to others who are struggling. You never know how you may need each other.
Favorite Gigi Pip style/color + why?
My favorite hat so far, is the Monroe rancher hat in black. I have yet to find an outfit it doesn’t go with.
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How to Measure Hat Size
Finding your perfect hat starts with finding the perfect fit. Let's answer some common questions to help you find a Gigi Pip that will give you the best look and feel.
How is hat size measured?
How to measure my hat size?
How do I adjust my Gigi Pip hat?
HOW IS HAT SIZE MEASURED?
Hats are measured by the inside circumference at the bottom of the hat's crown (the sweatband) and most often measured in centimeters. While hats may be sized according to their measurement, it is fairly common for women's hats to be sized based on average women's head sizes and then adjusted down to fit.
For example - Since the average women's head size measures 57cm, a small to medium hat would be made to fit 57cm and then can be adjusted down to 55cm. Larger head sizes measure up to 59cm, so a medium to large size hat would be made to fit a 59cm head size and then can be adjusted down to 57cm. Children ages 7 and below are typically 53cm, and those ages 7+ tend to be 55cm. Because of this, Gigi Pip hats sizes are as followed:
Kids (53cm to 55cm) S/M (57cm to 59cm) M/L (59cm to 61cm)
Additional Sizing Chart (based on average women head sizes):
X Small - 55cm (21.65 Inches) Small - 57cm (22.44 Inches) Medium - 58cm (22.83 Inches) Large - 59cm (23.22 Inches) X Large - 61cm (24.01 Inches)
HOW TO MEASURE MY HAT SIZE?
There are two primary methods of measuring your hat size and are based on the style in which you wear your hat. You will need to take both measurements (shown below) and then use the larger of the two measurements to determine your hat size. Once you've received your hat, you can decide on the style you'd like to size your hat to and adjust your hat accordingly.
TIP: If you don't have a textile measuring tape, use a string or piece of yarn to measure the distance around your head. After you have marked the yarn around your head, lay it out flat on the ground or table and measure the straightened out piece of yarn with a measuring stick or regular measuring tape.
Method 1: The Traditional Style
This is the traditional style of wearing a hat. The front tip of the hat is low on the forehead, just above your eye brows, causing the hat to sit nearly level with the ground. To measure your head using the traditional style method, measure the distance around your head from the center of the back of the head to the forehead just above the eyebrow as shown below.
1. Use a textile measuring tape (or string) to measure the distance around your head crossing through the center part of the back of your head and the forehead just above the eyebrow. The tape should be level with the ground.
2. Check the measurement of the tape wrapped around your head. Hat sizing is in cm. If you are in-between sizes, we suggest sizing up and adjusting your hat accordingly.
Method 2: The Halo Style
This is the halo style way of wearing a hat. The front of your hat is raised up and the hat sits on the back of your head. To measure your head size using the halo method, measure the distance around your head passing through the back of your head, just above your neck, and the front of you head up on your brow as shown below.
1. Use a textile measuring tape to measure the distance around your head passing through the back of your head, just above the neck, and the front of your head high on the brow. The tape should be higher in front than in back.
2. Check themeasurement of the tape wrapped around your head. Wearing a hat Halo style is usually a smaller hat size than wearing a hat traditionally however we recommend using the larger of the two hat sizes. If you are in-between sizes, we suggest sizing up and adjusting down.
HOW DO I ADJUST MY HAT SIZE?
All Gigi Pip hats are made to adjust to the perfect fit. Before making any adjustments, check the inner band type and follow the directions below.
1. My hat has draw strings - If your inner band has draw strings located behind the tag on the rear side of the hat, simply pull them tight to adjust your hat size down a size or two. Pull gently to avoid a tare.
2. My hat DOES NOT have draw strings- Many types of inner bands do not allow for a draw strings such as leather, elastic or cotton with a foam lining. Hats without a draw string are adjusted by using Gigi Pip's Hat Sizing Tape (sold separately). Hat sizing tape has long been the preferred method of adjusting hats because it allows you to keep the inner band in its natural form and the foam molds comfortably to the head.
Directions to useHat Sizing Tape: Place the foam tape on the inside of your hat, behind the sweatband, with the sticky side facing towards the hat wall. Wrap the tape completely around the hat for maximum size decrease or cut tape length in half for a more moderate decrease. Size to fit prior to removing the adhesive cover. Once the fit is correct, remove the adhesive cover, press firmly into place, and wa-lah.
For more questions about hat sizing, please contact Gigi Pip at hello@gigipip.com.
