Helmet Sizing Guide

Getting the right helmet size is essential. A poor fit is not just uncomfortable — it can be noisy, distracting and, most importantly, unsafe. A helmet can only protect you properly if it fits snugly, allowing the internal impact-absorbing materials to perform as designed.

How to Measure Your Head

Once you have chosen your helmet, the next step is finding the correct size. We recommend measuring your head to get the best starting point.

How to measure:

• Use a soft measuring tape
• Measure around the circumference of your head
• Position the tape across your forehead, just above your eyebrows
• Measure above your ears and around the widest part of the back of your head

Helmet sizes typically range from 50cm to 67cm.

If your measurement falls between two sizes, we would generally recommend choosing the smaller size, as the interior lining will usually compress slightly over time. For example, if your head measures 58.5cm and the size options are Medium (57–58cm) or Large (59–60cm), the smaller size is often the better choice.

This is not a guarantee, however, and we always recommend visiting one of our retail stores or your local dealer to try a helmet on in person where possible.

Standard Helmet Sizes

Unless listed separately below, helmet sizes are usually as follows:

Why Brand Fit Matters

Helmet sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers. A Medium in one brand may fit very differently to a Medium in another. That is why we always recommend trying on a range of brands to find the best fit for your individual head shape.

Buying Online and Returns

If you purchase a helmet online from HelmetCity.co.uk, it can be returned at your cost, provided our returns policy is followed carefully.

Please note:

• The helmet must only be tried on indoors and must not be used on the road
• No Pinlock insert must be fitted
• No protective films or tags must be removed
• The helmet bag and outer box must be returned in the same condition they were sent in

Trying Your Helmet On

When your new helmet arrives, put it on carefully after reading the advice sheet enclosed in the box. Make sure the top of your head sits correctly inside the helmet and that it feels secure all the way around.

When checking the fit:

• Gently move the helmet around to make sure it feels snug and stable
• Push the helmet from the front towards your forehead to check for any pressure or discomfort
• Fasten the strap and tighten it until it feels secure, but still comfortable
• Check the fit around your cheeks in a mirror

If you can fit a couple of fingers between your cheek and the cheek pads, the helmet is likely too big. If the cheek pads press so tightly that your cheeks are pushed into your teeth and you cannot speak comfortably, it may be too small.

If the overall fit feels good, keep the helmet on for a longer period indoors to make sure there are no pressure points that are not obvious straight away. If a helmet presses too firmly on your forehead, this can sometimes cause a headache over time, so it may be worth trying a different size or another brand.

Cheek Pads and Internal Fit

Please note that cheek pads do compress over time and gradually wear in.

On some premium brands, such as Shoei and Arai, thinner or thicker cheek pads and even crown liners may be available depending on the model. If you already know the fit you need at the time of ordering, these can be swapped free of charge on full price helmets only. This service applies to Shoei and Arai only, and we keep the unwanted size pads.

Helmet Weight

The weight shown on our website is generally based on a size Medium helmet, with a tolerance of approximately ±50g, and is provided by the manufacturer. Helmet City cannot be held responsible if the actual weight of the helmet differs slightly from the stated figure.

Before You Ride

It is important to read our returns policy for helmets and the advice sheet enclosed with your purchase before taking the helmet on the road. Once a helmet has been used for riding, it cannot be returned if it does not fit correctly or if you are not happy with it.

SHARP Testing

SHARP provides guidance on choosing a helmet that fits correctly and comfortably, as well as information on the relative safety of helmets to help motorcyclists make informed decisions. There is also a very informative video on the SHARP website.

Visit the Government SHARP Rating Website

Standard Helmet Sizes

Unless listed separately below, helmet sizes are usually as follows:

Children's Helmet Sizes

Children's helmets are available in a variety of sizes depending on the manufacturer, but they are generally:

Brand-Specific Size Guides

AGV

AGV helmets are generally as above, except:

HJC RPHA-11 / RPHA-70 / RPHA-90

HJC F70 / I70 / FG-17 / C70 / CS-15 / I90 / C90 / V90 / IS-33 II / CS-MX II

HJC CL-SP – Large Sizes Only

HJC CL-Y

HJC CL-XY II

Roof Helmets

Ruroc Helmets

For the best fit, we recommend visiting your local store for sizing and advice.

Schuberth

Schuberth helmet sizes are different from most other brands:

Need Help?

If you need any clarification on sizing, fit or returns, please feel free to contact us. Our team will be happy to help.