How to Choose the Right Bonnet Size for Your Hair Type

Quick answer

Choose your bonnet by band fit first, then depth. Measure your head circumference just above the ears and across the forehead, then add room for your hair volume. If you are between sizes, size up rather than down, because a band that is too tight leaves marks and a depth that is too shallow flattens curls.

A bonnet only protects your hair when it stays on and stays comfortable. Most disappointing bonnets are not the wrong fabric; they are the wrong size for the hair volume they are meant to cover.

This guide walks through measuring, matching band and depth to your hair type, and knowing when a bonnet is the wrong choice. It also applies to the lingerie and accessory pieces in the Misscrofton catalog, which follow the same made-and-sourced-in-London approach.

Measure before you buy

Use a soft tape measure around your head, sitting just above your ears and across your mid-forehead. Write that number down. Then measure from your front hairline over the crown to the nape to understand depth, which is how much room the bonnet has front to back.

Add allowance for hair volume: roughly 1 to 2 cm for straight or lightly wavy hair, 3 to 5 cm for curls, and more for locs, braids, or a wrap. The band should sit firmly without pressing. If the measurement lands between two sizes, choose the larger one and adjust with the band rather than squeezing into the smaller size.

• Measure twice, once in the morning and once after styling, since hair volume changes.
• Write down both circumference and depth so you can compare listings accurately.

Match band fit to your hair type

The band does the holding, so it matters more than the crown. Straight and fine hair usually needs a snug but narrow band that will not slide during sleep. Curly and coily hair needs a wider, softer band that distributes pressure so it does not crush the curl pattern at the hairline.

If you have a sensitive scalp or wear a bonnet every night, prioritize a band you can wear for eight hours without adjusting. A band that leaves a red line is too tight, even if the bonnet stays on. A band that rides up by morning is too loose, even if it feels comfortable at first.

• Test a new bonnet for 20 minutes before bed; if you want to take it off, the band is too tight.
• If you wear a silk press or wrap, a slightly wider band helps keep the style smooth.

Choose depth for your hairstyle

Depth is where most sizing mistakes happen. A shallow bonnet works for short, low-volume hair and for wearing under a hat or scarf. A deep bonnet is the better choice for long curls, twist-outs, locs, and braids, because it holds the hair without pressing it flat against the scalp.

For very long or thick hair, look for a bonnet with extra depth rather than extra circumference. Adding circumference makes the band looser and the bonnet more likely to slip. Adding depth gives the hair somewhere to go while the band stays secure.

• Gather hair loosely at the crown before putting the bonnet on to avoid flattening the front.
• If your bonnet leaves a dent across the forehead, the depth is too shallow for your style.

Fabric, care, and honest trade-offs

Satin and silk linings reduce friction and help protect styles, but they need gentle washing and air drying to keep their finish. Cotton and mesh feel cooler and are easier to clean, but they can absorb moisture from leave-in products and may feel rougher on fragile ends.

No single bonnet fits every hair type. A bonnet that is perfect for a short tapered cut will be too shallow for long locs, and a deep bonnet that suits braids can feel bulky on fine hair. Buy for the hair you have now, and treat bonnet sizing as a repeat purchase rather than a one-time decision.

• Wash bonnets every one to two weeks if you use oils or leave-in products.
• Keep two sizes if your hair volume changes with the season or between styles.

Decision rules for bonnet sizing

• Between two sizes: Size up and rely on the band to hold. A bonnet that is slightly too deep protects your style; one that is too shallow flattens it. Checkpoint: the bonnet should cover the hairline without pulling.
• Fine or straight hair: Choose a snug, narrower band and standard depth. Extra depth will feel bulky and can slide during sleep. If it slips by morning, tighten the band before changing sizes.
• Curly, coily, or locs: Choose a wider soft band and extra depth. Circumference should stay close to your measurement so the band still grips. If you see creases at the hairline, widen the band or add depth.

Misscrofton pieces that pair with a bonnet routine

• Nostalgia - Red lace lingerie set: Red lace micro bra and g string with bow detail, nylon spandex lace, made and sourced in London, and supplied with a custom made glitter drawstring bag. The drawstring bag doubles as soft storage for a bonnet or hair accessories when you travel.
• Broderie lace thong: Cotton peach broderie thong with red rosette and lilac trim, also available in bloomer shape, 100% cotton, made and sourced in London. The cotton construction shows the same breathable, easy-care logic you want in a bonnet you wear nightly.

Who this bonnet sizing approach suits

Best for

• Anyone buying a first bonnet and unsure which size to order
• Curly, coily, or loc-wearers who need depth without a loose band
• Shoppers who want a repeatable way to compare bonnets across brands

Not for

• Shoppers looking for a bonnet to double as a sleep cap for a partner with a very different head size
• Anyone who wants a single bonnet to fit every hairstyle from a fade to waist-length locs

Measure your head, add room for your hair volume, and let the band decide the size. If you keep those two numbers in mind, choosing a bonnet becomes a quick, confident decision instead of a guess.