Knit on 7’s. Forgot to switch to 8’s after ribbing and said screw it. Knit for a male adult - a tight fit, but comfortable. Further projects with this pattern, knit on pattern suggested needles were obviously more forgiving. Also knit a little further than the suggested 5” from edge for the body. It worked out best for this adult hat and another in this pattern for my 9 year old son.