Preparing for summer can look like many different things—heading to the beach, firing up the BBQ, or roughing it on a wild camping trip. But no matter how you spend your sunny days, there’s one element you need: your summer hat!
Hats aren’t just vital accessories. They also provide you with protection from harmful UV rays.
But your hat doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Here are ten fun DIY summer hat ideas you can make unique with custom designs!
1. Dad Hats
Despite their name, dad hats are not just for dads! They’re a popular summer hat that goes with almost any outfit, making them as versatile as your summer plans.
Although they are lightweight, these hats are sturdy. The unstructured body, curved bill, and metal buckle are up to handling just about anything—like a patch with a clever phrase or a summer emblem. Your customization options are almost limitless! Get creative this summer season and design your own.
2. Five-Panel Hats
The five-panel hat features five panels sewn together to make for a hat that is thicker than a standard cap.
To elevate this design, we’d recommend making a statement with a leather or PVC patch. These kinds of patches are thicker than traditional patches, perfectly matching the texture of a five-panel.
3. Trucker Hats
In the same way that dad hats are not exclusively for fathers, trucker hats aren’t just for truckers! The mesh backing, highly breathable material, and foam-padded front make them the perfect design to stay cool during summer.
We recommend a large and bold patch across the front for this style. Since you have limited space (as you can’t sew into the mesh), it’s best to make the most of it! Some say less is more, but when it comes to trucker hats, more is more.
4. Baseball Hats
If there’s one kind of hat that historically has been the quintessential accessory, it’s the classic baseball hat. The six-panel hat is highly versatile, perfect with any outfit, and protects your face from the sun during those long summer days.
When it comes to customization, baseball hats provide a bunch of unique options. If you want to keep the sporty theme alive, your favorite team’s logo or mascot embroidered across the front could be a great option.
Get started with your design today!
5. Five-Panel Hats with Pinch-Tuck
It’s the classic five-panel hat with a twist: a pinch-tuck. This pinch at the top of the crown gives the hat a slight peak and adds another level of style to your favorite five-panel cap.
The durability of these caps is a big selling point, providing you with more incredible customization options than thinner designs. You can add more patches while the pinch-tuck emphasizes the logo.
6. Snapback Hats
With an adjustable fit and an extra long bill, the snapback is the favorite for many, with good reason! Its adjustable snapback strap at the back of the cap means you no longer need to worry about finding the perfect fit. The size is customizable right from the beginning.
Snapbacks are ideal for customization due to the structured, taller front than a traditional cap. It provides you with ample space for fabric or leather patches. You could even have a short quote or slogan embroidered!
7. Flat Bill Caps
Flat bill caps are a modern design, distinct from the classic baseball cap. The flat brim makes a difference to the appearance of the hat.
Flat bills also emphasize the design you choose to put on the front of your hat. Unlike a curved bill, a flat bill underlines the patch or pattern embroidered across the front. It can be a great way to make a bold statement.
8. Castro Caps
Castro caps have a square, flat top rather than a rounded shape. Popularized by the revolutionary Fidel Castro, they make a statement immediately.
For Castro caps, we recommend more subtle customization. Their unique shape and design already help the wearer to stand out, so smaller patches and brand imagery on the side panels are all you need to make a compelling statement.
9. Visors
Visors are for the minimalists who need less head coverage and just need something to keep the sun out of the eyes. The lack of a crown or panels makes them more breathable, making them popular for sports like tennis.
With visors, less space to customize means you need to make the most of bold prints and logos to catch the eye. Don’t be afraid to go all out!
10. Multiple Materials
It’s not just the hat cut that influences the style but the material, too. Hats come in multiple materials, from 100% cotton twill to cotton and poly twill blend, corduroy, poly mesh, twill, and wool blend. You also can find faux suede, faux leather, and faux satin. For caps, visors, and hats, the materials are nearly limitless!
Some materials are more suited to hot weather and humid days, so think about the material while designing your cap!
Create Your Perfect Summer Hat With The/Studio!
No matter what specific design you have in mind, hats satisfy your creative appetite and let you express your uniqueness. If you aren’t sure where to start, our creative team is experienced and dedicated to making your vision a reality! Get started today and see what you can achieve by collaborating with The/Studio!
If you have a different design in mind from the styles above, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our expert design team works hard to meet your needs. If we don’t already create your favorite style, reach out to us, and we may be able to source it for you.
