Custom hats are popular with unique and niche brands. They allow ample creativity in both design and logo for a variety of styles and uses. But if you’re not a hat aficionado, the subtle differences in style and design from baseball caps to “dad hats” may go over your head – no pun intended.

Whether you’re interested in starting a hat brand or merch campaign or just experimenting with a new product line, keep reading for a guide to every kind of custom hat – plus the high-quality options offered by The/Studio.

The Baseball Cap

Providing a classic style, shape, and canvas for embellishment, the baseball cap is a staple. Typically made from breathable soft fabric, the baseball cap’s fitted design allows for both functionality and modern style. Creating a custom baseball cap is perfect for sports teams in amateur or professional leagues, company events and promotions, or businesses looking to promote a unique style on the canvas of a classic.

There are two popular baseball cap styles right now. The traditional style has six or eight triangular panels, traditionally made of wool. A more modern style has a taller, boxier shape and is often made of cotton or synthetic fabrics. The/Studio offers a six-paneled design with eyelets, a structured crown, and curved bill, plus various sizes promoting a classic, comfortable fitted look.

The Dad Hat

Dad hats have become a recent trend made popular by politicians, musicians, models, and more. A dad hat is a type of baseball cap, but it is almost always made of cotton or canvas. This hat doesn’t necessarily have the super-curved bill you’ll find in a custom baseball cap, and it will typically be made to be a bit oversized for the consumer. These hats are often embroidered and do not have a snapback or fitted style.

Typically made with six panels and a slightly curved bill, dad hats are meant to look and feel comfortable. The/Studio’s dad hats thus come with an unstructured crown and classic buckle closure, though velcro or glide closers are also common.

The Trucker Hat

Trucker hats are a 21st century spin on a traditional baseball cap, popularized by actors and musicians like Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, and Judah Friedlander. Designed to be satirical, these highly structured caps typically have a funny quip stitched or printed on the front panel. Custom trucker hats are great for those looking to create an item that speaks to a specific style.

Trucker hats, netback caps, or mesh caps are all specific categories of baseball cap, usually built with fewer panels for an exaggerated look. The/Studio’s trucker hats feature foam front panels, mesh back panels, and adjustable snapback closures, allowing for a highly structured, one-size-fits-all hat.

The Snapback Hat

Similar to the trucker hat, the snapback hat offers a highly stylized, structured take on the baseball cap, making for a similar look without the mesh paneling. And like other structured caps, the high-profile crown of a snapback hat is perfect for customization and embellishment.

At The/Studio, the snapback hat comes with two structured front panels and a flat bill that can be curved to a particular style.

The Camper Hat

Popular with cyclists and athletes, the camper hat – or “Jockey Cap” – is a rising trend. Typically featuring a flat bill, plastic buckle closure, and cotton polyester blend or breathable athletic material, The/Studio’s camper hat features five panels and a close, adjustable fit perfect for outdoor activity.

The camper hat is a trending product with a lot of potential for athleisure brands looking to establish brand presence with stylish, custom activewear.

Design a Custom Hat

At The/Studio, custom hats are simple to design and stock with on-demand manufacturing. We offer a full range of custom hat manufacturing services, including free design. Check out our Hats 101 blog to learn the basics of creating your own custom hat.