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 different type of custom hats – 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 type 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 type 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 more about different types of custom hats and the basics of creating your own.
