Creating Custom Branded Caps 101
69% of consumers own a custom hat, impressive right? It gets better. 85% of those consumers remember the advertiser who gave the branded cap to them. We’re totally nerding out with the statistics, but there’s so much to say about the lasting impact a custom branded cap can have (if you're into promo stats like we are, check out this three-part series)! What’s better, is there’s a hat out there for everyone. When it comes to cap customization, we know all the tricks of the trade and would love to help you create something that fits your brand’s identity and will be worn for years to come.
Before creating your perfect custom branded cap, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the structure of a hat. We’re calling these the “must-knows” of cap customization and they are: panels, crown profiles, fabric, and cap closure.
Let’s start with the basics: panels. The “crown” of a cap refers to the top of the cap, and this is made up of panels. Panels are the triangular pieces of fabric that hold the hat together and make up the shape of the hat, basically the foundation of the hat. There are 5-panel and 6-panel options, which are design choices that are important when it comes to the style of the cap. Fewer panels mean your hat will have a boxy fit and be looser on your head. More panels will give the hat a tighter fit, like a baseball cap.
The next must-know is the crown profile. Everyone has a preference on the way that they want a cap to fit, if you have ever tried on a hat and wondered why it just doesn’t feel right- you haven’t found the profile that works for you. The crown profile refers to how high or low the crown of the cap is, and there are a few types: Pro High Crown, Pro Mid Crown, Pro Round Crown, Mid to Low Crown, and Low Crown.
When it comes to picking a fabric for your cap, it’s important to keep two things in mind: the desired style and the intended use. From brushed cotton twill to camo, there are so many customization options waiting to be branded with your logo. Fabrics like cotton and mesh are soft and breathable, providing moisture control and insulation for maximum comfort, these are great options for warmer weather or outdoor activities. Polyester is preferred by hat lovers because of its moisture-wicking properties, making it a top choice for sports teams and workouts. If you’re unsure of which fabric best suits your vision, we are happy to help find the perfect fit for your cap.
Closures are like the “cherry on top” when it comes to finalizing your custom cap. What may seem like a minor detail, has a larger impact than one may think. They not only affect the way the cap will fit, offering wiggle room for adjustments but also contribute to the overall style of the cap. Closure styles like Plastic Snap & Soft Snap and Double Plastic Snap and Soft Snap come with a pair of straps, one with pegs, and the other with holes to create the perfect fit. These are commonly used in trucker hat styles. Buckle and slide closures consist of metal buckles or clasps on one strap and holes and notches on the other. These kinds of closures are known to withstand more wear and tear due to the more resilient metal closure. These are great options for a traditional baseball cap or performance hat. Velcro closures, like the hook/loop option are small closures that attach to one another using friction. These are the easiest closures to use, making them an efficient option for hat wearers of all ages. Nylon Strap and Buckle closures like the D-Fit and Nylon Strap with buckle option, are great options for those who like to travel and be outdoors, due to their durable and quick-drying properties.
Cap Design Techniques
NEW Patch Techniques & Custom Shapes
With new patch techniques that offer rich color, eye-catching detail and exciting texture. From dimensional effects to intricate details and innovative finishes, these patch techniques provide a unique opportunity to elevate your cap's design. Check out these fun options for decoration.
Decorate with stock shapes for all patch types or custom shapes for genuine leather, faux leather & sublimated patches.
Embroidered fabric or sublimated patches
Custom Faux Leather Patch Color Options
Other considerations for branding your custom cap include printed seam taping, sublimated pattern on mesh, or a woven wrap label. The possibilities are endless.
Cap Design Techniques in Action
Cap Creation Steps: 
Step 1: Choose your hat style.
This choice is based on the number of panels in your hat, the profile, and the shape you have chosen.
Step 2: Choose the back panels and visor shape of your cap.
Back panels can be solid, like a baseball cap, or mesh, like a trucker hat. The visor shape can be curved, pre-curved, slightly pre-curved, and flat.
Step 3: Choose your fabric and hat closure.
Step 4: Choose your decoration style and location. We go into more details here, but some options include visor print, leather patch, embroidery and more. We can fully build a custom hat just for you - just ask!
Step 5: Choose your size.
We’ll take it from here! Once you have made all of the important decisions when it comes to cap customization, we take the reigns and bring your idea to life. Reach out to us today to schedule your branded merchandise strategy session or jump right in to creating a custom hat. See more below.
Schedule Your Branded Merchandise Strategy Session
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