Custom Fitted Hats. If you’ve decided to design a custom hat, you probably started by thinking about some key aspects of how the hat will look: The emblem, the colors, the length and shape of the bill – it’s easy to visualize the style of the hat. A lot of people don’t stop to think about the fit, though.
Many hat styles are available, but, nothing gives the premium, snug feel of a Custom Fitted Hat. And Hat.Co can turn your dream fitted hat into a custom reality. Start your order today by calling (636) 926-2777 or getting in touch online.
Today, we’ll look at what is a fitted hat, styles of hats that can be fitted, design and customization tips, and common questions for Portland. You can skip ahead to each section by clicking the below links:
- What Are Fitted Hats?
- Custom Fitted Hat Decoration Methods
- Types of Fitted Hats You Can Customize
- Why People in Portland Wear Custom Fitted Hats
- Custom Fitted Hat Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Started With Your Custom Fitted Hat

What are Fitted Hats?
Fitted hats are, as the name implies, hats that have been designed to be a specific size, rather than adjustable. The typical counter to this is snapbacks, which include a plastic strap that you can use to select the size you want.
Since there’s really only the one requirement, fitted hats don’t follow a rigid stylistic philosophy. Commonly, they will have a more solid back (as opposed to mesh), but some fitted hats don’t fit this mold: For example, one of our trucker caps has a mesh backing but not an adjustable strap.
Fitted Hat Customization Options – Logo Application
If you are customizing your fitted hat, it’s important to use a logo application method that fits the hat, while still standing out in Portland, OR. There are four main options available, the first two are great for fitted hats:
1 Embroidery Logo Application:
Embroidery is a decoration method that involves sewing thread into the fabric of the hat. It’s great for custom fitted hats for the following reasons:
- The 3D effect you get with embroidery is completely unique.
- Embroidery often provides a classic, professional look that goes well with fitted hats in Portland, OR.
- Embroidery is highly durable, an important factor if you’ll use this hat as activewear.
2 Patches Logo Application:
Patches are miniature, standalone versions of your logo. Here’s what makes them good for custom fitted hats:
- Custom patches give your logo the sturdiest application. These last a while.
- They can be made of many kinds of materials, from PVC to leather.
- They are incredibly customizable, beyond the other methods.
3 Screen Printing Logo Application
Screen printing – Screen printing paints ink directly on the hat in the design of your logo. We generally recommend embroidery and/or patches over screen printing for custom fitted hats; that said, depending on your needs, it might be best for you:
- The process scales well and can save you money on bulk orders.
- Screen printing allows more fine detail than embroidery, while including more colors than leather patches.
- Though it probably won’t last as long as embroidery or patches, screen printing is still durable if cleaned, stored, and worn properly.
4 DTF (Heat Transfer) Logo Application
DTF (heat transfer) also is similar to screenprinting with its use of ink, but starts by creating a separate print of the logo, which is then applied using heat. DTF and screen printing are roughly equally good fits for custom fitted hats, but have distinct pros:
- For lower quantity orders, DTF is ordinarily the most cost-effective option.
- DTF can do more precise designs that other methods can’t.
- You can take advantage of unique finishes/colors which are only capable via this method.
Custom Fitted Hats Pro-Tip: Don’t Forget the Back!
Custom hats are almost always centered around the logo, and for good reason. The hat’s logo has likely been the focus of your design, and it should get the lion’s share of the attention. Because of this the majority hats show off the logo front and center on the crown of the hat.
That’s not the only option, though, particularly with most fitted hats: put something on the back. Because the majority of fitted hats have a solid, filled-in rear, there’s more space to display your brand and express your personal style. The back is a great spot for a secondary logo, maybe something more subtle.
If you have an existing primary logo and want to put together a variant or alternative to fill out your custom fitted hat, consider contacting our logo design team. Hat.Co’s team is experienced in creating designs for Portland, OR, companies and families; we can build something unique yet familiar based on your existing logo.
Fitted Hat Customization Options – Hat Styles
There are several hat styles that can be considered “fitted,” so there’s a lot for Portland, OR residents to choose from. But if you need somewhere to get started, we’ve got you covered:
- Baseball Caps – Iconic Fitted Hats: Baseball hats are probably the most widespread overall, and many fitted hats fall into this category.
- Our New Era Structured Stretch is an example of a fitted baseball hat.
- Trucker Hats – Style and Comfort: Trucker hats are unique in that they can combine a mesh back with a fitted cap.
- Most trucker hats aren’t fitted, but our Flexfit Trucker hat is an example of one that breaks the mold.
- Flexfit –The Best of Both Worlds: Flexfits use an elastic band to create a hat that’s both snug and stretchable.
- You can go back and forth on whether or not Flexfit is “fitted,” but they’re comfortable, fit well, and are often hard to beat, like our Port Authority Delta Cap.

Why do People Wear Fitted Custom Hats in Portland, OR?
It’s hard to go wrong with any hat style in Portland, OR, but the fitted ones will always stand out. The polished, stylish look and snug fit make them a popular choice everywhere. You might also be seeing more fitted hats recently used for backwards wear.
Another reason you’ll see custom fitted hats being worn in Portland is that they are also good fits to wear during activities. Because they fit more snugly, people can wear them while playing sports or moving around without risking losing them.
Additionally, as mentioned above, because the majority of fitted hats include solid backs, there are more ways to customize them. When you’re focused on branding with hats, the additional space can go a long way.
Portland Custom Fitted Hats FAQs
Not quite ready to start customizing your fitted hat? We’ve got some of the most frequent questions Portland, OR, brings up about custom fitted hats:
What looks better, fitted or snapback?
Fitted hats versus snapbacks mostly depends on why and where you’re wearing the hat. Each has pros and cons, but generally, a fitted hat will will have a cleaner look while a snapback will be more flashy.
Do fitted hats grow or shrink as they get older?
When you’re first trying them on and wearing them, they will likely grow a bit. But, as fitted hats age, they tend to tighten if they experience wear without being properly cared for.
What hat styles are fashionable now?
Snapbacks are common to see in current conventional fashion, but fitted hats are often worn by Portland, OR, residents who are looking for something still stylish, but different.
Hats made with mesh materials are popular because of their breathability, most notably trucker hats. For design, we frequently see people go with embroidery and/or patches on their custom hats.
Do fitted hats look good backwards?
Fitted hats are good choices to wear backwards because of their snug fit. With enough effort, most hats can look good if worn backwards; however, non-fitted hats’ generally softer fit makes them more prone to falling off. On the contrary, fitted hats hold tight to your head regardless of the direction it sits on your head.
Should a fitted hat feel a little tight?
Typically, no (at least when you’ve just started wearing it). Because most hats often shrink a bit as they age, we typically recommend starting out with a hat that’s just a bit loose, and then break it in so that it fits right with your individual head.
How should I design my fitted hat?
If you’re designing a custom fitted hat, make use of the following tips:
- Take advantage of the more solid back. Additional logos or variations fit well on the back to give you a chance to show them off when you wouldn’t have otherwise.
- Make your logo stand out – embroidery and patches are both popular right now, and can add a “3-D” element to your design.
Is there something else you’re looking for answers on? Read through our top 10 custom hat FAQs, or call us and we’ll see if we can find an answer for you.
Hat.Co: Your Custom Fitted Hat Partner
Custom fitted hats combine the flexibility of customization with the premium feel of a fitted hat. And when you work with Hat.Co, you get everything from style options to custom design services to build the perfect fitted hat for your style or event.
Hat.Co gives you the tools to make it possible. We help with everything from day one until they reach Portland, OR, and get them on your head fast.
If you need help with any step of the process, from design to delivery, we’ll be by your side. And you can start designing now! Use the custom hat studio, call us at (636) 926-2777 or tell us about your project online.