The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Custom Hat. Custom hats can elevate an event, let your fans show their love for you, and let you represent a cause that’s close to your heart. You can take control of what you wear by designing a custom hat yourself, and we put together this guide to help you do so:
Why Order Custom Hats?
Many different groups or individuals from all walks of life order custom hats. It may be to represent a group, send a message, or support an individual.
For example:
- Businesses – From small business uniforms to large corporate retreats, custom hats can make your brand and/or event stand out.
- Community Organizations – Show your message and raise awareness in your day-to-day life.
- Families – Make reunions memorable and show off your clan with custom hats.
- Schools – Whether it’s for a specific team/club, or outfitting the whole student body, custom hats can show off school spirit every day.
- Online Creators/Celebrities – Custom merchandise allows you to connect directly with your fans, giving you extra income while your fans get to show off their love for you.
- Individuals – Everyone is unique, and some people like to show it in what they wear. Getting a hat that represents your personality lets you display your individuality in a way that is distinct for you.
Key Takeaway: Custom hats can fit anywhere and any cause, and are easy to make by following just 5 steps.
How to Design the Ultimate Custom Hat:
Step 1 – Decide Who Will Wear These Hats
- Uniform hats should be bold and durable.
- Event and commemorative hats should be comfortable.
- Merchandise hats should be more heavily customized to stand out from the crowd.
Key Takeaway: The audience wearing the hat should set the tone for the design.
Step 2 – Figure Out Your Timeline
- If you have a few months or there is no deadline, be patient and get the details of the logo right.
- If you need them quickly, think about simplifying your design, working with professional graphic designers, or see if your custom hat company has custom templates and logo ideas.
- If you need it ASAP, see if there is any existing art or logos you can reuse, and make sure your printer has rush-service options.
Step 3 – Pick Out Your Hat Style
- Trucker hats – Good logo display and extra breathability.
- Dad hats – A relaxed, comfortable fit.
- Snapbacks – Flatter front displays logos extra well.
- Flexfit – Lightweight and durable.
- Beanies – Best for cold weather.
- Baseball caps – A classic look, and an all-around good fit.
Pro Tip: Consider how often and when these hats will be worn to determine how important factors like durability and breathability will be.
Step 4 – Design Your Logo
- Size – Logos on hats aren’t as big as on other apparel, so make something that stands out and isn’t overly detailed.
- Color(s) – Again, avoid overly detailed designs with complex color. Use simple yet bold color schemes to help them stand out.
- Template or Existing – If you have an existing logo, you could tweak it to fit your needs. Or, build off of a template to start.
- Text – Keep it snappy – trying to fit too much will crowd your hat
- Placement – Put your logo front and center, and use the sides or back of the cap for mottos or slogans.
Pro Tip: Bring in the pros! Professional design services can help bring your ideas to life without the hassle of trying to draw out everything yourself.
Step 5 – Base Colors and Other Details
- Build around your logo – if you start with the logo you created, pick hat colors that complement what you already have.
- If you have any additional designs on the hat, make sure that they fit naturally with the logo you already created.
Pro Tip: Complementary colors are bold, while analogous colors are more subtle fits. Use a color wheel to keep everything in harmony.
In summary, start with your audience, figure out when you need the hats by, then pick out the style, logo, and colors that fit your needs.
FAQs on Designing the Ultimate Custom Hat
Is there a minimum number of hats I need to order?
This depends on the printer and type of hat – for example, Pom Pom Knit Caps may have a minimum order of 6, while Port & Company Youth Six-Panel Caps may not have a minimum. In any case, ordering in bulk typically offers discounts.
How long does an order typically take?
It typically takes about two weeks from order to delivery, though rush options are often available for shorter turnaround times.
Do I need to worry about picking the right hat sizes?
While most hats can be adjusted in size, it’s best to start with a size as close to the wearer’s head as possible. Also, for youth, special, smaller hats are typically available.
Should I get multiple types of hats?
If your audience wants to wear custom hats year-round, having multiple hats offers more flexibility. For example, a breathable trucker hat is great for the Summer, but in the Winter, more people will choose to wear a beanie.
How should I wash my hat?
To get the best life out of your custom hat, hand-wash it, avoid hot water and harsh chemicals, then allow it to air-dry.
Let Hat.Co Help You Design and Make the Ultimate Custom Hat
Hat.Co is dedicated to helping you bring your custom hat ideas to life. We offer the tools to design it yourself, or we can help you with our experienced design services. Whoever ends up wearing the hats, we want to be the ones who made it easy for you to put them on.
Start creating your hat today and take advantage of everything Hat.Co has to offer – call us at
(636) 926-2777 or request a quote online.