The Complete Guide to Hat Styles: From Dad Hats to Trucker Hats. With so many different hat styles out there, it’s difficult to keep them all straight. Dad hats, trucker hats, snapbacks, and more hat styles are all around us, and picking the right one can feel confounding. But today, we’ve created a guide to help you identify the different hat styles, plus advantages and disadvantages for each.
What Distinguishes Different Hat Styles?
Multiple factors distinguish different hat styles from each other, namely the visor, material, support structure, and adjustability. While many hats are closely related, there are differences in the details of their designs:
Visor:
- Curved Bill: The classic style, still used in athletic and casual hat styles.
- Flat Bill: Seen mostly on trucker hats and snapbacks.
- Short Bill: Less common, but seen on some baseball caps.
Fun Fact: The visor can also be referred to as the hat’s “brim” or “bill.”
Material:
- There are many different materials that can be used to make a hat, such as cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, and polyester.
- Generally, the same fabric or blend of fabrics is used for the entire hat.
- Sometimes, though, a different material is used for the front versus the back – this is common in trucker hats, which typically use a foam front, but a mesh back for added breathability.
Support Structure:
- Structured Hats – Definition: Hats that include an internal support in the front, keeping the shape of the crown. Examples include trucker hats and most Flexfit hats.
- Unstructured Hats – Definition: Hats lacking an internal support, making them easier to bend without damaging. Examples include dad hats and beanies.
Adjustability:
- Strap: Some hats have a strap that can be tightened or loosened, like a belt. This is common for dad hats.
- Snap: Snapbacks feature a special strap with set sizing notches that are easy to resize.
- Stretchable: Some hats will automatically stretch to fit the wearer’s head. These include flexfit hats and beanies.
Key Takeaway: Most hats are adjustable, but there is variance in the ways they adjust.
In summary, hat styles are differentiated by their visors, materials, internal support structures, and adjustability.
Details, Pros, and Cons for Each Hat Style:
There’s more nuance to hat styles than you may think, and every style has its benefits and drawbacks.
Baseball Caps
- Baseball Cap Definition: A catch-all for caps with a long visor and a generally tight fit.
- Baseball Cap Pros: Blocks the sun well, and is unlikely to fall off.
- Baseball Cap Cons: The tight fit can be good for sports, but uncomfortable for casual wear.
Trucker Hats
- Trucker Hat Definition: Caps with a high foam front and mesh in the back.
- Trucker Hat Pros: Foam front displays logos well, while the back mesh allows for better airflow.
- Trucker Hat Cons: Insulation isn’t great in cold weather, and materials can wear faster than other styles.
Pro Tip: With their prominent logo display capabilities, trucker hats are a great option for designing the ultimate custom hat.
Snapbacks
- Snapback Definition: Caps with a flat brim and adjustable sizing strap, featuring two plastic pieces that snap together.
- Snapback Pros: Adjustable size makes them great for groups or individuals who frequently adjust hat position.
- Snapback Cons: The casual look is not always appropriate, and the snaps can wear out or break.
Dad Hats
- Dad Hat Definition: Caps without structure in the crown, and only a slight curve on the bill.
- Dad Hat Pros: The lack of structure makes these caps very comfortable and foldable without damaging them.
- Dad Hat Cons: The fits tend to be loose, making these ones easier to fall off.
Pro Tip: These are good when you won’t be moving around as much, for example, a laid-back fishing trip.
Flexfit
- Flexfit Definition: A special brand that stretches to fit the wearer’s head. Good for working outdoors.
- Flexfit Pros: Very adjustable size, without needing to fiddle with pieces.
- Flexfit Cons: Can fit too tightly, and over time will wear out and lose the “flex.”
Beanies
- Beanie Definition: A smaller, bill-less hat that fits tight on your head.
- Beanie Pros: Lightweight, very flexible, and moderate insulation.
- Beanie Cons: Can be too warm for extreme heat, but not effective enough for extreme cold.
Pro Tip: Keep a beanie with you in the Spring and Fall months as a backup hat, in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
When to Wear Each Hat Style:
If you have multiple hats, how are you supposed to pick between them? You can use our simple, 3-step process to help make a hat style decision any day of the year:
- Step 1: Check the Weather: Consider the insulation levels of your different hats, and pick one that will keep you shaded and cool or warm, depending on the day.
- Step 2: Figure Out How Formal the Event Is: Avoid casual-looking hats if you’ll be in a professional or formal environment.
- Step 3: Ask Yourself How Active You Will Be: Tighter hats are better if you’ll be running around more, or adjustable ones if you’ll be alternating between moving and relaxing.
For example, if you’re going to a charity fishing event in the Summer, a trucker hat could work well to display the charity’s logo while keeping you cool. Alternatively, a Flexfit would look a bit more formal and would stay on better if you’re more active.
The key takeaway is to select your hat for the situation, rather than using the same one at all times.
Hat Style FAQs:
Can each hat style be customized?
Yes – each of the hat styles listed above can be customized, with different colors, designs, and logos.
Is there a type of hat that goes with everything?
A standard baseball cap fits in just about anywhere, though you miss out on the benefits of picking a specialized hat type.
Are baseball caps and ___ the same thing?
Hats are a bit of a rectangles and squares situation – for example, all snapbacks are baseball caps, but not all baseball caps are snapbacks.
What kinds of hats are in style right now?
In 2025, you can see all sorts of hats being worn around the world. Baseball caps are always fashionable classics, and snapbacks in particular are popular these days.
Are hats good for my skin?
Hats do provide some benefits by protecting you from UV rays and the elements, but they are not a substitute for proper hygiene and sunscreen usage.
Hat.Co: Your Custom Hat Partner, No Matter the Style.
Whether it’s a dad hat, a trucker hat, or another style, Hat.Co has the tools and expertise available to help you bring your ideas to life. It’s easy to design your own hat, and if you need help, our professional services are ready for you.
Get started creating your custom hat today, and see it in multiple styles – if you have questions, call us at (636) 926-2777 or get a quote online.