What hat styles can be customized? If you’re looking to create your custom hat, especially if you’re early in the design process, you’re probably wondering what choices you have to pick from. While just about any hat can technically be customized, factors like affordability and fit for your goals play major roles in deciding which one to use. Today we’ll be looking at hat customization options, including:
- What each hat style’s best fit is for customization.
- How to pick out colors for your custom hat.
- Evaluating different logo application methods for custom hats.
What is the Best Style of Hat to Customize?
The truth is, all styles of hats have their pros and cons when it comes to customization, so there is no one “best” style of hat to customize. However, different situations may be better suited for different hat styles, as outlined below:
When to Customize A Baseball-Style Hat
- Definition: A broad term for hats with longer visors. Normally, baseball caps fit particularly snug.
- When to customize a baseball-style hat:
- Baseball hats are a great default if you’re just starting with designing your first custom hat.
- Baseball hats work well for active groups, like sports teams (unsurprisingly).
- When not to customize a baseball-style hat:
- There isn’t really a wrong time for a baseball hat, but for a more prominent logo, go specifically for a trucker or snapback hat.
- Similarly, for a more flexible fit, dad hats and beanies are great options.
When to Customize A Trucker-Style Hat
- Definition: Hats with a high crown* and flat, foam front, plus a mesh back.
- When to customize a trucker-style hat:
- Trucker hats are great for logo prominence, if you’re focusing on branding.
- Great airflow, if the hat will be worn outdoors.
- Laid-back feeling is good for informal gatherings.
- When not to customize a trucker-style hat:
- The casual nature doesn’t match with formal or professional events.
- Their lack of insulation makes it a poor choice for winter events.
When to Customize A Snapback-Style Hat
- Definition: Hats that have an adjustable, snapping size strap in the back. They typically have a shorter, flat brim and a high crown.
- When to customize a snapback-style hat:
- Snapbacks have great logo display, similar to trucker-style hats, making them good for promoting your brand.
- However, snapbacks tend to carry a less casual air about them, making them a bit better for professional purposes.
- Flexible sizing makes them a good choice for groups with people of different ages and head sizes.
- When not to customize a snapback-style hat:
- While the customizable size is helpful, it probably won’t be quite snug enough for truly active wear.
When to Customize A Dad-Style Hat
- Definition: Flexible hats with an unstructured crown.
- When to customize a dad-style hat:
- Dad hats’ combination of style and comfort makes them great all-arounders for casual and formal wear.
- They are best for groups or events where comfort is key, like a family outing or a fishing trip.
- When not to customize a dad-style hat:
- The loose fit is not a great match for active wear.
- Some people may feel that the lack of structure doesn’t display their logo prominently enough.
When to Customize A Flexfit-Style Hat
- Definition: A brand of hats that uses an elastic band to adjust its size automatically to the wearer’s head.
- When to customize a Flexfit-style hat:
- The snug fit is great for any active events, like a marathon.
- Shading from the brim makes them a great choice for anything outdoors.
- When not to customize a Flexfit-style hat:
- The tight fit that can’t be manually adjusted makes Flexfit a less-than-ideal candidate for casual wear.
When to Customize A Beanie-Style Hat
- Definition: A tighter-fitting, smaller hat with no visor.
- When to customize a beanie-style hat:
- The insulation of a beanie makes it a good option for wearing in colder weather.
- Beanies are easy to fold and transport, so they work well for any traveling.
- When not to customize a beanie-style hat:
- In hot weather, the insulation may be too much for some people.
Hat Styles and Customization Options
Just like with styles, there are lots of customization options for colors and logo applications, and each has its own place. We recommend starting with your logo and making customization choices around it.
Custom Hat Colors
- If you have existing brand colors, check if the hat materials that are already available offer them as an option.
- For new colorways, think about whether you want your logo to stand out or blend in with the rest of the hat.
- Use a color wheel to make sure that all the colors work well together!
Custom Logo Method 1: Screen Printing
- Screen Printing Advantages:
- High durability.
- Cost-effective for large orders.
- Retains most logos well, especially simpler ones.
- Which hat styles work best with Screen Printing:
- Trucker Hats
- Snapback Hats
Custom Logo Method 2: DTF/Heat Transfer
- DTF/Heat Transfer Advantages:
- Affordable for smaller orders
- Good detail retention in logos
- Can use special inks unavailable by other means
- Which hat styles work best with DTF/Heat Transfer:
- Trucker Hats
- Snapback Hats
- Dad Hats
Custom Logo Method 3: Embroidery
- Embroidery Advantages:
- Professional, timeless style
- Raised stitching gives a unique 3D look to your logo
- Very durable
- Which hat styles work best with Embroidery:
- Classic Baseball Hats
- Flexfits
- Snapbacks
Custom Logo Method 4: Patches
- Patch Advantages:
- Probably the most durable way to display your logo
- More customizable than any other method
- Can sometimes be purchased separately, if you want to attach them somewhere else
- Which hat styles work best with Patches:
- Beanies
- Trucker Hats
Take Advantage of Hat.Co’s Variety of Custom Hat Styles, Colors, and Printing Methods
Hat.Co lets you design your custom hat, picking from a variety of styles, colors, logo application methods, brands, and more. Take control of your headwear and promote your brand. We bring over 50 years of apparel-making experience, and are available to help you every step of the way.
Call us Hat.Co today at (636) 926-2777 or reach out online to get started.