Your Guide to Custom Hats
Customizing hats is a great way to make your brand stand out as they're both affordable and popular, but it's so important to get the details right; with so many styles, materials, and printing methods available, it’s important to carefully consider your options before printing.
1) Understanding Fit
Fit is one of the most critical factors when choosing a hat. It's essential to think about your audience and how versatile the hat needs to be. Here are some tips:
For Large Runs: If you're distributing hats at a corporate event or for promotional giveaways, prioritize adjustable or one-size-fits-all options like snapbacks or adjustable strap caps. These styles accommodate a broader range of head sizes.
For Small Runs: If you’re targeting a smaller group - team uniforms, small-run resale, etc - you might consider fitted or flat-brim New Era caps. However, some New Eras require accurate sizing, so ensuring those details is necessary before ordering.
Keep in mind that "one size" hats don't always fit everyone perfectly so adjustable options are generally a safer bet.
2) Choosing the Style
With so many different styles available, it's important to make sure the hat you choose will be well-received by the ones wearing them, and will represent your brand the way you want it to.
The popular options include:
Snapbacks: Classic and trendy, skews to a younger crowd
Dad Hats: Relaxed and slightly curved brim, ideal for casual branding
Mesh Hats: Popular in the summer months or warmer climates, rugged vibe
5-Panel Hats: Low-profile and basic, great for a mass audience
Bucket Hats: Making a comeback in recent years, has a retro and fun feel
Flat Brim: Always in style, but tricky with sizing
3) Picking the Right Printing Method
Not all printing methods are suitable for hats, and the durability of your logo or design is crucial.
Embroidery (The Gold Standard): Embroidery is the most popular method for customizing hats because it’s durable, and it looks great. Logos stand out and the stitching holds up well against wear and tear.
DTF (Direct-to-Film): DTF printing can produce more complex designs, but it’s less durable for hats when compared to shirts or other flat surfaces. Prone to cracking and fading, especially over time. Good if you want mass-produced uniform hats.
Sublimation Printing: Sublimation works well on polyester, but it’s tricky to look good on hats. Avoid this method unless the hat specifically says it's designed for sublimation.
For long-lasting results that maintain their quality over time, embroidery remains the top choice. It’s particularly effective for bold logos and text that you want to make a statement.
4) Recommendations for Large Runs
If you're planning to order hats in bulk, such as for events or reselling, consider these tips:
Stay neutral: Stick to basic colors like black, gray or navy. Recently, some companies would recommend avoiding - or fully embracing - the color red.
Simple designs: Complex designs can lose their impact hats because of the small amount of space. Keep it bold and clean.
Order proofs: Always request and approve your proof before production is finalized. BrandView Solutions will not start production without proof approval.
Custom caps and hats are a great way to showcase your brand. Just ensure you're well setup with your audience or customers in mind, and as always if you have any questions, don't be afraid to reach out!