There are over 100 different baseball hats available to customize on the Quality Logo Products website. The question is…how do you choose the right one?
It all comes down to the hat’s design. Each piece has a name and purpose, and this handy guide is here to help you understand how they all fit together.
You will know exactly what to look for when buying your own custom baseball hats.
Crown
The crown is the top portion of the hat. It hugs the head and includes the panels, grommets (eyelets), button, closure, and sweatband. Your custom design is embroidered on the front panel of the crown.
Brim/Visor
The brim is the visor portion of the hat. It is sometimes called the “bill” since it is similar in appearance to a duck’s beak. Brims, which are either pre-curved or flat (as in snapbacks), are the part of a hat that keeps the sun out of your face.
Eyelets
The eyelets (grommets) are sewn into the hat’s crown. They are part of a hat to provide cool ventilation. Make sure the custom hats you order have eyelets since this feature makes the hats more comfortable for the people wearing them.
Panels
The panels are on the front, sides, and back of the hat. There are four total, and each is made of the same material. The exception is trucker hats, which often have a mesh back. Panels give the hat its structure.
Button
The button is on top of the hat’s crown. It may seem like it’s there for decoration, but it actually holds all the panels together. Buttons are made of plastic or metal.
Closure
The closure is at the back of the hat. Closures are fitted, stretchy, and most commonly, adjustable to fit your head. You can order hats with closures made of buckles, plastic snaps, or Velcro.
Liner
The liner is found inside the hat. This hat part can be unprinted or printed with a cool design. Liners are inside a hat to cut down on frizz and provide a more comfortable fit.
Sweatband
The sweatband is a piece of fabric sewn inside the hat behind the brim. This hat part sops up your sweat, so the perspiration doesn’t stain the rest of the material. Sweatbands also improve the hat’s fit.
5 Panel Vs. 6 Panel Hats
As mentioned, the panels are on the front, sides, and back of the hat. The custom baseball hats at qualitylogoproducts.com have five or six panels.
By far, 6 panel hats are more popular, making up 73% of total orders. 5 panel hats only account for 27% of total orders.
6 panel hats have steadily been the most popular since 2016, even reaching 86.76% of total orders in 2023.
You can follow the trend by ordering your own 6 panel hats. These hats have two back panels, which gives the hat a rounded shape and allows for a better fit on a person’s head.
5 panel hats, on the other hand, are more comfy and casual.
Structured hats vs. unstructured hats
Place the hat on a table. If it falls limp, then it’s an unstructured hat. If the hat keeps its shape, then it is a structured (fitted) hat. Structured hats are made from a stiff fabric called buckram.
Custom baseball hats are available in either style, but like 6 panel hats, structured hats are more popular. In fact, they make up 66% of total orders and have maintained their spot on the top since 2016.
Structured hats are better for corporate apparel. They also provide the most shade, which is why you can use them for sports or fitness.
Unstructured hats, on the other hand, are better for casual days. You can throw them on for running errands.
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
