There are a few basic things to consider when deciding on fitted or adjustable caps. Lets be clear on the major differences.
Adjustable caps have a mechanism on the back to adjust the size and fit of the cap and also have an opening in the fabric above the mechanism. Most adjustable caps are “one size fits most.” Adjustable caps are usually cheaper than fitted caps.
Who wears adjustable caps?
Lots of people like to adjust the size of their hats depending on different uses. For example they make their hats tighter when running in windy conditions.
Parents and coaches like adjustable hats for their teams (little league, softball, etc.) because they don't have to worry about measuring and sizing each team member's head.
Also, lots of women (and men) with long hair prefer adjustable hats because they can put their hair in a ponytail and stick it through the back opening of the cap which makes sports and other activities more comfortable.
What are the different types of adjustable caps?
Plastic Snap
Hook/Loop Tape (Velcro)
Tuck Strap With Slide Buckle
Self Strap Metal Buckle
D-Fit
Nylon Clip
Fitted caps have no mechanism to adjust the size of the cap and have closed backs, with no opening. They come in different sizes (XS to XXL depending on the item) and have stretchable fabric that wraps around your head. You should measure your head to make sure you get the best fit…like any other type of fitted clothing.
Who wears fitted caps?
Teams and leagues love fitted hats as part of their uniforms because of the tailored, clean look.
Fashion oriented sports enthusiasts and individuals (including many celebrities) also like fitted caps because of their clean look and higher quality appearance…especially with flat visors or brims that have a more urban look.
The decades-old debate between hat enthusiasts - snapback vs fitted caps. Which is better? Well, that all depends on your brand, social media marketing, products, and audience.
Whether you want to branch out to a new audience or niche down to hat enthusiastic, knowledge is your best friend when it comes to printing hats. Luckily for you, that's us!
If you're looking into printing snapbacks and fitted caps, you'll need to know the practical and cultural differences between the two hats. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the hats themselves, and how to choose a reliable hat printing service for your business.
Snapbacks are adjustable 6-panel caps with a flatter, wider rim than a baseball cap. The adjustable straps at the back of the hat can be metal or plastic, and because of this, they're one-size-fits-all.
The front panels of snapbacks tend to be quite stiff, firm, and starchy material. You're likely to see snapbacks with embroidery on the front thanks to the strength of the material.
Snapbacks also have wide angles, changing the brim shape. There is a 90-degree angle between the cap and the brim - this pushes the front of the cap into a prominent position - another reason you're likely to see logos or brand names on snapbacks.
Many notable faces have donned a snapback over the years - from Jay Z in the 90s to Chance The Rapper and his extensive hat collection. Snapbacks hit their fashion peak in the 90s and early 00s, made popular primarily by hip hop artists, basketball players, and football players. However, it hasn't gone out of fashion at all - you can still stylize it with a modern wardrobe!
Don't confuse baseball caps (sometimes called 'dad hats') with snapbacks. While both have an adjustable strap at the back, baseball caps tend to have 5 panels and a curved brim.
Fitted caps have an almost completely flat brim with a very subtle curve. They're fitted because they have no adjustable strap at the back of the hat. Some people prefer fitted caps to snapbacks because the lack of strap can give it a cleaner finish, but this does mean you'll have to find your size because fitted caps aren't one-size-fits-all.
Fitted hats have more malleability to them. They're a softer material, which means they can crease, but they're also generally a little comfier to wear for long periods of time. Not to mention, some people wear their fitted caps with a crease in them on purpose.
The lack of clasps on fitted caps also allows for easier custom hat designs. Printing patterns, slogans or embroidery is easier on blank fitted caps because you've got more surface area to play with and fewer obstacles.
So, which cap should you choose to print on and sell?
Snapbacks are generally the more popular option with mass audiences. While they aren't as straightforward to put prints on as fitted caps, it's still done to a very high degree of quality. Because they're adjustable and one-size-fits-all, you're holding far less inventory and it makes the manufacturing process smoother.
However, fitted caps also have their perks. While you have to hold a higher quantity so you can offer different sizes, it's balanced out. Fitted caps are quite niche - you generally find more intricate designs on them rather than just a slogan or logo - and with niche products come loyal audiences. These audiences are also more willing to pay premium prices for high-quality goods.
Here are our top three recommended hats for printing on and selling, loved by our customers. We offer blank hats you can fully customize at amazing wholesale price, and quality you can see and feel.
Here are our recommendations for hats to print on:
The Flexfit Fitted Cap covers all of your fitted cap needs. Here's why our customers love it:Hats are highly collectible items - but did you know trucker hats are one of the most sought-after? Not only are they collectible, but our Richardson Trucker Snapback hats are practical, comfy, and:
We also provide headwear from the market-leading Yupoong, Inc. An industry giant, Yupoong has been making hats since 1974. Being able to offer branded Flexfit Yupoong hats is a great tool to have in your arsenal!
Flexfit Yupoong Classic Trucker hat specs:
There is no downside to offering printed caps in your retail or e-commerce store, or as a part of your expanding brand - but in the snapback vs fitted caps debate, it's really up to personal preference and audience. Bear in mind whether your hats are for style or comfort, logo or no logo, and whether you want to potentially hold lots of inventory or not.
At All Day Shirts, we offer a selection of hats and other items of clothing to print and ship for you. Come and browse our range and start printing your hats today!