Understanding The Construction of a Hat

Not all hats are made the same and neither are the heads they cover. There a few key characteristics to keep in mind when choosing the right hat. The first and probably the most important is the hat profile or crown height. Once you find your favorite hat profile you can consider other characteristics including structure, bill curve, bill length, materials, panels, closure, circumference, sweatband, eyelets and stitching.

What is a Hat Profile?

A hat profile is the depth of the hat’s crown. Think about it as the vertical measurement going from the hat's top button down to your ears. To make it easy we break it down into three profiles: Low, Mid and High. Let's go over how they compare.

Low Profile Crown Height

Your best choice for small and medium-sized heads. These hats usually hug the head a little more making them a great choice for women and kids. Low profile is very versatile in terms of styling and customizations. You may be familiar with the infamous "Dad Hat" look which is generally made with a low profile and six panels. Or our very popular Vintage Style Kiosk Caps, which are unstructured and 5 panels, with a subtle curved bill. The Low Profile Hat might be your choice if:

• You have a smaller head or most hats are too large
• Looking for Spring and Summer looks
• You prefer lightweight fabrics or unstructured
• You prefer a vintage style look
• You like to shade your eyes

Mid Profile Crown Height

This profile is by far our most popular. It's perfect for medium-sized heads who prefer a standard baseball cap fit. A lot of mid profile come in the trucker style.  Back in the Von Dutch days they were a must- have. Now there is a new wave of people loving the fun/retro looks. You can definitely make an outfit with the right trucker. If you prefer a more toned down look, go for the class or frame caps.

• Crown height of 3-4 inches
• Classic baseball cap fit
• Structured fit
• Crown that’s noticeable but still laid-back

 

High Profile Crown Height

These hats are for larger heads or if you prefer a loose and tall fit. The crown protrudes higher from the brim of the hat to produce a stylish silhouette. Hats with a High Profile usually have a structured or foam front.  Another high- profile must have is the frame cap. It is a timeless, clean and flattering style. There are some great high profile trucker hats as well!

• Have a large head or most hats fit too small on you
• Prefer a looser fit
• Prefer a structured crown
• Want your hat to make a bold statement
• Are looking for an early 90s style

 

Which size is for me?

Sometimes it can be hard to find a hat that fits just the way you want. You can be shopping for a certain look but don't know what will fit your head. With today's endless options, hats are a notoriously hard item to get just right. Luckily we offer a variety of hat crown heights with a wide range of materials and structures for each.  Below is a break down of the different crown heights that will help you find the perfect style.

So which Hat Profile is right for you? Low, Mid, or High? 

The actual measurement between each Hat Profile is very subtle, so we highly recommend trying on each hat. To purchase a sample take a look at our Arroyo Blanks. It all comes down to your head size, style, personal preference and most importantly your audiences preference. Once you have an idea on the crown height you can move on to the other hat characteristics.

Designing Hats and Headwear

We've have been making hats and headwear for the past 13+ years. While we have our own tools for success one thing that can help you on your journey is our Custom Hat Template Digital Download. With this template you can easily change the colors of panels and alter key characteristics that production is looking for when making hats.

We're Here to Help

Do you or your company need custom hats, beanies, shirts or any other apparel? We specialize in custom merchandise for businesses big and small. Use the form below to Get A Quote or take a look at some of our custom products.