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.

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.

 

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.

Key Details

• Crown height: ~2.75–3.25"
• Generally feels "smaller"
  
• Unisex fit
• Lightweight fabrics or unstructured

Mid Profile Crown Height

This profile is the most popular choice amongst the brands we work with. It is great for the average hat wearer and companies looking for custom hats. Our production line decorates the Richardson 112 Trucker Hat more than any other hat. The mid-profile options are vast: mesh backed trucker hats, 5 panels, 6 panels, performance, the list goes on.

Key Details

• Crown height: ~3.25–3.75inches
• Classic baseball cap fit
• Usually structured
• Crown that’s noticeable but still laid-back

 

High Profile Crown Height

These hats are generally for larger heads or big hair. 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. For brands looking for some style, we recommend the Frame Two-Tone Cap by ascolour. It is a timeless silhouette and flattering style for men and women.

Key Details

• Crown height: ~3.75–4"
• Generally larger hat
• Good for hair
• Stylish silhouette
• Usually structured

 

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 samples or get some ballpark pricing take a look at our Customizable Hats. 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. Get A Quote or take a look at some of our custom products.