What are the parts of a hat called?

Each part of a baseball cap or trucker hat has a name and purpose.

Ever wonder why your cap has eyelets or panels? Those might be good things to know if you need customized hats for your team or employees.

The best way to get started is to show you the anatomy of a cap:

Glossary of hats and caps

Let’s take a closer look at the parts of a hat. Some of these terms sound a bit goofy! But this hat glossary explains how each part contributes to a hat or cap’s style and fit.

Crown

The crown is the raised portion of a hat that hugs the head. It can include the panels, eyelets, a top button and the sweatband.

Eyelets

The small holes sewn or attached to a hat’s crown are eyelets. Their one and only purpose is to give your head ventilation to keep you cool. Eyelets often are holes with sewn edges but also can be small, metal rings punched into the fabric.

Panels (front, side and back)

Panels attached to one another by seams make up the vast majority of a cap. They are the sections of the crown that form the hat’s shape. Each panel — often five or six per hat — is sewn together to give the crown its rounded appeal.

Closure

The closure is found at the back of each cap and is designed to ensure a snug fit. Closures can be fitted, stretchy or adjustable. Fitted caps are closed in back and typically are sized by inches related to the circumference of a person’s head. Stretch-fit caps are also closed in back but are made with stretchy fabric that adjusts to multiple sizes. Adjustable straps are often found in baseball caps. Closures most commonly are made with buckles, plastic snaps, or some type of hook and loop style.

Sweatband

It’s not too hard to guess what a sweatband’s purpose might be. The cloth fabric that lines the inside base of the crown is best known for wicking moisture from your head. However, its width is designed to comfort your scalp.

Visor

Many people call this feature the “bill” because it reminds us of a duck’s beak. It’s also called a brim and can be flat or pre-curved when purchased. Most visors are made of plastic or cardboard and covered with fabric. The visors’ main job is to keep the sun away from your face.

Button

The button on a cap is its bling, so to speak. It is located at the top of the crown and holds — often symbolically — the panels together. Most buttons are made of plastic or metal and are covered in a fabric that matches the cap.

Profiles

This refers to the height of the crown and ranges from low to high. A structured hat, for example, has a high-profile crown.

What is the difference between a structured and unstructured hat?

If your hat goes a bit limp when placed on a table, it’s likely an unstructured hat. A structured hat has stiff fabric called a buckram behind the front panels to help keep its rigid shape.

Tip: A structured custom hat will show off your logo better because it will keep its form.

Unite your crew with customized caps

Now that you know the parts of a cap it will be easier to find the style you need. Totally Promotional currently offers these hat styles:

Customized caps are a necessity for athletic teams, employees and many other groups in your organization or community.

Start shopping for high-quality, affordable hats and other custom apparel today!