With a new year and a new website established, we’re working towards putting up more content for you, covering a long list of matters close to our shores that will hopefully cater to everyone from freshies to the OGs. We ultimately hope that we can encourage a more knowledgable community, a better culture and gain perspectives through sparked discussions amongst one another.
The first thing we felt we should tackle from the get-go were the basics. Why? Because even after 6 long years of being in the game, we still encounter some of the most teeth grinding questions, such as “Is this a baseball cap?”…
For every fucking style.
As cliche and unimpressive as these fundamentals might be, it has to be done to help break in the new collectors or ordinary cats that just aren’t as clear about the basics. So, we’ll be tackling some of the most frequently asked questions by breaking down the different styles of headgear, from the ones on your head and on our shelves.
THE FRONT
Starting from the front of the cap, the face of the crown holds prime real estate for branding and designs. The front also defines a caps silhouette whichever way you turn it, recognizing the styles and constructs will aid you in finding headgear that suits your style and definition.
CROWN
- 6 PANEL
Of all the variations of frames used in modern times, the most basic and classic is the structured full crown made of six panels with a tall and broad profile. The front sees two panels sewn together almost seamlessly as the top of the face of the crown curves down for a solid uniform silhouette.
- A-Frame aka 5 panel
Using 5 panels instead of the usual 6, the A-Frame most notably differs in design by having a sharp point towards the top of the front panel that’s created by being pleated.
*Side note: An A-Frame cap with a curved brim has been dubbed the D-Frame. But because the difference is in the brim, and not the crown, it can’t be pegged as its own frame.
- 5 Panel aka camp cap
The 5-Panel ballcap stands out with its distinct form, sporting a shallow form-fitting crown for a streamlined look. Frequent among skaters and alternative styles.
BRIM / VISOR
- Flat Brim
Besides the obvious, flat brims are usually hard structured to slightly resist against over-bending. The two pictures above show two flat brim caps although similar, have brims that are dissimilar. The left cap has the classic rounded brim whereas the blue cap has a squared-off brim.
- Curved Brim
The curved brim cap is probably the most worn style throughout our lives and over these past years have been nicknamed, the “Dad Hat”
- Short Brim
The short brim seems abnormal but has been around the block for a while, sported by cyclist and eccentrics alike. Sometimes you’ll spot these caps with the brims flipped up, providing new real estate for designs apart from the crown.
THE BACK
- Fitted
Even though adjustable hats have been around for centuries, it was the fitted baseball hats from the early 20th century that seeded majority of contemporary cap designs, especially in street culture and fashion. Because it’s non-adjustable (obviously), fitted caps come in various sizes from 7 – 8 (55.8cm – 63.5cm) for adults, and 6 – 6 ⅞ (48.2cm – 55cm) for the youngins’. Peep this size chart to better comprehend.
*Note that different manufacturers and brands will vary in fit and feel.
- Snapback
The iconic one size fits MOST snapback can live on with you from your adolescence to adulthood which makes it a great gift to youths growing into themselves. Though adjustable, you really want to find a snapback that fits you without having to resort to the last two snaps; different labels and manufacturers also have varying measurements.
- Strapback
There are many kinds of Strapbacks, as the back typically functions the same, it’s only limited by our creativity. Check the various styles and materials applied to adjustable straps, from buckles and clips to velcro and tiebacks.
- Flexfit
The flexfit is another one size fits most construct with its expandable headband, more popular towards people with athletic lifestyles, usually made of soft and comfortable materials that make it a casual any time and any place piece. Not the most popular on the streets however due to its lack of a solid structured crown, leaving it to deform at rest.
OTHER STYLES
- Bucket Hat
- Roll Cap
- Beret
- Fedora
The variation of caps out in the world are almost endless and can be overwhelming seeing all the combinations of crowns, brims and backs. We hope this article has helped you gain a decent surface level understanding of different headwear styles and constructs, enabling you to identify and know what you’re looking for.
