What Are Fitted Hats?

No amount of style should ever sacrifice comfort and security when it comes to wearing a hat. Snapbacks are a popular choice, but they’re limited in size adjustments, resulting in an inconsistent fit.

Not to mention, those protruding straps and buckles ruin the aesthetics and can cause discomfort.

Fitted Hats

fitted hats snugly fit onto your head, similar to a glove that feels like a second skin. But what exactly are they? In this post, we’ll explain what fitted hats are and how they differ from traditional snapbacks.

So, What Are Fitted Hats?

Fitted hats are baseball caps made with six fabric panels sewn together, forming a round crown topped with a button. Unlike traditional hats, these hats are sized specifically to the wearer’s head, ensuring a perfect fit without adjustable snaps or straps.

What Is the Purpose of Fitted Hats?

The main point of fitted hats is to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the wearer. Similarly, fitted hats are made to your specific head size and shape. For example, THE/STUDIO allows you to customize just about every aspect of the hat, like the:

• Base Material: Choose from a variety of high-quality materials like poly twill, cotton, wool, and faux leather. Each material offers different benefits in terms of breathability, durability, and texture.
• Profile Shape: Select the overall shape and height of your hat’s crown. Whether you prefer a high, mid, or low profile, you can design a hat that suits your style and comfort preferences.
• Bill Shape: Decide between a flat or curved brim. A flat brim gives a modern, stylish look, while a curved brim offers better sun protection by angling downward to reduce glare. For more on sun safety, check out this CDC resource.
• Closure: Though fitted hats typically don't have adjustable closures, if you opt for a style that incorporates them, you can choose from various types like snapbacks, straps, or elastic bands for a hybrid design.
• Embellishments: Add unique features such as embroidery, patches, or custom logos. These embellishments allow you to make a statement and showcase your brand or personal style.
• Design: Customize the overall design, including colors, patterns, and additional details. This allows your hat to truly reflect your unique aesthetic and brand identity.
• Size: Get a precise fit by selecting from a wide range of sizes. Unlike one-size-fits-all hats, fitted caps are made to match specific head measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.

They are also made with higher quality materials like poly twill, cotton, wool, and faux leather, unlike snapbacks which use polyester. Cotton is a natural textile with better breathability, softness, sustainability, and moisture absorption than polyester products. For avid hat wearers, these high-value hats ensure you get the precise fit you desire.

Differences Between Fitted Hats and Snapbacks

The main difference between fitted hats and snapbacks lies in how they fit your head. Fitted hats are designed to fit snugly on your head without adjustability.

Snapbacks feature an adjustable closure at the back of the cap. Most snapbacks have plastic snaps allowing you to make adjustments. While snapbacks offer adjustments, fitted hats provide a more customized and precise fitting. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to find a snapback that fits their head comfortably. For example, people with large head sizes, higher foreheads, or pronounced crowns may struggle to wear traditional snapbacks.

Fitted hats are typically made of thicker materials like wool or cotton, while snapbacks include lighter materials like mesh or nylon. Also, fitted hats can have both a flat or curved brim, while snapbacks only use a flat brim. Curved-brim hats angle downward, which can shield more direct sunlight and reduce glare for sun safety.

When Should You Choose a Fitted Hat Over a Snapback?

When choosing a hat, there are many factors to consider. Fitted hats provide distinct advantages over snapbacks, like better fit, cleaner aesthetics, and more opportunities for customization — to name a few.

• People Who Want to Decorate the Back Panel of the Hat: Fitted hats don’t have the typical snap closure like snapbacks. The lack of adjustable closures means there aren’t any limitations when designing the back panel. This offers more space for adding designs, patches, and embroidery. You have complete freedom to fully customize the space to reflect your style.
• Cleaner Look: Straps can create a cluttered appearance. Fortunately, fitted hats have a sleeker and more streamlined design due to the absence of adjustable straps. This favors those who like a more minimalistic style.
• Closer Fit: Without the straps or buckles, there won’t be anything pressing onto your head. Instead, there’s a smooth fabric, creating a closer and more comfortable fit. You also won’t have to worry about it being too tight or slipping around your head since it’s tailored to your size. The adjustable snaps from snapbacks can cause hair to get caught, while wearing the hat backward can make plastic pieces dig into the forehead.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Are Fitted Hats Called Fitted Hats? Fitted hats are called “fitted” because they’re designed to fit the wearer’s head snugly without adjustable snaps or straps. That means these hats are sized specifically to the wearer’s head, ensuring a natural fit. This modern-day baseball cap comes in 20 sizes to fit nearly any head shape or size.
• Should a Fitted Hat Be Tight or Loose? A fitted hat should fit snugly rather than being tight or loose. When in doubt, try placing two fingers between your head and the hat. If you can do so comfortably, the fitted hat is the right size.
• Are Fitted Caps More Expensive? Yes, fitted caps are generally more expensive than standard baseball caps. That’s because they aren’t made from regular polyester material. Instead, they’re made from higher-quality materials such as corduroy or fleece. These hats also require more precise sizing to fit the wearer’s head.

Final Thoughts

Getting your headwear right is a must, especially for avid hat collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Fitted hats offer a precise and snug fit that ensures style and comfort. With their clean appearance, fitted hats provide a canvas for personal expression, allowing you to add designs of your choosing.

If you’re looking for a stylish custom-fitted hat, check out THE/STUDIO today! We offer endless possibilities to customize your fitted hats, including the material, embellishments, profile shape, and more!