We’ll cut straight to the chase, you might be shopping around for custom headwear but where do you start? When I first started proofing and creating hats, I asked myself “how complex can it be?” Expecting the response to be simple and straightforward was not the answer I received.
How can something so seemingly simple be so in-depth? Well the short answer for that is the industry is always changing and adapting to new and unique styles or trends. (Plus, manufacturing in its entirety is quite a process logistically let).
I hope I didn’t scare you away because throughout this article, we will share some industry insight that we have gained over years and years of research and hands on work with thousands of customers.
By the end of this article you will have crammed in years and years of our own trial and error, brand research and product knowledge into your repertoire; better allowing you to have a better grasp of key elements used during, before and after the custom hat making process.
Put your Thinkin’ Caps on (sorry for the bad joke), as we dive into a carefully chosen list of things to consider when creating custom hats.
There are endless reasons someone may want to create custom hats whether you own a business, promoting an event, want to display your artistic side or something as simple as trying something new. (Side project if you will).
I am sure you already know which category you fall into, but at the end of the day how are using these? Many people use hats as a marketing technique for their brand or business; breaking into apparel as a new venture has yielded great results not just in dollars, but more importantly your reach.
Everyone that has been faithful to your brand will now essentially be a “walking billboard” for your business. (Talk about free marketing). Every day we see more and more businesses no matter the focus hopping into the ring to take on custom hats. And almost always they win, with Delusion MFG of course!
Whether you are using these for employees or retail sales, to give to family or friends, or to garnish an event with some added flavor; understanding your audience or consumer is key.
Your audience will guide you in more ways than you know. The customer base that you have worked so hard to build has given them a voice in helping you grow and expand. (Especially in the market of custom headwear or clothing).
I know I touched a little on this before but, observation and communication are key. The success of a brand is directly related to its care and attention to those involved on the business level and customer level. These two lines overlap. It is never a bad idea to listen to ideas, share ideas, and collaborate with customers.
Representing the style of your brand, influences and demographics of your company will help you have a better grasp on where to start and what style(s) to move forward with; at the end of the day, I don’t want to sound repetitive but the custom is always right. Once we have an idea of what direction to go we can really consider moving forward to getting some amazing custom hats created!
Hats have been around forever, we have seen new styles and trends come and go and come back. We must remember that everything is popular at least two times (check the facts) that is why we may feel nostalgic when we see our favorite television show becoming a new movie; it’s like that.
Again, this task has a lot to do with your brand and your customer. This will help influence which route to go when choosing a hat style to apply your branding to (we’ll get to that later).
Here are some of the hottest styles for creating custom hats right now:
All these hats have unique construction in order to fit different customer preferences. Whether you are following trends or following what you think is best for your brand; there are tons of options.
At Delusion MFG we can create custom hats down to the type of fabric you want, style, paneling, embellishments and more just reach out to us.
Don’t be afraid, too much is always better than limited, you can even do something totally new. The best part about custom hats are that there’s two things that all these styles have in common: they go on your head and they all offer branding / customization.
Each style has many options regarding fabric availability, even our custom beanies! The type of fabric can lend towards the functionality of your custom hats or a look you had in mind.
Hat materials are so important to not only the look and style, but the environment in which these will be worn. Each type of fabric has its advantages and disadvantages.
Do not be afraid to ask or do your homework. Even go to your local clothing retailer and feel the fabrics yourself. There is nothing you should be afraid of or avoid doing in your journey to creating the best possible headwear product.
Here are some of the most used fabrics on custom hats (aside from beanies):
Beanie Fabrics:
While these are only a few fabrics available, we see these used the most but again there are so many references out there or you may have a hat you have that you would like to replicate fabric wise. Being as transparent as possible (I think we can even make transparent fabric, go figure) with your thoughts goes a long way when contributing to the overall finished product!
Yes. We have the capability of creating custom hats with all these fabrics mentioned.
Colors are so important in designing a custom hat. From the artwork down to the base of the hat fabric to even the stitching. Don’t be overwhelmed that there are literally millions of color shades to choose from! Sorry to scare you but it is the truth! Most designers and manufacturers use Solid Coated Pantone Color Codes (Pantone C) to help match the best colors to the ones you intended.
To avoid any issues, using this guideline from the beginning would be very helpful! Colors invoke moods and emotions, so when choosing colors that best relate to your brand and the headwear fabric, it is important to gain a feel of the mood that this style is portraying.
There are some important questions you can ask yourself when choosing colors. How does this make me feel? How does this make me look? Does this portray the trend or style that I am going for? Would people be drawn to this? These questions relate to every element of the hat. Should you stick to a neutral or vibrant base? These should be considered when drafting ideas.
When designing artwork for custom hats, it is important to focus on the essentials. As we look at successful brands and companies, they all have one thing in common: a simple yet distinguishable logo or text.
Brands are noticed by their logo. If I showed you distinguishable icons used by major companies, you would be able to identify then right away. This is important when considering how you want to follow this trend yet separate yourself from others.
Simplicity is not simple.
Some may believe that going over the top is the best idea, sometimes this is correct. Most of the time, we identify key ideas and stances based on text or a simple icon.
It is ideal to tie in the nature of your company or brand into your artwork as this will allow for easy recognition. For example, if you own a coffee company, you would want your artwork to somehow visually show this in one shape or form.
When creating artwork, it is important to visualize your brand as a whole, and narrow that down into a creative outlet. You may ask, how can I incorporate so many ideas into one thing? This is not the easiest of tasks but achievable.
Whether you are designing the artwork yourself, using previous graphics or going through someone else; there are main elements to remember when presenting the artwork to us or another supplier.
1) The best branding result for custom hats is always gained from sending Adobe Illustrator or .EPS Files. These translate best when transferring the digital file to something that can be used in a physical manner.
2) If your logo or artwork has colors, don’t forget to let us know. As I had mentioned previously, we use Solid Coated Pantone Color Codes to match digital colors to physical colors. Sending this information over not only will help us better outline these aspects in the proof but result in a better finished product!
But wait, you don’t have the filetype necessary? We have you covered! We can recreate your artwork in the correct format to result in the best outcome with a simple Artwork Fee.
Most of our Branding Options are limited to 8 Colors (as this is an Industry Standard), but there are ways to get around this; as this also sometimes helps make a design more concise.
We are on a roll now and are getting towards the finish line but do not underestimate the power of branding and the types of ways you can display your artwork to best represent your brand.
Here are some of the types of branding options that are popular at the moment for custom hats:
While these are just a few options, you can really get creative with this aspect. Screenprinting, wooden engraved patches, rubber patches, and many more options are out there. We are your one stop shop!
So you have your focal point, but wait you get a free gift with your order! A secondary branding option, aren’t we just the best? With every custom order, a secondary branding area is included to really round out your hats.
Some of these options include but are not limited to:
We found it very important to include this as an option for our Custom Orders as it really puts the cherry on top (of your head) so to speak and adds a sense of legitimacy.
Although it would be more cut and dry to give a measurement to follow, many people like to use variations from large to small depending on the overall desired look or feel of the hat. Branding options also have a lot to do with this (whether or not there is blank space within this branding).
As we have developed standards based on the measurements of a specific panel on all of our hat styles and would be more than happy to make a recommendation; at the end of the day the best way to approach this is grab a ruler or measuring tape and be hands on.
We offer a variety of different closure styles for hats, not beanies unfortunately unless you have a brand new concept for a beanie with a snapback, you never know!
Here are some current closures we offer:
These are not limited to our capabilities, always remember to ask. We will always investigate it for you!
Looks like we are all done, but you may want more customization. Another branding area, custom screenprinted or sublimination print fabric, fabric color changes; we can handle that.
Are You Ready for Production? I know we are excited to work with you.
We find that as our recommendations are mostly taken and loved, people have different ideas and routes they want to go. So even providing a particular width or height would suffice as we can make sure that the artwork / branding is sized proportionately with even one of those measurements.
When working with graphic designers, fabric companies, and hat manufacturers; it is important to listen to their feedback and suggestions. Ask them questions, that’s what they’re there for. (It’s what we’re here for).
The knowledge that is gained over the years from reputable custom hat manufacturers is key not only to your success but their success as well. If someone is unwilling to listen to questions or concerns, it would be in your best interest to look elsewhere. It is important to find a manufacturer that will pay endless attention to detail and steer you in the right direction.
True professionals will not suggest certain things that would be counterproductive. Do your research when finding a custom hat manufacturer, this is VERY important. As there are many to choose from, it is key to find one with a proven track record of success from both the customer service / artwork side, to the actual manufacturing side.
Many manufacturers are happy to send samples to help you see their work up close. Having a great experience with a company who is helping make your hats as well as going above and beyond are the types of things you want to see. You are trusting someone to deliver on your vision.
Because we have seen the results firsthand. We have been involved in the custom apparel industry since 2008, with previous experience in the brand apparel sector and hospitality industry. That’s almost 10 years of experience!
ALSO CHECK OUT:
We have seen how not only society and technology has continued to change but the growth of the small business model. Delusion MFG can proudly say that we continue to team up with businesses (from big to small) around the world! We gladly lend our hand in helping businesses grow and succeed on the custom apparel spectrum.
Looking to make a statement about your brand with custom apparel? What about a prime way to get your logo out there while combining functionality with style? Custom hats are the way to go—they’re flexible, fun, and fashionable, and, as it turns out, easy to order and get sent right to your door.
New to ordering swag and not sure how to get started with custom hats? We’ve narrowed the process down to four easy steps.
The first thing you must do when ordering promotional hats is determine what type of hat is right for your needs. There are four types of hats that work well as branded headwear:
Baseball caps
Beanies
Visors
and
Bucket Hats
So how do you know which to go with? Consider the environment in which you expect them to be worn. Cold weather? Go with the choice that will keep your recipients’ heads warm—a beanie. Need a type that’s suited for wear during sports and other athletic activities? Go with a baseball cap or a visor. And, if you’re looking for a branded hat to be worn as a casual accessory, choose a highly-customizable trucker hat.
Here are some more details on each style to help guide your decision:
There are a lot of options to choose from when looking for a promotional baseball cap. Do want more of a fashion or casual cap, something that people will were in everyday life? Or are you looking for a cap to wear to the gym or other exercise activities? Or maybe a hat for your employees to wear while working or out in the field? Here are a few different styles of baseball caps to choose from:
– Dad Hats – A dad hat is usually an unstructured baseball hat with six-panels and an adjustable snapback hat closure. One of our best sellers is our Cotton Dad Hat, it is made of a soft, washed cotton twill, comes in a variety of colors. It can be customized with your logo via embroidery or screen printing on the front, back or sides. This twill cap is a great option for an everyday hat and it is not just for dads.
– Performance and Flexfit – If you are looking for a cap that is good for the gym or other physical activities, you’ll want to look for a Performance sports hat. These hats are usually polyester or a poly-blend and help with moisture wicking and are more breathable than other hats. The closures tend to be flexfit (elastic) or Velcro adjustable straps. Our most popular option is this FlexFit Pro-formacne hat. But we have many options including this Nike Dri-fit or the Adidas Performance Relaxed Cap.
– Fashion Caps – Baseball caps can be their own fashion statement. So you will want to consider your audience when choosing a hat. Some people may prefer a flat bill hat, like our 6-panel snapback. Or others may prefer a more low profile cap like our New Era Adjustable.
– Trucker Hats – Instead of being made of one fabric like a typical baseball cap, the front section of a trucker cap above the bill is usually a polyester or cotton or traditionally foam and the back half is a mesh for breathability. The front of the hat is usually structured and stands up stiffer than an unstuctured hat like the dad hat, this makes the custom trucker hat taller than most baseball caps and a great place to advertise your brand. These hats were traditionally worn by truckers (hence the name), farmers and other rural workers, but became more popular with younger and urban groups.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a custom baseball cap is what would the people you are choosing it for actually like to wear. Are they a younger demographic? Are they active? Do they like bright colors or something more subtle or muted. If you have a mixed audience, maybe mix and match a few styles. Luckily, unlike other apparel, most baseball caps are considered unisex, so they are great options to giveaway to everyone.
When choosing a beanie or knit cap there are different things to consider than baseball caps. Here are a few questions you will want to answer.
-If you want a beanie that fully customized to your brand, you will want to go with our Fully Custom Beanie, which can be created especially for you, incorporating your own specific brand colors and design, a custom pom–pom. This option is a great gift for your team members or a giveaway. Note that this since this is a fully custom item, the turnaround time might be longer, so you should give yourself at least 30-40 business days for production. If you need it quicker, the stripe pom pom beanie is a great and fun option.
– If you are looking for something that is standard, comes in a lot of fun colors and appeals to everyone, we recommend the more basic Knit Beanie or if you want something 100% cotton, our cotton beanie is the way to go. Or if you are looking for an eco-friendly option, this econscious beanie, made from recycled cotton is the perfect choice.
– If you want something more fashion-forward, we have a lot of great premium options. This TOPO Ragga cap is heavy-duty, sturdy and warm and made in the USA or the TOPO Watch cap is a classic. We also have some great beanie options from Roots73. Including the U-Fenelon Beanie which is a double-layered knit and soft inner lining. Or their Peaceriver Toque, which has a unique, stylish fit and is sure to stand out from the standard beanie.
While the most standard options for promotional hats are baseball caps and beanies there a lot of other options. For summer events, things like visors or bucket hats can be fun options for brim hats that keep the sun out of your eyes. Or if you are having a golf outing or tournament, certain caps or visors are good options. Particular brands like Under Armour, Nike or Adidas are also popular options in these occasions.
Now that you’re familiar with the types of custom hats available and have chosen the one that’s best suited for your recipients, it’s time to design the hat.
The design you select will depend heavily on which item you select. If you’re looking for something you can really make your own, our Fully Custom Beanie, which allows you to print up to eight colors, is the clear winner. If you’re wanting something that’s on-trend but comes in a range of colors on which you can have your design either printed or embroidered, our 6-panel Snapback fits the bill (pun absolutely intended).
Before you fully commit to a style of hat, check what colors it’s available in and make sure there’s a selection that you like and that matches the design you’re going to upload so that the colors don’t clash with one another. Don’t worry—you can easily preview your design as it looks situated on the hat so that you know whether or not the colors are complementary.
Once you’ve settled on a type of hat and chosen the design or logo you’re going to have printed, it’s time to upload the design and place your order for the hats. Depending on the type of hat you select, you could have the options to upload a front and back design, so if that’s the case, know what you’d like to have in both locations. And for best results when uploading designs, use an EPS file.
Once your file is uploaded, situate it on the hat in the way that you’d like it to be printed or embroidered. Don’t worry if it doesn’t feel exactly right; all design mock-ups are reviewed by humans to make sure things are centered neatly and error-free. Choose the quantity you’d like to receive, and click add to cart, and proceed to check out to order your branded hats.
If you are choosing something specific or fully custom, reach out and we can help you with specs or provide a design template.
Now that you’ve selected your type of branded hat, uploaded your design, and placed your order, it’s time for our work to begin. We print or embroider your high-quality design on the hats you chose and then neatly package them to be shipped directly to you. Or, if you prefer, we can store them in our Swag Inventory so that we’re responsible for inventory storage and distribution. This way, you can sit back, relax, and let us hold on to your swag while you tell us when to send out your promotional hats and where to ship them to, including one-offs to individuals or as part of a swag giveaway.
Now that you’re familiar with the process of ordering promotional headwear and custom hats, what will you design? A hat can be more than just a fun fashion accessory—with the right design, it becomes a statement piece that reflects your brand and style. Check out Swag.com’s assortment of customizable hats, beanies, and other headwear and get started designing your statement today.
Custom hats are also a great addition to a custom tote swag bag or swag box. Or pair them up with some custom t-shirts, branded sweatshirts or hoodies or other promotional giveaways to make a lasting impression for your brand.