5-Panel Hats Explained: Style, Fit, and Customization Options

We have worked with dozens of styles of custom hats. Each individual who purchases a custom hat order usually has their own requirements One of the most common styles is a 6-Panel style hat. So what the heck is a 5-panel hat?

Where Did 5- Panel Hats Come From?

5-Panel hats originally started with courier boys in the early 20th century. Using less material panels makes for a much snugger fit which is easier to run around with when delivering news. For a short time they did lose some popularity, but were brought back in the later 1980’s. These hats became the classic look for the club scene. Nowadays, these hats are more common than niche, but that makes them all the better to buy and customize.

Is a 5 Panel Hat the Same as a Snapback?

A 5-Panel hat can be a snapback, but not every snapback cap is a 5-panel style hat. Snapback refers to the plastic snap clip on the back of any hat. It has nothing to do with how many panels your hat will have. You can take a look at the Richardson website to see plenty of examples of instances where these two features are married!

Front of the Hat

For one primary example, a 5-panel hat creates a sort of window of space. A regular 6-panel hat will have a line that splits the front of the hat down the middle. Some people don’t really like to have that split line, especially if you’re planning to make a hat with direct embroidery. It can create a bump on the hat if the application isn’t done right, which is a risk with some companies.

The Crown of the Hat

As we talked about earlier, there is a little less material being used on a 5-panel hat. Because of that, they are slightly snugger and have a smaller crown than a standard baseball hat. While the smaller room may not be a favorite for some, those who like a snugger fit for their activities

What is the Difference Between 5-Panel and 6-Panel Hats?

The only real difference between these two styles of hat is that one has an additional panel of fabric used to produce it. 6-Panel hats, as a result of this extra panel, have a line that runs through the front of the hats. If you’re doing something like embroidery, the panel line may create an additional bump in your design that some wearers don’t find appealing.

Why is the 5-Panel Hat Preferred Over Other Hats?

5-Panel hats are a more vintage design compared to the more standardized six panel snapbacks. Direct printing or embroidery works significantly better on a five panel hat with more open space on the front. These hats are made to go with outfits rather than stand out against them, so they’re great for fashion and function. Most of these hats are also made of comfortable materials like suede and corduroy. These materials aren’t for everyone, but for those that do love them 5-panel hats are a fantastic choice.

If you are at all curious about learning more about paneled hats, feel free to give us a call. We’re ready to break down the differences between the different panels and how they’ll change the overall look of your customization.