The baseball cap is a general term. Depending on variations in the front flap, lining, and visor, the cap may have different names. Today, we’ll learn about them comprehensively and systematically.
Five-Panel vs Six-Panel
Five-panel cap
The crown of a baseball cap is usually made up of five or six panels, and that is why baseball caps are also referred to as five-panel or six-panel caps. The front panel of a five-panel cap is a single piece, with an opening from the top to about one-third of the way down (see image below). Such a design allows the front panel to lie flat, making it easier for embroidery and printing workers to work. It also ensures better quality control.
A classic five-panel hat features a foam visor and front panel, while the back four panels are made of stiff mesh. It’s also called a Farmer hat with a form-mesh visorand it is also commonly known as a Trucker Hat, as shown in the image below.
The five-panel foam cap features an additional decorative strip at the seam between the visor and the crown, as shown in the image below.
six-panel cap
A six-panel cap consists of the left and right front panels sewn together (as shown in the picture). The differences between the two are minor and unrelated to quality; it’s a matter of personal preference. (Of course, most consumers or hat sellers don’t need to go into such detail; just knowing that these two types exist is OK.)
Structured vs Unstructured (No Lining)
Structured (hard crown):
Some baseball caps or flat-brim caps have a lining attached to the front panel. Lining is a type of fabric used in composite fabrics, such as suits or shirts, where lining is used at the collar and cuffs. Hats also use it, most commonly as a interfacing for the front panel. Different fabrics are paired with linings of varying softness and stiffness. Hats with stiff linings are also known online as “structured,” a very descriptive and common term.
Unstructured (Soft Crown):
A washed baseball cap where the front panel is either unlined (no interfacing) or has a draped lining.This type is commonly referred to by consumers as a soft crown, which is a correct and widely accepted term. The cap fits snugly against the head, providing a good wrap. Soft-top baseball caps (relxed caps) also have another interesting name: dad cap. This type of cap is versatile and often paired with hoodies and jeans. You don’t need to worry about your face shape;this cap style suits almost everyone.
Truck Cap
It’s a style of baseball cap, mostly made with a structured front panel. The back four flaps must be made of stiff mesh. This distinctive construction defines the trucker cap style.
Curved Brim vs Flat Brim
Baseball caps have a plastic PE sheet inside the visor, and they come in two types: curved and flat. These are two completely different cap shapes or styles. You could think of them as different schools of thought in the world of caps.
Compared to the five-panel and six-panel crowns, the front panel shows relatively minor changes. However, the curvature of the visor drastically alters the caps’ shape. Therefore, curved and flat visors can be classified as two distinct types of hats. Furthermore, the visor and flat visor differ not only in curvature but also in shape, with some being more rounded and others more square.
Flat-brimmed baseball caps are characterized by their completely flat shape (as shown in the picture). These caps are very stylish, making you look like you’re wearing a suit, enhancing your overall look through the hat and the cap itself. They are typically made of medium or medium-weight fabric with a stiff front lining, resulting in a less-than-ideal fit. New Era is the world’s leading manufacturer of flat-brimmed caps, unmatched in this field. A leader and benchmark in the industry!
In the United States, most people choose closed-back flat-brim caps,, also known as fitted caps. Since each cap comes in a size, sizes typically range from 55cm to 65cm. This is why New Era places the size label in the center of the visor for easy selection. First, find your size, then try it on to check the fit.
Flat-brimmed snapbacks also have adjustable back buckles, which must be made of plastic.
A curved-brim baseball cap is what we commonly refer to as a baseball cap. Some people call baseball caps “duckbill cap”, but this is a misconception. A duckbill cap is a different style, you can see the image below for an example of a duckbill cap.
Final Words
Baseball caps are mostly one-size-fits-all, with various buckle designs at the back. They generally fit sizes 56-59cm. The fit is slightly less comfortable for 56cm/59cm individuals, while 57cm/58cm offers the best fit. Baseball caps come in five-panel and six-panel versions, as well as soft and hard tops. That’s all for the introduction at the beginning of the article. Hope you like it!