As demand for quality headwear continues to rise, understanding the latest trends, categories and styles is essential to meeting customer needs. From classic baseball caps and dad hats to modern snapbacks and performance-driven options, customers are seeking headwear that aligns with their personal style, functionality and even sustainability preferences. Emerging trends, such as eco-friendly materials, custom embroidery and minimalist aesthetics are shaping the market, making it crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.
The ability to showcase and discuss a wide range of styles can be a game-changer, making it easier to pinpoint what a customer is looking for and guide them to the perfect fit for their project. Whether it’s a moisture-wicking cap for athletes, a fashion-forward bucket hat or a structured flat brim for streetwear enthusiasts, having a deep understanding of fabric choices, construction and branding possibilities allows for more meaningful recommendations. By staying informed on design innovations and consumer preferences, businesses can enhance the shopping experience and build long-term customer loyalty. Let’s dive in.
Male/Female/Unisex
While most headwear styles are unisex, some are better suited for specific head sizes. Structured, high-profile hats provide an excellent fit for larger heads, while unstructured and mid-to-low-profile options offer versatility for both large and small head sizes. Small and women’s-fit styles provide the best comfort and proportion for those with smaller head sizes.
Infinity Her Collection
The baseball cap was developed originally for men, but INFINITY Her has perfected it for women. Each cap in the INFINITY Her line is engineered just for women and includes a patented Evolve concealable ponytail opening; a patented Elude makeup-resistant, wicking and breathable sweatband; a smaller, lightweight visor; the perfect size for a woman’s head; and easy, snag-free closures.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Her
Flexfit Delta Snapback with Perforation 180AP
The Flexfit Delta Snapback takes innovation further with laser-cut perforations for maximum breathability and a snapback closure for a customizable fit. Designed for sleek style and performance comfort, it features a three-layer sweatband that manages sweat while providing stain protection with Stain-Block and ActiveGuard technologies.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit
Imperial 5054T The Wrightson Two-Tone – Performance Rope Cap
The Imperial five-panel look that started it all, made with 100-percent recycled polyester performance fabric and moisture-wicking technologies and an anti-microbial sweatband, is perfect for those hot days on the course.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Performance (Athletic & Outdoors)
Performance headwear comes in various shapes, sizes and materials, varying by brand and style. Key features that define “performance” hats include moisture-wicking sweatbands, lightweight polyester fabrics and UPF sun protection. While not all performance styles include every feature, these are essential factors to consider when exploring performance options.
Dri Duck Truman Hat 3205
The 3205 is one of many outdoors-inspired styles from Dri Duck. It features the perfect blend of durability and performance due to its heavy enzyme wash and no sweat moisture-wicking sweatband—a must-have for the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Legacy: CUT Above
The Legacy Cut Above lives up to its namesake, crafted with recycled polyester, moisture-wicking technologies and a laser cut/perforated mesh back. This style is perfect for on the course, on the water, and everywhere in between. The five-panel design makes this hat a decorator’s dream, with a wide open space on the front panel for easy decoration with patches, embroidery, screen printing or heat transfer.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
THE GAME GB400 Ultralight Boonie
The GAME Ultralight Boonie is made of 100-percent Ultralight polyester with an unstructured 3.5-inch crown. It features a performance sweatband, UPF Ultra-violet protection and a toggle adjuster on self-fabric chin strap making it the ideal hat for a day on the water. It is available in 19 colors for endless customization options.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
BEST BLANKS FOR DECORATION
Decoration is paramount when recommending headwear styles, as some constructions are easier to customize than others. Five-panel hats are a top choice for hassle-free decoration, offering a wide, unobstructed front panel that accommodates various design methods without interference from a center seam.
Imperial The Dyno S1505
Part of the Lab Series by Imperial, The Dyno is an experimental new collection crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offering a range of unique trims, high-quality fabrics and innovative features that seamlessly merge style, comfort and functionality.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Otto Cap Seamless Mesh Back Trucker 1120-1
While still a six-panel, the Otto Cap Seamless Mesh Back Trucker 1120-1 front center seam is hidden on the face of the cap and only visible from the inside. This makes it a decorator’s favorite as it has a bigger, smoother surface for multiple decorating methods.
Photo courtesy of OTTO Cap
Flexfit 110 Mesh Cap
Flexfit 110 Mesh Cap combines Flexfit Tech with an adjustable snapback for a personalized fit. Designed for greater customization and superior comfort, it accommodates a wider range of sizes. Its structured hard buckram, silver undervisor and eight-row stitched visor ensure style and durability, while the breathable mesh back enhances all-day comfort.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit
Fashion
Fashion-forward styles are key when working with customers seeking something high-end and unique. Options like knits, patterned designs and streetwear styles offer a more elevated, stylish look—perfect for those wanting a trendier, dressed-up aesthetic.
Legacy: OFA Old Favorite Trucker
The best-selling OFA (Old Favorite Trucker) cap features an unstructured crown, a fully curved visor and an open-back snap closure. Designed and tailored with a classic fit. This style is perfect for men, women and children due to the unstructured construction, youth sizing,
and wide variety of color options.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Infinity Her Maya
Maya is an all-new trendy five-panel with rope design. Small fit, low profile featuring a concealed ponytail opening and makeup-resistant sweatband. The five-panel design makes this hat a decorator’s dream, with wide open space for easy decoration.
Photos courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
KNITS
Knits are a winter essential, offering warmth, versatility and easy customization with patches, especially. Available in a wide range of materials, sizes and price points, the hats are suitable for various occasions—from ski towns to city streets and everywhere in between.
Atlantis Maple Beanie
The Atlantis Maple Beanie is a knitted beanie in Polylana fiber that makes it warm, comfortable and sustainable. Finished with a fully-fashioned top and patterned with an elegant rib-knitted cuff. Perfect for cold winter days, and small enough to fit easily in a pocket when not in use.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Locale GRNDSR Grand Recycle Beanie
Add flair to any winter look with the Locale Grand Small Gauge pom-pom beanie, a fun and festive accessory. With 10 different stock pattern options, this knit offers a custom feel at wholesale pricing. Locale styles are the perfect accessory for the resort industry, built from a true passion for the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
New Technology
With technology constantly evolving, staying up to date on the latest innovations can be a powerful selling point. Advancements in materials, such as laser-cut perforated mesh and water-resistant or buoyant fabrics, enhance performance and durability. Meanwhile, construction innovations like built-in ponytail openings and makeup-resistant sweatbands add convenience and comfort. Keeping an eye on these developments ensures you’re always offering the best options.
Infinity Her GABY
Gaby is a true women’s fit performance cap. Made from performance materials with a laser cut/perforated mesh back and moisture-wicking technologies. Small fit, low profile, featuring a concealed ponytail opening and makeup-resistant sweatband, this style is perfect for everyday activewear.
Photos courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Flexfit NU Adjustable Cap 6110NU
Flexfit NU Adjustable Cap combines the original Flexfit Tech with patent-pending Tri-Layer technology. It features a 50-percent thinner front panel with stitchless seams, providing a smoother embellishment experience. ActiveGuard technology offers enhanced sweat management and stain prevention.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit
SUSTAINABLE
Sustainable headwear has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Promoting these styles meets customer demand and supports a more sustainable future—benefiting both businesses and the planet.
Atlantis Rio
The RIO beanie is constructed in a 50-percent recycled polyester and 50-percent acrylic blend with cuff and a narrow rib knit, ensuring style, versatility and a fit suitable for everyone. It also features a QR code for product traceability.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
Imperial The Hinsen Mesh Back L338M
The small-fit Performance Ponytail Cap is a classic with a twist. Made of 100-percent recycled polyester, it takes the best-selling small-fit performance, Ponytail Cap, with durable elastic cross bands in the back to comfortably allow any ponytail style to fit through, and adds a stylish mesh back look. Allowing the user to wear it high, low or somewhere in between, the Hinsen Mesh Back is one hat that will never ruin a good hair day.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
TRENDS
Trends in headwear are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the latest styles is always an advantage. Some of the hottest trends right now include two-tone designs featuring a colored brim with a natural, khaki or white crown, laser-cut perforated mesh backs, five-panel hats with rope detailing and rugged outdoor camo looks.
Valucap Five-Panel Two-Tone 8869
This Valucap classic five-panel style has been in the lineup since 1969, with this year’s including eight new, trendy two-tone color options. The natural crown two-tone look is a hit. The five-panel design is perfect for decoration with wide open space for patch application, embroidery, screen printing or heat transfer.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag
OTTO Cap 31-2 and 31-3
OTTO Cap styles 31-2 and 31-3 are your five-panel, mid-profile caps. A popular trend right now, both feature thick ropes across the front. 31-2 is your traditional superior cotton twill, while 31-3 is the beloved, fashionable corduroy.
Photos courtesy of OTTO Cap
Max Leonard is a Senior Brand Manager at Sportsman Cap & Bag, where he partners with leading headwear brands to develop impactful marketing efforts and enhance brand visibility. Throughout his tenure, he has gained hands-on experience in logistics, merchandising, and product education. Max now plays a key role in strategic marketing initiatives, delivering well-rounded campaigns that drive brand growth and success.
