Hat Vs. Cap: What Is The Difference Between Them?
What is a hat?
In general, a hat is a type of head covering, typically designed with a rounded crown and a brim, which can be small or wide depending on the type of hat.
A hat can be used for anything from sun protection, ceremonial purposes, baseball games, safety, or to be worn as a fashion statement as an accessory to an outfit.
The main parts of a hat are the crown and brim.
Before we kmove on let me quickly define what exactly a crown and brim is.
Crown
The crown of a hat is the top part that covers the head, it’s typically rounded in shape but that can vary based on the style.
Brim
The brim of a hat is the projecting edge around the bottom of the hat’s crown that provides shade and protection. Again, the definition of a brim can be slightly different depending on the style (or cap).
Ok now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s move on to some of the most popular types of hats!
The key differences between hats vs caps
Brim and Crown
The main difference in hats vs caps comes down to the brim and crown.
Hats usually have a well-shaped top part (the crown) and a rim all the way around.
Caps, however, are usually more flexible, with a softer top part and a firm rim (or visor) just at the front.
Material
Hats can be made from a variety of materials, including felt, straw, and even hard materials for safety hats.
Caps, on the other hand, are generally made from panels of cotton, synthetic materials, or a combination of the two.
Purpose
While both can be used for sun protection or as a fashion accessory, caps are often associated with sports or casual wear, and hats are worn for both casual and formal occasions.
Adjustability
Many caps, particularly baseball caps and trucker caps, come with an adjustable strap for a perfect fit, while most hats are sold in various sizes.
Panels
Caps are usually made from a number of panels or pieces of fabric sewn together, often five or six panels. This design is typically absent in traditional hats.
Top of the headwear
Many caps feature a fabric-covered button at the top where the panels meet. Hats, on the other hand, usually have a seamless top or a distinct tip in case of conical designs like the top hat.
Logo or Branding
It is more common to see caps, especially baseball and trucker caps, feature a team logo or other branding on the front panel. Hats rarely have visible logos or branding unless it’s a part of the design.
Types of Hats
Fedora Hats
Originally popular in the 1920s, these hats are known for their soft brim and indented, rounded crown.
Fedoras have made a major comeback and are often seen as a contemporary fashion statement in various sizes, fitting different head shapes and complementing various styles.
Panama Hats
These hats are light, breathable and perfect for summer. The Panama hat is woven from straw and is ideal for sun protection especially on super warm days.
Top Hats
Top hats are the epitome of formal elegance that we all know and recognize. They feature a tall, cylindrical crown and a small brim.
While they might not be as common today, they’re still a popular choice for very formal occasions.
Bowler Hats
Also known as the derby hat, the bowler hat has a rounded crown and small brim.
This hard felt hat was popular among British working-class men in the 19th century.
Cowboy Hats
The symbol of the American West!
The cowboy hat features a high, rounded crown and wide brim for maximum sun protection.
They’re traditionally made of felt, but today you can find them made from a variety of materials. They were initially worn by, you guessed it, cowboys.
Bucket Hats
This casual and versatile hat has a downward-sloping brim similar to a bucket’s shape.
These hats were very popular in the 80s and 90s, and have recently made a comeback.
Hard Hats
These hats are an example of hats used for safety purposes are used primarily in industrial and construction settings.
They are usually made of hard, durable materials to protect a worker’s head from injuries.
Straw Hats
A straw hat is a wide-brimmed hat made from different varieties of straw, perfect for heading to the beach, a summer picnic, or even yardwork!
They provide excellent sun protection (both on the face and the back of the neck) while also adding a touch of style to your outfit.
What is a cap?
A cap most often has a rounded crown and a stiff, front panel. They typically have a visor or a brim at the front to shield the wearer’s eyes from the sun.
Many caps also come with an adjustable strap at the back for a better fit. Like hats, there are many different types of caps with different features and purposes.
Types of Caps
Just a quick disclaimer. While some of these caps are most commonly known as “hats” by definition, they are in fact caps!
Baseball Hat (Cap)
Undeniably the most popular type, a fitted baseball cap comes in various designs and sizes.
They were first introduced by the Brooklyn Excelsiors, a baseball team in 1860, and worn by baseball players – hence the name.
Dad Hat (Cap)
A subcategory of baseball caps, dad hats have a slightly curved brim and an unstructured crown, giving them a more relaxed fit.
Trucker Cap
Trucker hats or caps are also similar to the classic baseball cap.
It has a slightly curved brim, an adjustable plastic strap at the back of the caps, but most often has a foam front panel and plastic mesh panels on the back of the hat for ventilation.
These caps also typically have a team or company logo or some sort of design on the front panel. Over the last couple of years they have become a pretty popular fashion accessory.
Flat Caps
Also known as an ascot cap, cabbie cap, or even a “Peaky Blinders” cap, the flat cap has a small brim and a rounded, unshaped crown.
This style goes all the way back to 14th-century England and is associated with both working-class and upper-class fashion.
5-Panel Caps
This cap style is a favorite among streetwear and skate brands.
It’s constructed from five panels instead of the usual six seen in baseball caps. They also have a flat brim and a fabric-covered button at the top of the cap.
Fitted Baseball Caps
This variant of the traditional baseball cap comes in various sizes to fit different head shapes precisely.
The difference is, they do not have any type of closure, unlike adjustable baseball caps, which have an elastic band or a plastic strap.
Bucket Caps
A casual twist on the formal bucket hat, a bucket cap is a brimless head covering that became popular in the hip-hop scene of the ’80s and ’90s.
FAQS
Is a cap a hat?
Now for the big question, “Is a cap a hat?”
In the broadest sense, technically a cap falls under the category of hats.
The term “hat” is all-encompassing, referring to any type of head covering, which would certainly include caps.
This is because both hats and caps serve the same basic purpose – they cover the head, right?
However, if we’re talking about fashion and style, there’s a clear distinction between hats and caps.
Typically, when we refer to “hats”, we’re talking about head coverings with a brim that goes all the way around, like fedoras, panama hats, and top hats.
Whereas, “caps” are head coverings with a brim only at the front, like baseball caps, trucker caps, and flat caps – even though as we know with these are often referred to and marketed as “hats.”
To sum it up, while a cap can definitely be considered a type of hat, the terms can not completely be used interchangeably due to the differences in design, structure, and purposes.
Are all hats and caps unisex?
While most designs are unisex, there may be specific styles tailored to men or women.
Can hats and caps be used in all seasons?
Absolutely!
From warm, woolen hats (or beanies) perfect for winter seasons to breathable baseball caps for summer, there are definitely different caps and hats appropriate for every season.
Is there a rule for when to wear a hat vs a cap?
Not really.
It’s all about personal preference and the occasion. For formal events, a hat like a fedora or bowler might be appropriate, while a baseball cap or dad cap is great for casual outings or sports.
What’s the most popular type of hat and cap?
The baseball cap is undoubtedly the most popular cap, while the fedora is arguably one of the most recognized hat styles.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you gravitate towards the elegance or sophistication that certain hats might offer you or the practicality and ease of caps, your choice of headwear is ultimately a reflection of your personal style and preference, as well as what purpose it serves.
