What Are the Different Parts of a Baseball Cap Called?

Baseball caps are one of the most discussed and widespread hats. A baseball cap is, in many ways, a gadget — it’s for baseball players and enthusiasts during the game, and it’s a stylish accessory. Sometimes, they are quite simple, but baseball caps consist of several components that have their functions.

Here is a dissection of a baseball cap; this way, you will be able to know how it is created.

Parts of a Baseball Cap

Here are the Parts of a Baseball Cap that Play Their Own Role:  

1. Crown

The crown is the biggest and most visible part of the baseball cap. It’s the main body of the cap that covers the head, made up of fabric panels sewn together.

The number of panels can vary, but most traditional baseball caps have 6 panels, each contributing to the cap’s round shape.

Function

The crown covers and protects the head from the sun, wind, and rain. It also provides a surface for design elements like logos, embroidery, or patches. The material used for the crown can be cotton, polyester, or wool, depending on the purpose of the cap. 

Some crowns are structured, providing a stiff shape, while others are unstructured, providing a more relaxed fit.

Structured vs Unstructured Crowns

• Structured Crowns: These caps have a layer of buckram (a stiffening fabric) inside the front panels, giving the cap a stiff shape.
• Unstructured Crowns: These crowns don’t have the internal stiffening fabric, so the cap is softer and more flexible. They look “floppy” and mold to the head more comfortably.

2. Panels

As mentioned above, the crown is made up of multiple panels. A standard baseball cap has 6 panels but can have 5 or more. The panels are usually triangular in shape and meet at the top of the cap.

Function

The panels create the dome shape of the crown, and the number of panels can affect the cap’s fit and style. The fewer the panels, the bigger each panel will be, which can create a unique look. More panels can result in a more rounded, fitted shape. 

Each panel contributes to the ventilation of the cap, especially when mesh or perforated fabric is used.

Panel Construction

• Standard Panels: Made of the same material as the rest of the crown, these panels are solid and have minimal airflow.
• Mesh Panels: Often seen in trucker caps, mesh panels provide breathability and are perfect for hot weather.

3. Visor/Brim/Bill

The visor is also known as the brim or bill. This is the flat or slightly curved part of the cap that sticks out from the front of the crown. It gives shade and protection to the eyes and faces from the sun.

Purpose

The main purpose of the visor is to block the sun; it is popular for outdoor activities like sports, hiking, or fishing. It can also be used to keep rain off your face.

The visor is usually made from a stiff material like plastic or cardboard, covered with fabric for durability and looks.

Types of Visors

• Curved Visor: The traditional baseball cap visor is slightly curved to give shade to the eyes.
• Flat Visor: Flat-brimmed caps are a popular style, especially in urban fashion, and give a different look.
• Pre-Curved vs. Adjustable: Some visors come pre-curved from the manufacturer, and others can be bent to your preference.

4. Button (Top Button)

At the top of the baseball cap is a small button, sometimes called the “squatchee”. This button is covered with fabric and is where all the panels meet.

Function

The button is purely decorative; it doesn’t serve any structural purpose. But it does hide the seam where all the panels meet, giving the cap a clean and finished look.

Customization

Some caps have removable or customizable buttons, so you can put your own design or logo on this often-neglected part of the cap.

5. Sweatband

The sweatband is the inner band at the bottom of the crown that sits against your forehead when you wear it. It’s usually made of soft and absorbent material.

Function

The sweatband serves several purposes, the most important of which is to absorb sweat so it doesn’t drip into your eyes or onto the cap itself.

It also provides comfort by providing a cushioned fit. Some sweatbands are designed with moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and cool in hot or humid conditions.

Material

Sweatbands are usually produced from cotton, terry cloth, or modern moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester blends. Sweatbands in caps for regular usage are generally more sophisticated, with antimicrobial and quick-drying features.

6. Eyelets

Eyelets refer to small holes found in a crown with the use of metal or stitch-in panel points at the top. Typical baseball caps have six eyelets, with one placed in each of the panels.

Function

The main function of Eyelets is Ventilation. This is because, by creating a space in the caps where air flows, they help to lower temperatures. Some caps, particularly athletic or warm climate caps, have eyelets with mesh or other open construction to enhance breathability.

Eyelet Types

• Embroidered Eyelets: These eyelets are stitched and look more stylish and seamless.
• Metal Eyelets: These eyelets have metal rings to reinforce the holes, found in premium or durable caps.

7. Closure Types

The rear portion of the baseball cap has a fastener to make the cap stretch out and fit different head sizes. There are a number of closures, and they also influence the design and use of the cap that is put in place.

Snapback

One of the most frequently used types of closures is the snapback. They use plastic straps with multiple holes that can be easily fastened to create a suitable circumference.

Snapback caps have a fitting capability to meet the head size of the wearer and are related to urban wear.

Strapback

Strapback caps have a fabric strap at the nape of the head and have adjustment methods like buckle, velcro, or slide. These closures have a more ‘traditional’ or ‘polished’ appeal and may be constructed from leather, cotton, or nylon.

Fitted

A fitted cap does not have a size closure and can only be worn in a particular size. This is due to the fact that the fit depends on the head circumference of the person wearing the hat. Fitted caps appear smooth and unbroken, and the wearer needs to understand the actual measurements of the hat.

Velcro

Casual caps often come with Velcro closures and are convenient as they can easily be readjusted. It is not as common in high-fashion caps, but it is used for such a purpose because it is convenient.

8. Undervisor

This can also be described as the area immediately below the actual visor or under the visor. This is of a different material or shade from the rest of the visor material and is commonly referred to as the ‘goalkeeper’s widow.’

However, it should be stated that sometimes the undervisor can have patterns or designs for aesthetic and stylistic purposes.

Function

The primary use of the undervisor is to help solve the problem of glaze. Indeed, the color black used in the undervisor plays a great role in the reduction of reflection of the sunlight. This makes it easier for athletes or anyone involved in an outdoor activity to have clear vision.

Customization

Nowadays, the under visor is a customization area. Designers use this space for special patterns, logos, or messages to make each cap different.

9. Front Panel Buckram

Inside the front panels of a structured baseball cap, there is buckram, a stiff material that helps keep the crown in shape. This is most common in “snapback” or “trucker” style caps.

Buckram reinforces the front panels so they can stand up and gives the cap a more defined look. Good for caps with logos or designs on the front, as it provides a solid background for embroidery or printing.

10. Brim Stiffener

Inside the visor or brim of the cap is a stiffener made from plastic, cardboard, or another rigid material. This gives the visor its shape and keeps it flat or curved according to the design.

The brim stiffener keeps the visor’s shape for durability and prevents the brim from sagging or warping over time.

11. Labels and Tags

There is usually labeling of branding, size, and care instructions on the peak of baseball caps that are concealed when worn. They are most commonly embroidered on the sweatband or sown on the inner seams of the crown part.

In this case, labels are used to convey the image of the cap and features such as the brand, materials, and washing techniques. It may also provide information about the type of cap or the fact that it belongs to a limited or particular collection.

12. Decorations

Many baseball caps have additional decorations such as embroidered logos, patches, or printed designs. These are usually on the front panels but can also be on the sides, back, or even the visor.

Customization

Baseball caps are very customizable; they are great for team uniforms, promo merchandise, or personal fashion statements. Logos, team mascots and other imagery are embroidered on the front panels, special messages or branding on the back or sides.

Conclusion

When it comes to designing and constructing a baseball cap, every material, and every stitch has its significance.

Every single part of the car is looked at – the crown and construction panels all the way to the sun visor. Thus, sweatbands are meant to let the air in, and closures are designed to hug in a perfect manner.

Are you searching for quality, versatile caps for any event? You should take a closer look at JoinTop Hat’s range. JoinTop Hat offers both comfortable and fashionable snapbacks, baseball caps, and fitted caps.