Purchasing Series: What Is a Structured Cap?

At COMDA, we understand that sometimes choosing between styles, colors, and options for getting your logo onto a product can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created a series of blogs to take the guesswork out of buying!  To help get you started on your buying journey, we’re focusing the first few entries on caps. Here’s the first in our brand new Purchasing Series: What Is a Structured Cap?

Caps come in a variety of styles, brim types, materials, and price ranges, and while many look quite similar, not all caps are created equal. Some caps are made purely of cotton whereas others are fashioned from fabric blends. Heavy cotton is often warmer, whereas poly-mesh sided caps offer breathable, cooler alternatives. For this reason, while one cap might look great finishing a baseball uniform, another is better suited as a “working” cap, keeping its wearer cool throughout the day.

So what are some key characteristics of caps and which cap might best suit your needs?

Structured/Constructed vs Unstructured/Unconstructed

You have probably heard the term “structured” cap thrown around a lot while you’ve looked for a cap for your brand. Structured, also known as "constructed" caps, such as the ones typically worn by professional baseball players, feature a stiff, supportive fabric lining their front. This fabric helps the cap maintain its shape, so they’re perfect for caps that might get thrown around (say, in a gym bag).

By comparison, unstructured caps do not have the stiff fabric lining and thus are softer and more comfortable for the wearer.  These caps are typically not adjustable and are, instead, a “one size fits most” option. In this case, cap shape is maintained by the wearer’s head.

Regardless of whether you choose structured or unstructured, both cap styles offer a good surface for embroidering your logo and promoting your brand!

Structured

• Similar to those worn by professionals

• Stable front; molded crown

• Features a stiff supportive buckram front lining (to give cap shape)

• Maintains shape when not worn

• Popular with athletic teams and useful for company uniforms

Unstructured

• Softer, without supportive lining

• Floppy front; will not maintain shape when not worn (but will bounce back on wearer’s head)

• Crown lies against forehead

• Comfortable for average wearer
  

If you're looking for a great cap that will suit most wearers (from professional athletes to the average customer), COMDA'S CM3000 is a well-loved multi-use cap. Alternatively, you can check out the myriad of cap styles available at COMDA. We're sure you'll find one that you will love!