Choosing Headwear Construction: 5-Panel vs 6-Panel Hats
When you are designing custom hats for your brand, the physical construction of the fabric panels is just as important as the color. The way the hat is sewn together changes the entire shape of the crown and dictates what type of logo you can successfully print on the front. You must choose between a 5-Panel and a 6-Panel hat.
The Classic 6-Panel Construction
The 6-panel hat is the undisputed, traditional standard of the headwear industry.
- The Build: It is constructed using six triangular pieces of fabric that meet at the very top button.
- The Feature: This construction creates a distinct, visible center seam running perfectly down the middle of the front of the hat.
The Seamless Canvas of the 5-Panel
The 5-panel hat is engineered specifically to provide a better printing surface.
- The Build: It uses a single, massive piece of fabric to cover the entire front of the crown, eliminating the center seam entirely.
- The Vibe: It provides a very flat, smooth front that is highly popular in modern streetwear and skate brands.
The Raven32 Recommendation
The shape of your logo must dictate the hat you choose. As your printing and promotional experts, our golden rule is this. If your logo is a massive, unbroken circle or a highly detailed crest, you must always print on a 5-panel hat. If you embroider a massive circle over the thick center seam of a 6-panel hat, the seam will awkwardly warp and distort your design. Reach out today to design the perfect custom headwear.