When it comes to baseball caps and other types of hats, you’ve probably seen the terms “structured” and “unstructured” thrown around. But what do these terms really mean? And how do they affect the way a hat fits, feels, and looks? Let’s break down the difference between structured and unstructured caps to help you choose the right one for your style and comfort.
| Structured Cap | Unstructured Cap |
|---|---|
 Paul and Kortni are wearing the Richardson 112 |  Paul and Kortni are wearing the VC300A |
| • A structured cap is a hat that has a stiff, rigid front. The structure comes from the material or panels inside the cap, which helps the hat hold its shape. These caps are often the kind that stands up straight, with a firm and neat look. You can tell it’s structured because the front of the hat won’t collapse or sag easily. Structured caps are typically made with a foam or similar material that gives them their stiffness. • Structured caps tend to look more polished and put-together, making them a popular choice for sports teams, corporate events, and streetwear when the goal is a clean and defined look. The stiff front panel means that they offer a little more protection from the sun, and they can give off a more athletic or professional vibe, depending on how you wear them. • Your logo, team name, business name, or custom design will really show up well on the front of a structured cap. To add a custom logo or design to a structured cap, you can choose from flat embroidery, puff embroidery (which creates a 3D appearance), digital heat transfer (a decorating method that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed design onto the cap), or even woven or embroidered patches. • Structured caps usually come with a higher crown (the part of the hat that sits on your head), giving them a bit of extra height, which makes your custom design really pop. Because of the way they are built, structured caps generally keep their shape for years, which makes them great for people who want a hat that looks sharp over time. | • An unstructured cap has a more relaxed, soft feel. The front of the hat doesn’t have the same rigid material inside, so it tends to collapse or bend more easily. Unstructured caps are much more casual and laid-back in style. They feel super comfortable, because they mold to the shape of your head. Without the stiff panels, the cap can also be more lightweight and breathable, which is great if you want something to wear all day without feeling tight or heavy. • Like structured caps, unstructured caps look great with a custom embroidered logo, or a cool custom sewn patch. • Unstructured caps typically have a lower crown compared to structured ones, which can give them a more “low-key” look. These caps are often favored by people who like a more flexible fit, or those who just want something easy to throw on without worrying about keeping it perfectly in place. It’s no surprise that unstructured caps are often associated with more casual settings, such as relaxing on a beach, hanging out with friends, or running errands. Unstructured caps are great for travel, because they can be thrown into a suitcase or gym bag without worry that they will get bent out of shape. |
| Hat styles that are typically structured: Mesh Truckers, Snapbacks and Flat Bills. | Hat styles that are typically unstructured: Dad Hats, Ladies Hats and Distressed Headwear. |
| Our Favorite/Most Popular Structure Hat: Richardson 112 | Our Favorite/Most Popular Unstructured Hat: Legacy EZA |
Which Hat Style Should You Choose?
Which type of cap should you go for? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that looks sharp and structured, with a defined front and professional appearance, a structured cap is your best bet. On the other hand, if comfort, a more relaxed fit, and a casual vibe are what you’re after, an unstructured cap is a great choice. At the end of the day, both styles have their place. It just comes down to personal preference and the kind of look you’re going for!
Checkout the full breakdown in our video