PPB September 2018

Headwea r 20 | SEPTEMBER 2018 | INNOVATE Cap trends come and go, but the trucker and the dad cap are two classics that have stood the test of time, and the modified flat bill is a more modern design that is here to stay. With these staple styles, promotional products marketers can’t go wrong. Terry Ramsay is associate editor of PPB. Hang Your Hat OnThese Classic Caps At Cap America, we’re reviewing current trends to move forward with new styles for 2019. While we’re considering a couple of trendier styles like the five-panel camp hat and a flat bill snap back, we’ve realized that there are a few tried and true styles that will always rank among the top sellers, especially in the promotional products industry. For us and other suppliers, three caps outshine the others: the trucker, the dad hat and the modified flat bill. by Ryen Campbell, content strategist for Cap America 2 THE DAD Another extremely popular hat style, and one that seems to be timeless, is what is referred to as the “Dad Hat.” This style is a low profile, unstructured cotton hat. While the closures can vary, a fabric strap is the most common. This hat befits a casual, laid back style, and is popular among all ages. The trucker hat is especially notable for the promotional products industry, as the foam front, mesh back caps originated as giveaways at truck stops by companies wanting to advertise their products. Besides the foam front and mesh back, this cap style normally sports a plastic snap closure and a slightly curved bill, although some modern versions have a flat brim. Recently, the term “Trucker Hat” has been used more loosely, becoming synonymous with a mesh back cap. 1 THE TRUCKER Finally, the most modern style of the three mentioned here: the modified flat bill. Considered a trendier option while not being as off-putting to some as a full flat bill, this style is normally a six-panel mesh back cap with a snap tab closure. This type of cap works not only for corporate settings, but sporting teams and athleisure styles as well. It’s very common to see this style accented with brightly colored mesh and more non-traditional color combinations. 3 THE MODIFIED FLAT BILL