A cap is more engineered than it looks, and understanding its construction helps you make better decisions about fit, look and decoration. Here is cap construction explained, part by part.
The crown and panels
The crown is the body of the cap, built from panels, commonly five or six. Six panels give a seam down the centre front and a more structured shape; five panels give a flatter, more casual look. The crown can be structured, with a stiffener at the front, or unstructured for a softer fit. These choices set the cap's character.
The brim or peak
The brim, or peak, can be flat or curved, stiff or soft, and its shape strongly signals the style, a flat brim reads streetwear, a curved brim reads classic. The brim is a defining design choice, so decide it deliberately.
Closures and sizing
Caps close with snapbacks, strapbacks, buckles or fitted sizing, each giving a different look and fit experience. The closure affects both the aesthetic and how the cap sizes, so choose it to match your style and audience.
How construction affects decoration
Construction shapes decoration. A structured front panel suits a clean embroidered logo or a patch; an unstructured cap sits differently under decoration. Matching the decoration to the construction is part of getting a cap right. Engelite manufactures caps for Australian brands across all these constructions. Tell us the look and we will build it.