The Ultimate Hat Guide - Hats Unlimited

The different parts of a hat can determine the shape, style and fit of these accessories. While each hat might differ in looks, they typically share the same anatomy to offer you the comfort and chic you desire. You can observe the different hat parts broken up into two sections — the exterior and the interior.

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Exterior Anatomy

The outer parts of a hat provide the style and protection you need for your new favorite accessory. The exterior parts of a hat include:

• The crown: The most important feature of any hat is the crown. This part covers the head and sits comfortably for hours of comfort and style. The crown supports the other parts of the hat, so you can consider this the base of any hat you choose.
• Crown shape: The shape at the top of the hat can change how the crown fits on your head when wearing it. Cowboy hats, fedoras and gambler hats all have indented crown shapes that sit slightly above the top of your head. Baseball, bowler and cloche hats have a round crown shape to fit snugly on top of the head. Hats with no shape, such as beanies, berets and bucket hats, rest comfortably on the head without internal support to hold the hat's shape in place.
• Hat band: Some hats come with a ribbon band that rests at the bottom of the crown around the brim. The band offers flair and the chance to add a stylish feature to attach to the exterior of the hat. 
• Hat decoration: With the help of the hat band, you can add extra features to the hat that give your favorite accessory a new look. Common hat decorations include a feather, bow, buckle and support for chinstraps. 
• The brim: This outward expansion of the hat that covers the face is excellent for offering shade and protection from the sun. Some hats will have a brim that surrounds the entire crown, like cowboy and bucket hats. Others, like baseball caps, might only have a brim in the front. Brims come in different shapes, sizes and materials to serve the purpose you had in mind.

Interior Anatomy

While the exterior of a hat offers you the styles you love, the interior provides the support to make these features stay intact while you wear the hat. The interior parts of a hat include:

• Underbrim: The underbrim refers to the underside of the hat's brim. This feature supports holding up the brim to protect your eyes and face from the sunlight. The material underneath the brim can sometimes match or differ from the exterior brim, depending on the type of hat you choose.
• Inner band: Sometimes referred to as the sweatband, the inner band supports the shape and fit of the crown on your head. With this small band that expands around the interior shape of the crown attached to the underbrim, you can enjoy the same fit of the hat you regularly wear for years to come. The inner band material usually comes in leather or synthetic leather.
• Inner liner: Some hats come with a comfortable inner liner that offers a soft touch if you plan to wear the hat for several hours at a time. Not every hat comes with this feature. Inner liner materials typically include silk, cotton, satin, velvet or synthetic mesh.

Common hat terms

Hat styles, features and fits come in various terms that most hat wearers may not know. Get to know some of the most common hat terms that can make your shopping experience easier.

Stringy Brim

A stingy brim is a term describing a hat with a very short brim, usually about 1-2 inches long.

Packable/Crushable

A common misconception about packable/crushable hats is that you can fold, crush and generally beat on a hat, and it will always return to its original form. However, this idea is simply untrue. Hats with a “packable/crushable” tag can generally withstand wear and are not so fragile that they will break when packed or crushed. Additionally, a semi-rigid hat or one with a stiffer brim or crown may require some steam and a little love to return to its original form. The exceptions to this would be bucket and Boonie hats or soft styles typically seen with women’s hats. In any case, always think of the packable/crushable term as durable rather than a miracle hat that will always be perfect.

Shapeable

When a hat description says “shapeable,” it means that the plastic wire normally woven inside brims now has a metal wire that allows you to augment the shape of the brim in any way you choose.

UPF/Sun Protection

When hats offer sun protection as one of their traits, it means that the plastic wire normally wove inside UPF — not to be confused with SPF — stands for “Ultraviolet Protective factor” and refers to a few factors. These factors include the material's weave, color, weight, stretch and wetness.

Additionally, to achieve ultraviolet protection, fabrics are sometimes treated first with protective material and then it is up to the other factors to determine the actual UPF rating. The ratings are as follows: brims have a metal wire that allows you to augment the shape of the brim in any way you choose.

MOST COMMON MATERIALS

Whether you're a passionate hat collector or merely want to learn more about the different hat styles, you should know that there are numerous fabrics for hats.

Knowing your cap's fabric is essential — it's a prime indicator of how you should care for your hat. You can even use certain techniques to stretch your cap based on its material. Not every stretching technique will work well for every hat style, so it's important to choose the right approach. Otherwise, you could harm or damage the cap's material.

Cotton

Cotton hats are usually quite durable and often packable and crushable. They come in a wide variety of colors and are usually softer.

Wool Felt

Felt is created by rolling and pressing wool and applying moisture and heat, making the fibers mat/interlock together and creating the felt fabric. It is soft and can come in just about any color.

Straw

There are a great many varieties of straw used to make hats. They vary in strength, fineness, durability and color. Raffia straw creates packable and crushable hats and straw from the toquilla palm makes Panama hats. Most straw can weave into a hat, but the best ones are hand-picked for evenness of color, texture and pattern. 

Fur Felt

Fur felt is created similarly to wool felt but from finer and softer materials. Most fur felt hats come from rabbit, beaver and hare pelts. Fur felt is incredibly soft, and when you touch one, you can feel the difference in quality from wool felt.

Toyo / Paper Braid

Toyo or paper-braid hats are constructed of finely woven paper material. The paper is woven into strands just like straw and then formed into the desired style. They have been increasing in popularity due to their reduced cost and reasonable durability. While this material can withstand quite a bit, it is still not as strong as straw or raffia and also is more difficult to steam back into shape once crushed. This is certainly a material to keep away from water.

Shop at Hats Unlimited Today

Whether you have a particular hat style in mind or want to try something new, Hats Unlimited has plenty of options. We're a family-owned and -operated business with multiple retail locations across Southern California. Founded in as a retail store in Ventura, California, we've committed ourselves to selling hats in as many colors, styles and varieties as possible.

With over 10,000 hats in stock on our website, 1,000 current styles, top designer hat brands and an emphasis on exceptional service and value, you know you can count on us. With numerous helpful hat accessories to choose from, Hats Unlimited has the perfect headpiece for you that can fit any stylish fashion trend. We are continuously updating our selection of hat styles to meet your needs. Take, for instance, a name synonymous with quality hats — the ever-popular and iconic Stetson Hats brand.

At Hats Unlimited, we'll show you how to properly care for your hat, send a gift across the country and find the best hat for your face shape.

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Shop our vast inventory of kids, women's and men's stylish hats today to find the perfect fit for you and your family! If you'd like help choosing the ideal hat style, fill out our online contact form, and we'll be more than happy to help.

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Practically everyone around the world has a diverse collection they have accumulated over the years: sports t-shirts, smart t-shirts, band t-shirts and a collection of t-shirts picked up for free at events. Whether plain, patterned or with a printed design, every t-shirt is unique and can say something different about its wearer. These t-shirts come in many shapes and sizes, too: long sleeve, short sleeve, V-neck t-shirts, tanks. Deciding which t-shirt works best for which situation can be tough!

However, the fit of a t-shirt is often overlooked, and it can be just as expressive as the color, pattern or design on it. On some level, we all pay attention to the fit of a t-shirt, and we can make assumptions about the wearer based on the fit.

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic shift when it comes to the most common fit of t-shirts. Fashion and culture have played a large role in making fitted t-shirtsmore popular, but baggy t-shirts still have their place. Choosing the right t-shirt fit is about more than just trends. Let’s explore the pros and cons of baggy and fitted t-shirts to help you decide when to choose which fit is best for you.

T-Shirts: A Quick History and the Original Fit

It may surprise you to learn that the first t-shirts were worn just over 100 years ago. In fact, the first t-shirts evolved from undergarments worn in the late s. The U.S. Navy pioneered the t-shirt, which was originally designed to be worn under uniforms and give its men the option to remove the bulkier parts of their clothing while in warm conditions.

These first shirts were generally simple — white and short-sleeved t-shirts. Worn on submarines at first, they allowed the marines to avoid dirtying their uniforms and suffering from the hot conditions. These were normally worn with a tight fit to better capture perspiration. From here, t-shirts rocketed in popularity. Modern factories were capable of rapidly producing these, meaning they were a cheap option of clothing that was also easy to clean and maintain. Workers in many industries began wearing these t-shirts by default. Many credit Marlon Brando’s appearance in A Streetcar Named Desirein as propelling the plain white t-shirt to a new level of ubiquity.

In the years since, t-shirt fronts have become a space for wearers to demonstrate their allegiance to sports teams, express their love for a band or align themselves with a certain style or aesthetic. Perhaps no other piece of clothing has so effectively crossed national and cultural boundaries to cement itself as the most popular item of clothingaround the world.

Baggy and Fitted T-Shirts: Common Rules

Sure, baggy and fitted t-shirts are very different in terms of style and functionality, but there are some common rules you should follow when it comes to achieving the best possible fit.

• Think carefully about V-neck collars.There’s a place for a great V-neck fit, and it is usually best used by shorter people who would like to elongate their necks to create the illusion of height, or by people with a larger frame looking to slim down their appearance. Experimenting with the neckline on your t-shirt can help you make sure you look the best you can be!
• Get the right sleeve length.It’s important that the sleeve on your t-shirt ends when it reaches halfway through the bicep. This is the most natural fit, and anything shorter or longer can look a little distorted.
• Think about the fit around your arm.To get the best fit in terms of the circumference around your arm, make sure that when you put two fingers inside the sleeve of your t-shirt, you can feel it tightening. This simple rule of thumb (or finger) makes it easy to check that your t-shirt is going to have the most natural fit around your arms.
• Not too short, not too long.Some people often wonder where the bottom of their t-shirt should end. Too high is clearly not a good look, and too low on a fitted t-shirt can look strange if the rest of the t-shirt fits naturally. The t-shirt should just cover the bottom of your belt buckle, a length that will create a pleasing, balanced look at a glance.

Baggy Versus Fitted T-Shirts: The Pros and Cons

When it comes to corporate contexts and t-shirts being used as promotional materials, there is also a range of factors to consider when opting for baggy or fitted t-shirts.

Baggy T-Shirts

In recent years, baggy t-shirts have had a renaissance in terms of popularity. Hip-hop and streetwear fashion have taken off, and the baggy look is becoming fashionable in other areas, too. Vintage t-shirts from the ’80s and ’90s are now fashionable again, so it’s a fantastic time to hit the vintage stores or dig through your wardrobe!

Baggy T-Shirts: The Pros

• ComfortWith a looser fit, baggy t-shirts can make for a much more comfortable option. Flowing freely, they fit loosely around the body and allow for ventilation and for breezes to pass over your skin — the perfect option for warm weather! For many, a baggy t-shirt represents a relaxed and comfortable look worn on casual days.
• Fashionable optionsIn recent years, baggy t-shirts have become a key part of street fashion styles, usually paired with tighter pants, leggings or yoga pants to accentuate the bagginess of the t-shirt. There are many examples of baggy t-shirts being released by many famous designers, and even Kanye West’s clothing line includes baggy white t-shirts.
• Flattering for muscular framesBaggy t-shirts worn over solid and muscular frames can look great. The t-shirt can drop down directly from larger shoulders and contribute to a really great look.
• Great for some sportsBaggy t-shirts are the perfect choice for certain active hobbies like skateboarding, for example. Jumping on a set of wheels is a great way to build up a sweat and, given their looser fit, baggy t-shirts do not show patches as prominently as their tighter-fitting counterparts.
• Ideal for warm weatherGiven that baggier t-shirts don’t cling as closely to the body and can permit for ventilation, baggy t-shirts can be the perfect option for the summer months.
• A good option for mass useWhen it comes to ordering t-shirts in bulkfor corporate events where sizing information is not available, baggy t-shirts can be a great option. Guests will probably feel more comfortable wearing a baggy t-shirt, and the range of sizing options available will fit a wider range of wearers than fitted t-shirts might.

Baggy T-Shirts: The Cons

• A fine line between oversized and baggyThere is general confusion between t-shirts that have been designed to be intentionally baggy, and simply oversized t-shirts. By simply opting for larger sizes as opposed to t-shirts that are cut intentionally to be baggy, some people wear large t-shirts that do not fit well. This can defeat the whole purpose of a baggy t-shirt, while resulting in an unflattering fit.
• Compatibility with body shapesMany people generally believe baggy t-shirts are more flattering to curvier frames, given they are capable of masking a person’s frame. However, this is incorrect. Baggy t-shirts can accentuate curves their wearers would otherwise like to mask.
• Finding the right fitThe quality of baggy t-shirts can vary according to the manufacturer or supplier. Finding the right fit can sometimes be a challenge.
• Incompatibility with other stylesBaggy t-shirts work best when worn with other clothes that match the style. When worn alongside clothes that do not fit within the baggy aesthetic, they can look a little incompatible, meaning that baggy t-shirts aren’t as flexible as their fitted counterparts.
• Difficult in some environmentsHiking and other outdoor activities can be difficult, given that the loose fabric can sometimes catch on objects in the immediate environment.

Fitted T-Shirts

Fitted t-shirts exploded in popularity during the s and s. The more fitted style has been the most prominent iteration of the t-shirt and remains a solid option for many wardrobes today. Fitted t-shirts are very flexible and can be worn in different situations, making them a great way to expand the number of outfit options available.

Fitted T-Shirts: The Pros

• FashionableOver recent years, the humble t-shirt has undergone a transformation, going from a loose fit in the ’90s and early s that flowed over the body beneath to a tighter fit that hugs the body more closely.
• Great fit for stockier framesFor those with stockier frames, finding good fits can sometimes be truly challenging. Given the popularity and ubiquity of t-shirts, however, finding a great-fitting t-shirt can be easier. If wearers can find the perfect fitted t-shirt that toes the line between too tight and too loose, they can have a great piece of clothing that shows the best of their figure.
• Perfect for sportsPerhaps in football, more than any other arena, the transformative journey of t-shirts is best expressed. Avid football fans, and even those who don’t admire the sport so much, will undoubtedly remember the baggy and loose-hanging shirts of ’90s football. Many of these shirts are now considered retro classics, and many fans lament their passing, which has been made in favor of skintight t-shirts. In fact, the premier league has changed because of this transition. Tighter shirts make it easier for pulls and fouls to be verified because the tight fabric is more likely to tear under stress.
• Flexible in terms of fashionFitted t-shirts are a staple of any solid wardrobe and can be worn alongside practically any other type of clothing. Whether worn with jeans, shorts, skirts or other pieces of clothing, fitted t-shirts can expand your wardrobe and dramatically increase the possible outfits available to you.
• Flexible in terms of contextFitted t-shirts can be worn in different contexts. Perfect for casual street wear or sports, fitted t-shirts can also be worn in smart-casual contexts alongside a blazer or jacket. Given that many leading fashion brands produce their own t-shirts, there are lots of options available in terms of quality and brand.
• Discreet as an undershirtIt is common for some to wear plain fitted t-shirts as undershirts when wearing a shirt and/or suit. This has the advantage of absorbing any perspiration while also disguising any tattoos or marks that might show through a white shirt. This is a very powerful function, and one that drives a lot of the sales of fitted t-shirts.
• A wider variety of cutsWhen compared to their baggier counterparts, fitted t-shirts have a wider range of cuts available. Long-sleeved t-shirts look fantastic when fitted, and the cut of the neck can be more varied, whether that’s a V-neck or tank top t-shirt.

Fitted T-Shirts: The Cons

• WeatherDepending on the color and material of a fitted t-shirt, it can sometimes be susceptible to showing sweat patches in hot weather. This can be unflattering and make a fitted t-shirt not quite the best option for outdoor events in the summer months.
• FlexibilityTight t-shirts can look trim and show off a person’s particular figure. They represent people who have put some consideration into the way that their t-shirt choice affects the way that they appear. With that said, they can occasionally feel as though they restrict the movement of a person when compared to a t-shirt with a baggier fit.
• Unflattering fitsDepending on the wearer’s body type, it can be difficult to find a fitted t-shirt with a natural fit. Unflattering curves can be accentuated.
• Not always the best for corporate giveawaysGiven that fitted t-shirts can generally be more difficult to fit properly, it can be a risky choice to opt for fitted t-shirts as a go-to option for mass use, such as corporate giveaways or events. With that said, this depends. If organizers can get the appropriate size information before the event, they can make the correct order.

Other T-Shirt Options to Consider

While baggy and regular fit t-shirts are excellent wardrobe staples, there are numerous other t-shirt cuts, designed to fit and flatter various body shapes and body types. From oversized shirts to crop tops, there’s a t-shirt style suitable for any casual look.

• Oversized Fit:Oversized look t-shirts offer a relaxed, casual look with a fashion-forward edge. These t-shirts are intentionally designed to be much larger than the wearer’s usual size, with a loose fit that drapes around the body.
• Relaxed Fit: Relaxed fit t-shirts have a slightly looser fit than regular shirts, but a more form-fitted design than an oversized tee. They typically have a slightly tapered cut that follows the body’s contours without being too tight or constricting, allowing for more room for movement and airflow — which can be especially beneficial in warmer weather.
• Slim Fit: Slim fit t-shirts offer a more tailored look than traditional t-shirts. They are cut close to the body, with a tapered waist, a narrower sleeve and a slightly higher neckline, creating a slimming effect and highlighting the wearer’s physique.
• Crop Tops: Crop top t-shirts feature a shorter hemline that typically ends just above the navel. These t-shirts are often worn by women as a fashion statement, and can be paired with high-waisted pants or skirts for a trendy look.
• Long Sleeve T-Shirts: Long sleeve t-shirts are a versatile piece of clothing that offer the comfort of a t-shirt with the added coverage of long sleeves for warmth. These t-shirts are typically made of lightweight, breathable materials to avoid overheating, and can be worn as a layering piece or as a standalone top.

T-Shirt Style Tips and Outfit Ideas

No matter what type of t-shirt you wear, you can stand out with the right style. A well-fitted t-shirt can elevate any outfit, whether you’re dressing up or down. Look for t-shirts with a tailored or slim cut that flatters your body shape. For hoodies, try layering them over a collared shirt for a preppy look or pairing them with joggers for a sporty feel.

Crew necks are a classic option that can be dressed up or down. Pair a crew neck with chinos and loafers for a smart-casual look or with shorts and sneakers for a laid-back vibe. 

Oversized clothing is a great way to add a relaxed and comfortable element to your outfit. Try pairing oversized t-shirts with skinny jeans and boots for a grunge-inspired look, or an oversized hoodie with leggings and sneakers for a cozy, athleisure look.

When wearing a t-shirt with outerwear, opt for complementary colors and fabrics. For a versatile look, try layering with denim jackets, leather jackets or blazers.

Find Your Perfect T-Shirt Fit at The Adair Group

The humble t-shirt has evolved over the past 100 years to two distinct fits: fitted and baggy. What could the near future hold? As tastes and environments continue to change, so will one of the world’s most popular articles of clothing.

The company is the world’s best custom team hats supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.