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Dad Hat vs Snapback: What’s the Difference?
We're breaking down everything you need to know about these two popular hat styles.
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Let's be real, there are so many different hat styles out there. Have you ever found yourself wanting to order custom hats for your crew, but then becoming paralyzed over which style to go with? You're not alone! There’s a whole stream of questions that can stop you in your tracks: What if they fit weird? What if they’re not breathable? What if they sit too high or don’t hold up over time? (EEP)
Fear not, we're here to help! In this blog we're zeroing in on two of the most popular hat styles out there: dad hats and snapbacks. We're diving into what makes each hat style unique, how to tell them apart and even giving examples of some of our customers favorites from over the years. So let's hop to it so you can get your hat order rolling with confidence!
What is a Dad Hat?
A dad hat is a soft, unstructured baseball cap with a slightly curved brim and an adjustable strap in the back, usually made of fabric or plastic. It has a relaxed, low-profile crown that sits comfortably on your head, making it a go-to for effortless, casual style.
Dad hats are generally made from cotton or cotton twill. They’re designed to feel broken-in right away, like something you’ve had forever (or borrowed your dad's from the 80's).
Key features:
Unstructured, floppy crown
Curved brim
Strapback closure (buckle or slide)
Low-profile fit
Popular choices:
What is a Snapback?
A snapback is a structured cap with a flat brim and a plastic snap closure in the back (hence the name). Snapbacks generally have a higher, firmer crown and are built to hold their shape, whcih gives them a bolder, more modern look compared to dad hats.
Snapbacks are usually known for their structured appearance and generally sit higher on the head. They are popular with everyone from streetwear brands to baseball teams--so when it comes to styling, the sky is the limit with this one.
Key features:
Structured, firm crown
Flat brim
Plastic snap closure
High-profile fit
Popular choices:
Dad Hat vs Snapback: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing between a dad hat vs snapback really comes down to your thinking about who will be wearing the hats, the style goals, and overall comfort preferences.
Go with a dad hat if you want a laid-back, more vintage look that feels broken-in from day one. Great for lifestyle brands, events, and casual company swag.
Choose a snapback if you’re after a crisp, structured fit with modern vibes—ideal for bold logos, streetwear brands, or making a fashion-forward statement.
Both are fully customizable and offer great real estate for embroidery or patches. So whether you’re printing merch for your brand or just choosing a hat to wear, you can’t go wrong—it just depends on your vibe.
FAQ: Dad Hat vs Snapback
It's all about the enclosure and the structure. Dad hats have an unstrucutred, laid-back profile with a fabric closure, while snapbacks have a structured, high sitting profile with a plastic snap closure.
A hat is considered a dad hat if it has a soft, unstructured crown, a curved brim, and a strapback (usually fabric.)
A snapback is a specific type of cap—all snapbacks are caps, but not all caps are snapbacks. The term “cap” is a broad category that includes snapbacks, dad hats, truckers, and more.
Oh yeah, they're still cool! Their understated style, comfort, and throwback vibes have kept them timeless through the decades.
Dad hats are popular because they’re easy to wear, go with just about anything, and have a relaxed, “I woke up like this” charm. They’re also incredibly comfortable, which never goes out of style.
A hat is a snapback if it has a flat brim, structured front panels, and a plastic snap closure at the back. It’s known for a sharper, more modern look than other caps.
Both! A snapback uses a plastic snap to adjust the size. A strapback uses a fabric, leather, or buckle strap. The terms refer to the closure style, so you can have a dad hat with a strapback or a cap with a snapback.
A dad hat is actually a type of baseball cap, it’s just more relaxed in style. Traditional baseball caps (like those worn on the field) tend to be structured and higher-profile, while dad hats are softer and more casual.
Whether you’re a dad hat loyalist or team snapback, knowing the difference can help you choose the right custom hat for your crew. Want help picking the perfect hat for your next project? Give us a shout—we'd love to help.
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