Sub-Category
removeColor
removeBrand
removeSize
removePrice
removeHeadwear
Filter
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my order after it's been submitted?
You can! Though, depending on where you are in the custom hat order process, it may incur additional fees. If you are working with Hat.Co‘s artists on a logo, they will spend the design process sharing digital proofs with you to lock in the perfect design. Production will not begin until you approve the artwork, so you’re able to make more adjustments without fees (though it may take a bit longer to produce your order).
After you’ve approved the design, Hat.Co begins work setting up our production facilities for your hat, generally including ordering the blank hats, printing/embroidery materials, and anything else needed to put the design on the fabric. At this stage, any changes to the design would incur additional setup charges to account for the already completed setup work.
The same is generally true for adjusting the amount or size of hats on your order — before the production phase, you can make adjustments without penalty, but once production has started, fees may apply.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Hat.Co does not have a hard minimum order quantity, but does specialize in bulk production. For most hats, the minimum order quantity is actually determined by the printing method rather than the hat style. Screen Printing has an involved setup process with upfront costs, so orders of at least 12-24 are the most cost-effective. Embroidery requires less initial work, but still requires digitizing the design and setting up the machine. Because of this, embroidery has a recommended minimum of 6 hats. DTF/Heat Transfer requires the least individualized setup and can work well for smaller orders, including single hats.
We do offer discounts for bulk orders. Because most of the setup fees and work only need to be paid/done once, it’s easy for us to spread the cost over larger orders, saving you money on a per-hat basis. On the flip side, if you are in a situation where you need a single or small quantity of hats, we can explore DTF/Heat Transfer options for your hats.
Lastly, be aware that mixing logo application methods or hat types can also affect minimum order quantities. Once you have your design ready, let us know, and we can work with you to determine your minimum order quantity.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Hat.Co typically can have your order ready within 10 business days of submission. After production is completed, your hats will be shipped out and likely delivered within 1-5 business days, depending on how close you are to Hat.Co.
One other thing to keep in mind is that production can only start after the design phase has been completed. Whether you are uploading an existing logo or working with our team to create a new one, this will need to be completed before production can begin.
Other factors can also affect production speed: Larger orders tend to take longer to produce, and embroidery logo application methods take time to sew in correctly. Relatedly, more complex and colorful logo designs will take longer to translate onto the hats. Finally, seasonal demand can affect turnaround times, as we receive a higher volume of orders around holidays and peak sports seasons.
Do you have rush order options available?
Yes! Hat.Co offers standard rush service to shorten the production phase of your custom hat order. This shortens production to 3-5 days, for an additional fee on the order. We will also attempt to accommodate faster orders, with a 1-2 day production phase, though this may only be available for simpler designs, and you may be required to approve the art and provide payment immediately upon order.
There is not a flat fee for rush orders — the amount will depend on the number of hats, logo application method, and how fast you are requesting to have them. Please call our customer service team to discuss the specifics of your hat if you are interested in placing a rush order.
Lastly, do not forget about shipping time — even after we complete the production phase, you will need to either pick up the hats or have them delivered to you. We do offer expedited shipping options, which you can take advantage of in addition to rush orders. This lets you minimize the total time between order and delivery.
What is the cost, and are there any discounts available?
The cost depends on a few different factors: Hat type, number of colors, and order quantity.
Hat.Co offers hat types from a variety of brands, ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Each individual product page will have a listing of cost estimations, which you can use as a starting point for prices.
For colors, if you’re using screen printing, you’ll generally see the price go up the more colors you use in your design. This is because we need to make a separate screen for every color in your design. DTF/heat transfer does not normally increase price per color, but will have a higher cost per hat baseline.
Finally, quantity affects the cost. As you increase the number of hats in your order, we can offer bulk discounts, lowering the price per hat. Because we are able to avoid repeating setup costs and labor, we can offer you a better deal on your hats.
Don’t forget about rush and/or shipping production costs – if you need your hats ASAP, we can provide rush production services for an additional fee. And while we offer free delivery for most orders, you can opt for faster shipping at an additional cost.
Which logo printing method is the most durable?
At Hat.Co, we offer four logo printing/application methods:
- Screen Printing: Inks are applied directly to the fabric of the hat.
- DTF/Heat Transfer: Inks are printed separately, then applied to the hat externally.
- Embroidery: Threads of the appropriate colors are woven into the fabric of the hat.
- Patches: The logo is created on a patch, which is then affixed to the hat.
The ink-dependent methods can be long-lasting, but if improperly washed or left exposed to the elements, they have the potential to fade. Patches can be made of extremely durable materials, making them long-lasting; however, if improperly cared for or attached, they can fall off the hat entirely. Embroidery, being fully integrated into the hat, can last as long as the hat does.
What hat styles do you have available?
We offer six of the most popular hat styles for you to choose from. These include:
- Baseball Hats: Caps with a (typically) long visor and snug fit.
- Trucker Hats: Caps with a tall foam front and breathable mesh structure in the back.
- Snapbacks: Caps with an adjustable sizing strap in the back, and typically a flat brim.
- Dad Hats: Caps without support in the crown, making for a soft fit.
- Flexfit Hats: Caps with a stretchable band, allowing them to automatically adjust to the wearer’s head size.
- Beanies: Hats without a bill that are typically smaller and form-fitting on your head.
With a variety of options to choose from, you can tailor your hat choice to fit the needs of your brand or event. You can also work with our experts to apply the same logo to multiple hat types, giving you variety for your wearers.
What size should I order? Can I order multiple sizes?
Hat size options vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Some will use small, medium, large, and extra large to denote different sizes, while others will put everything under a “one-size-fits-all” or similar umbrella. It is possible to measure your size with a measuring tape, but to see what is available for a given hat, you’ll want to check the product details.
If you’re between hat sizes, or if you only want to submit a single size order for your group, it’s always better to size up — while it’s possible to add padding to an oversized hat to make it more comfortable, wearing a hat that is too small for you can cause headaches and other unpleasant side effects. Plus, some hats may shrink over time, depending on their materials.
People are less likely to know their hat size compared to other clothing products. Because of this, one-size-fits-most, one-size-fits-all, and adjustable options are all good fallbacks (particularly for large groups).
Can I get an estimated cost online?
You can get a cost estimate for your order in one of two ways: the first is to submit a request for a free quote using the “get a quote” link. You’ll need to give us your contact information and details about your custom hat project, and ideally a target delivery date. We can use this information to put together a cost estimate based on colors, materials, and whether there will be any rush expenses.
Alternatively, when you select a hat to customize, you’ll see a menu called “Instant Quote Calculator.” You’ll be able to input the number of hats you’ll need for each size, and the number of logo colors you’ll use. This will give you a numerical estimate for that specific hat type.
If you already have a good idea of what you want to do, requesting a free quote can help us understand your specific needs. If you want to explore our options and/or use our online hat designer to figure out what you want, the instant quote calculator is a good option.
Will I be able to review a sample hat before I receive my order?
Hat.Co typically works with customers on an art approval process over email. In the process, our hat designers will send you digital proofs showing how the logo will look on the hat, just as you designed it. During this time, you’ll be able to request adjustments for the design (i.e., colors, size, and location of the logo). You will sign off on a final design approval before production can begin.
Typically, these digital proofs are the standard model used for your hats before you receive them, but in some cases, physical samples may be available. This can depend on the logo application method and order timeline, amongst other factors.
If you would like to review a physical sample of your hat before the full order arrives, let us know during the design process, and we can let you know what we are able to do for your order. Keep in mind that if you request any changes to be made to the hat and/or design after production has begun, you may have to pay an additional fee to adjust the order.
Can I upload my own/existing logo?
Yes! Hat.Co is happy to work with your existing logo and translate it into hat form. If you are working on your own design, you should keep a few things in mind, though: Vector files (like EPS or Adobe Illustrator) work best, because they will scale well and be easier for the printer to handle.
Keep the printing method in mind: Screen printing is organized by color, so if you can pre-group the different colors in your design, that can reduce setup time and costs. On the other hand, embroidery tends to lose fine detail, so avoid anything small that would be lost in the translations.
Our full list of recommended file formats are SVG, PNG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, PDF, and EPS. The maximum file size we can accommodate in a self-service order is 25 MB, but if your design is larger than that, let us know, and we can discuss alternative options. We’re always happy to help if you have any questions or need any assistance bringing your idea to life.
How accurate will the colors be to my uploaded design?
With every design and order, we endeavor to match the colors as closely as possible to your design. Keep in mind that while screen printing and DTF both make use of inks directly on the hat material, embroidery uses pre-colored thread to create your design. Because of this, screen printing and DTF both tend to have an easier time matching colors than embroidery.
Patches’ ability to colormatch depends on the type of patch. For example, PVC patches offer a wide variety of colors, similar to screen printing/DTF. Meanwhile, leather patches are generally restricted to browns and blacks. Embroidered patches face the same restrictions as general embroidery.
The digital proof you will be provided with during the design phase of the typical order process will be the most accurate representation of how your logo will look. In some cases, you can request a physical sample of the hat, but this may incur an extra fee, and additional changes after production has started will also incur additional charges.
Do you accept returns?
Hat.Co strives to meet our customers’ expectations and needs with every order. With over 50 years in the custom apparel industry, we’re confident in the quality of our products. That said, we know that mistakes happen.
Because of the customized nature of our products, we unfortunately are not able to offer a blanket return policy, but we will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis for approval. If there’s an issue on the production side, we’d take every step to make it right.
Can I reorder the same hat again later?
Yes – Hat.Co will save your design and allow you to reorder it later. This is common for several types of customers: Companies and organizations take on new members and need new hats to give them. Sports teams will have roster changes each season and will need to give the new players uniform equipment. For merchandising, stocks run out, and new hats will be needed to provide for fans.
Reorders are common over creating new designs for many reasons – they are generally cheaper than creating a new design, they will normally have a quicker turnaround time, and they can be less stressful in general, since you already know what you’re going to get. We want to provide you with high-quality hats, no matter if it’s your first or one hundredth order.
In order to make this as easy as possible for you, Hat.Co keeps artwork on file indefinitely for active clients. In case technology changes require the file formats to be updated, providers will generally let you know ahead of time, in order to keep your design compatible. Our goal is to make reorders as easy as sending in a quantity.
What materials are your hats made of? And what hat brands do you have available?
The materials used in your hat will depend on the exact hat you select. Our billed caps tend to be made of polyester/cotton blends, which provide a combination of comfort and durability. Different hat types will vary, though: for example, our beanies are mostly made of acrylic weave, and most of our trucker hats use foam in the front.
We offer hats from a variety of price points at Hat.Co: Value brands we work with include Valucap, Port Authority, and Port & Company. For mid-range brands, our offerings include Flexfit, Richardson, and The North Face. High-end brands we provide hats from include Nike, Travis Mathew, and Carhartt.
To view the details for a particular hat, you can select it from the catalog and click on the “Description” and “Product Details” dropdown menus. If you have any questions about a specific hat, please contact our team, and we will do our best to give you answers.
How do I take care of and wash my custom hat?
Taking proper care of your hat will help extend its life and keep it looking sharp for longer. It starts with handling it properly while you wear it – handle your hat by the brim, don’t wear it in a way that it will fall off your head, and avoid exposing it to the elements more than you need to.
For regular hat wearers, you should plan on washing your hat once a week. Don’t put it in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes, but instead hand-wash it with warm water, laundry detergent, and a soft brush. Be sure to also dry it gently – similar to the washing machine, avoid using a machine dryer.
Lastly, once your hat is clean, store it properly to protect it from wear. Keep them in dry environments, away from direct sunlight, and avoid stacking them. If you can, keep them in boxes to ensure their safety.
Is Hat.Co a union shop?
Yes – as a union shop, Hat.Co prioritizes fair and safe work practices for our labor force. Because of this, we can offer the union “bug” emblem on our hats as requested by clients.
This is valuable for several reasons: Several groups, particularly political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and other unions, require the union “bug” on any custom garments. Beyond that, by displaying this symbol, you can show off both your commitment to quality and care for the workers behind it.
Additionally, working with our union shop gives you an added layer of quality and expertise for your orders. We take pride in our craftsmanship and ensure skilled workers are building your hats.
Do you customize more than hats?
Yes, absolutely. Check out Shirt.Co and DTFS.Co as custom options for your brand and logo.
Using the same company for all parts of your custom clothing helps keep a uniform look that fits well together, and can make the logistics easier to manage.
We also offer non-apparel swag: Patches, backpacks, blankets, and more can all be customized for your logo. For promotional products, take advantage of water bottles, coolers, and pens to promote your brand in a variety of environments.
We’re proud to offer a variety of customization options and products for you to choose from. We’re also happy to work with you on logo design to ensure it will work well in a variety of settings.