Which trends are defining the headwear game? Here are seven to watch:
1. CUSTOMIZED CAPS: Customized caps are becoming increasingly popular. End‐buyers desire unique ball caps that convey brand image and distinction from competitors in a cluttered marketplace.
2. FASHION‐FORWARD STYLES: The retail world is exerting more influence on cap styles in the ad specialty realm.
3. OFF‐LOCATION AND ALLOVER DECORATION: Fashion has impacted promo cap decorating, too. Trends include more off‐center logos as well as embellishment on the sides and brims of caps.
4. THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Performance fabrics, which are trending hot in apparel, are also growing more popular in caps. Moisture wicking caps can be great for corporate clients sponsoring a charity race or trying to encourage employees to live more active lifestyles.
5. NOVELTY CAPS: Some companies are turning to novelty caps to stir conversations about a brand.
6. BALL CAP ALTERNATIVE: Ball caps dominate the headwear market, but fedoras, flat caps and pub caps have emerged as hip head coverings that some fashion‐conscious brands want for promotional.
7. TRIED AND TRUE: While not discounting emerging trends, many distributors say the ball cap style that continues to sell best is a basic unstructured model, featuring a fabric strap closure, a low profile and a client’s logo positioned front and center.