Buyer resources

Hat Buying Glossary

Plain definitions of the hat parts, materials and trade terms you will meet when buying hats wholesale, from brim length to EXW and FOB.

Request a Quote

Use this list when you read our product pages and quotations. If a term you need is missing, contact us and we will explain it.

Adjustable strap: A strap or buckle at the back or side of a hat that changes the fit, so one size fits a range of head sizes.
Balaclava: Knit or fleece headwear that covers the head and neck, with an opening for the face or eyes.
Beanie: A close-fitting knit hat without a brim, worn in cold weather.
Brim: The part of a hat that sticks out from the crown to shade the face. On a cap it is the visor at the front; on a bucket or sun hat it goes all the way round.
Brim length: How far the brim reaches out from the crown, measured in cm. Flat caps usually have a short brim; wide-brim sun hats a long one.
Bucket hat: A soft hat with a round crown and a downward-sloping brim all the way round.
Chin cord: An adjustable cord that goes under the chin to keep a hat on in the wind.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): A trade term where the seller pays the sea freight and insurance to the named destination port; the buyer takes care of import and delivery after arrival.
Corduroy: A cotton or cotton-blend fabric with raised parallel ribs, often used for autumn and winter caps.
Crown: The main body of the hat that covers the top of the head.
Crown depth: How deep the crown is, from the top of the hat to the edge that sits on the head. A deeper crown sits lower and feels more secure.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): A trade term where the seller delivers to the buyer's address and pays transport, import duties and taxes.
EXW (Ex Works): A trade term where the buyer collects the goods at the seller's premises and pays for all transport from there.
Eyelets: Small reinforced holes in the crown that let air through.
Flat cap: A rounded cap with a short, stiff brim at the front and a crown that slopes down to it. Ivy caps are a close variation.
Fleece: A soft synthetic fabric with a brushed surface, used as a warm lining in winter hats.
FOB (Free On Board): A trade term where the seller delivers the goods on board the ship at the named port of shipment; the buyer pays the sea freight and insurance from there.
Head circumference: The distance around the widest part of the head, about 1 cm above the eyebrows. Hat sizes are given as a head circumference range, for example 55–60 cm (21.7–23.6 in).
Lining: An inner layer of fabric inside the crown, for comfort or warmth.
MOQ (minimum order quantity): The smallest quantity accepted for one order. Our minimum is 100 pcs per style (colors can be mixed).
Newsboy cap: A fuller, rounder cap than a flat cap, usually made of several panels joined at a button on top, with a short brim.
Ready stock: Styles that are already made and in stock. Ready stock ships within 7 days after payment.
Sample: One or a few pieces sent before a bulk order so you can check the material, color and fit. Sample cost and shipping are quoted per request. The sample fee can be credited toward your bulk order.
Structured cap: A cap with a stiffened front panel, so the crown keeps its shape when the cap is not worn.
Sweatband: The band of fabric sewn inside the edge of the crown that touches the forehead.
T/T (telegraphic transfer): A bank transfer between bank accounts, a common way to pay for international orders.
Trapper hat: A warm winter hat with flaps that cover the ears and can be tied up or under the chin.
Unstructured cap: A cap without a stiffened front, so the crown is soft and follows the shape of the head.