How to Find the Best Wholesale Bucket Hats for Your Brand

If you’re running a hat brand in the U.S.—maybe something like Melin or 47Brand—you know how important it is to find a good manufacturer. You want your bucket hats to look great, feel good, and arrive on time.

But with so many options out there, how do you find the right supplier?

The best bucket hat suppliers offer custom designs, low minimum order quantities (MOQs), and factories in places like China, Vietnam, or Bangladesh. A good one will send samples, respond fast, and deliver what they promise.

Here’s how to find a supplier that works for your brand—and avoid common mistakes.

Look for Low MOQs and Clear Pricing

If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t want to order 1,000 hats right away. Many good suppliers offer lower MOQs—like 100 or 200 pieces. That lets you test styles without spending too much upfront.

Ask for a price list that shows:

• How pricing changes by quantity
• Extra costs for logos or custom labels
• Sampling costs (some are free, some charge)

JoinTop, for example, works with both big brands and small startups. They keep things simple and clear. You can explore more sourcing advice on our hat manufacturing blog.

Make Sure They Offer Custom Options

The whole point of working with a manufacturer is to create something unique. Ask if they can:

• Embroider your logo on different parts of the hat
• Add inside labels with your brand name
• Use special fabrics like washed cotton or water-resistant materials

If you want to design your own bucket hat, your supplier should help you through the process—from mockups to final samples.

Ask About Experience with U.S. Brands

Not every factory knows what U.S. customers expect. It’s smart to ask:

• Have they worked with American brands before?
• Do they understand sizing and style trends here?
• Can they ship fast enough to meet your launch dates?

Authentic Manufacturing is one example of a company that focuses on high-quality custom headwear and works with global clients.

If you’re working with JoinTop, you can learn more about our story and experience on our About page.

Know Where They Make the Hats

Where your hats are made affects cost, speed, and quality. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• China: Fast sampling, flexible options, great for custom designs.
• Vietnam: Steady quality, good for mid-size orders.
• Bangladesh: Cheaper if you need basic blank bucket hats in large amounts.

Some suppliers—like JoinTop—have factories in all three places. That gives you more options depending on your budget and order size.

Always Check the Samples First

Never place a big order without checking the sample. Here’s what to look for:

• Is the stitching neat?
• Does the hat hold its shape?
• Are the logo and colors correct?
• Is the inside label printed right?

If something feels off now, it’ll be worse in a bulk order.

Ask How Long Production Takes

Timelines matter, especially if you’re launching for a season or event.

You should ask:

• How long for 500 hats? How about 5,000?
• Can they deliver faster if needed?
• What happens if you reorder soon after?

Most good suppliers take 6–10 weeks. BlueCotton also offers small batch custom bucket hats with quick turnaround options.

Test Their Communication

Even a great factory isn’t helpful if they take forever to reply.

You want a supplier who:

• Replies within 24 hours
• Sends updates and photos when needed
• Helps you fix problems quickly

If you’re serious about building a long-term relationship, start by contacting the supplier directly. You can get in touch with JoinTop here.

FAQs

Q: What’s a normal MOQ for bucket hats?
A: Most suppliers start at 100–300 hats for custom designs. That’s great for testing new ideas.

Q: Where do most U.S. brands get their hats made?
A: Many work with factories in China, Vietnam, or Bangladesh. These places offer good prices and quality.

Q: Can I order custom hats if I’m a small brand?
A: Yes. Lots of suppliers now support small orders. You can start small and grow over time.

Q: How long does it take to get my order?
A: Usually 3–6 weeks after you approve the sample. Some factories offer rush production if needed.

Finding the right bucket hat manufacturer doesn’t have to be hard. Look for low MOQs, clear samples, and fast replies. A good supplier will make things easier—not harder.

If you’re ready to create high-quality custom hats and want to work with a factory that understands your brand, it might be time to try a team like JoinTop.