How to Make Custom Embroidered Hats That People Actually Want to Wear

Let’s be real: there are a lot of hats out there. Some are forgettable. Others? You see one, and you instantly know the brand.

So whether you’re looking to make custom hats with your logo, or you’re a brand searching for a reliable OEM hat supplier, this guide’s for you.

There’s just something about embroidery that makes a hat feel finished. You know that clean, textured look on the front of a New Era or 47Brand cap? That’s not printed — it’s stitched.

Embroidery lasts longer. It doesn’t crack or fade. It also makes your logo pop — which is what every private label hat brand wants.

If you want people to wear your hats again and again — and maybe post them while they do — embroidery’s the way to go.

Plus, the rising trend of custom hats shows no signs of slowing down.

Best Hat Styles for Embroidery

Not every hat works for embroidery. You need good structure and the right material. If the crown is too soft or stretchy, the design can end up looking warped.

Here are some top picks that brands trust:

• Trucker hats (like Richardson 112) — firm front, breathable back
• Snapback hats (like Flexfit 110, Yupoong 6089) — clean fit, super popular
• Rope hats — a go-to for golf, pickleball, and resort brands
• Performance hats — great for activewear or fitness companies
• 5-panel hats — classic for streetwear
• Dad hats — casual vibe, but not always embroidery-friendly

If you’re building a golf hat line or something outdoorsy, go with structured performance or rope hats. For streetwear, 5-panels or high-profile snapbacks do the trick.

Yes, these are the best hats for embroidery — and they’re the styles people are searching for.

Embroidery or Print? Here’s the Deal

Short answer: go with embroidery if you’re serious about your brand.

Printed hats are fine for events or giveaways. But if you’re selling your hats — or trying to grow a retail presence — embroidery adds that premium touch.

• It looks more professional
• It lasts through wear and washing
• It helps you stand out on shelves and social feeds

And let’s be honest: when people see custom hats with embroidery, they assume quality.

Where to Get Custom Hats Made

You’ve got two options: local or overseas production.

Making Hats in the U.S.

• Fast turnaround
• Easy communication
• Good for low minimum custom hat orders
• But… it’s pricey

Working with Overseas Hat Manufacturers

• Better pricing (especially for bulk custom hats)
• Ideal for growing private label hat brands
• Takes longer to ship
• You need someone reliable

That’s where companies like JoinTop come in.

We own and operate our own factories in China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, which gives us full control over production, quality checks, and timelines — something most middlemen can’t offer. For brands that are scaling up and need real consistency, that setup makes a huge difference.

You can read more about who we are on our About page.

What’s the Minimum Order?

If you’re doing print-on-demand custom hats, you can order one. But real embroidery requires some setup — and that means minimums.

For most of our clients, 144 to 300 hats per style is a good starting point.

That works well if you’re building a streetwear brand, launching a merch line, or testing new colorways.

Here’s what working with us looks like:

1. You send us your logo and preferred hat style
2. We digitize it and make a sample
3. You approve it
4. We produce the full order
5. We ship it straight to you — sea or air, your call

It’s simple. At JoinTop, we guide you through each step, so you never feel lost.

What You Need to Get Started

We’ll walk you through everything. But here’s what helps speed things up:

• Your logo (in .AI, .EPS, or high-res PNG)
• A style you like (we can suggest options too)
• Rough quantity
• Deadline (launch, event, or drop date)
• Embroidery placement (front? side? both?)

If you’re not sure about all the details, that’s fine — just reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.

What Makes a Good Hat Manufacturer?

Honestly, anyone can say they’re a custom hat supplier. But only a few can back it up.

Here’s what to look for:

• Real experience making embroidered hats in bulk
• Sample process before production
• Clear pricing, no hidden fees
• Quality checks during and after production
• Fast, honest communication

That’s the standard we’ve set at JoinTop. You’re not just hiring a factory. You’re getting a long-term production partner who understands what brands need to grow.

If you’re creating for the streetwear space, you can also check out our dedicated streetwear hat manufacturing page — we get the look, the fit, and the trends.

Why Brands Choose JoinTop

We work with brands that care about quality, timelines, and brand consistency.

• Factories in Asia, managed directly by our team
• 10+ years in embroidered hat production
• Smooth onboarding and sampling process
• Clear answers, fast replies, no runaround

We’ve supported golf brands, streetwear drops, health & fitness labels, corporate teams — and everything in between.

Whether you’re building a premium streetwear hat collection, launching golf merch, or just looking for a custom snapback supplier, we can help.

We’ve got the machines, the people, and the experience — all under one roof.

Let’s talk about your project over on our Contact Page.