Understanding Different Headwear Fabrics

When shopping for hats, caps or hoods the headwear fabrics you choose are absolutely essential. Understanding the different textiles which are available and their advantages is vital for those who are designing this headwear for practical or promotional purposes.

Polyester

This fabric is oil based and manmade. It has multiple uses and is quite popular especially in competitive sports due to its vibrant color and high durability, and will maintain its shape even after being washed. It is breathable yet will also provide insulation. Best of all, polyester is resistant to both bacteria and mold and can be combined with yarns like cotton. It is wrinkle free and affordable, making it the textile of choice for those that intend to manufacture sportswear.

Denim

This material is much stronger and dense than standard cotton, and is most famous for its usage in jeans. However, it is also used in caps and hats and is popular due to its durability and wrinkle resistance. It hugs the body well, is eco-friendly and recyclable, and has very low maintenance requirements.

Acrylic

This synthetic textile is derived from acrylonitrile monomer. It is soft to the touch, simple to dye and will retain its shape after being worn. It is also exceptionally durable and can be machine washed while providing insulation in cold environments. This makes it the material of choice for beanies and other forms of winter wear.

Acrylic can be manufactured with multiple thicknesses and aside from beanies is also frequently used in snap backs. It is popular for headwear that must be able to stretch when needed but will resume its natural form without compromising its shape when not worn.

Cotton

This is a natural fiber which is spun into a yarn. It is arguably the most famous fabric in the world, for both headwear and clothing in general. It is soft and feels comfortable to wear, offers exceptional durability, and is extremely versatile since it can accept multiple dyes. It is also absorbent and comes in many variations which can be used during different times of the year.

For example, Chino cotton twill is ideal for spring and summer, since it is light and soft, while heavily brushed cotton is the preferred fabric for fall and winter since it provides greater density and depth. Those that want a variant which is environmentally friendly can choose organic cotton and those that need a material that will repel rain and liquid can select oiled cotton.

Wool

This natural fabric is soft and famous for its warmth, which makes it the best material for winter headwear. However, it has many other advantages, which include wrinkle resistance, hypoallergenic and resistance to mold and bacteria. It will also absorb environmental pollutants without re-emitting them.

Dust mites dislike wool because they require moisture for their survival but wool uses microscopic pores which respond well to humidity changes making it impervious to dust mite growth and development.