If you&#;ve been following fashion over the past decade, you&#;ve probably noticed the rise of the five panel cap, as it went from cult item to style staple. And while casual observers may originally attribute this rise to the influence of hip-hop eccentrics like Odd Future, the five panel&#;s history as a street-ready must actually goes much further back. And fittingly, New York City is the key.
In its earliest incarnation, the five panel cap has nautical and military roots, where its low-profile fit and big brim offered maximum sun and glare protection in a packable, minimalist silhouette. That history of rugged utility eventually attracted New York City youth to five panel cap styles, which they began wearing in the late s, adopting both high-end designer models and less expensive army surplus versions. Coincidentally, this initial, regional five panel cap trend overlapped with a sea change in New York hip-hop, as streetwise, intellectual rappers like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan overtook older acts with their fresh take on the genre. Along with smart, gritty lyrics, these artists also wore New York City&#;s fashion trends of the day, which included Timberlands, preppy designer goods, military fatigues, camouflage, and five panel caps. As these artists took over radio, MTV, and eventually even film, they spread their distinct take on fashion across the globe, exposing people worldwide to five panel caps.
Skateboarders were one group who found this new hip-hop and its style irresistible, adopting the five panel cap as a skate-world must-have, where it remained until it was eventually picked up by a growing streetwear scene in the late s. In the following two decades, streetwear only got bigger, eventually overlapping with high fashion, which only propelled the scene&#;s favorite cap&#;the five panel&#;to new heights, where it remains to this day.
And, as a New York brand, O.N.S has been proud to incorporate the storied five panel cap into our collaboration with Brooklyn artist Mike Perry, where we&#;re currently offering four different versions adorned with his unique illustrations, offering a little something for everyone.
The 5-panel hat has remained a quintessential accessory for decades, and with good reason. It&#;s appropriate for a variety of settings, both formal and casual, and despite how quickly fashion trends change, this particular cap has remained a firm favorite throughout the years.
In this short guide, we&#;ll take you through everything you need to know about 5-panel hats, including their origins and why they&#;ve remained so enduringly popular. Let&#;s dive in!
It&#;s hard to pinpoint precisely when 5-panel hats first hit the scene, but hat enthusiasts generally accept that they gained prominence in the 80s and 90s. They joined the snapback as one of the most popular accessories of the time and have remained that way ever since, but there are some distinct differences between the styles worth noting.
First, 5-panel hats tend to be less showy than snapbacks. Snapbacks generally feature a large, singular front panel exhibiting a bold design or some embroidered statement or brand name. Snapbacks are far from subtle. The 5-panel hat, on the other hand, offers a softer design while adding another layer of style to your overall outfit.
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They&#;re also made from a softer material, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods, and can be folded easily for travel. They provide adequate protection from the sun and are highly durable, all with a reasonable price tag attached. As we said in the intro, it&#;s not hard to see why the 5-panel hat became such a staple.
Although the answer to this question may seem painfully obvious, the difference is fairly significant. Of course, as the names suggest, the key difference between a 5-panel hat and a 6-panel hat is the addition of a further panel. However, this seemingly small distinction changes the entire structure of the hat, potentially affecting their comfort level.
Generally speaking, a 5-panel hat will feature 1 panel on either side, 2 panels toward the back, and one larger front panel. On a 6-panel hat, you&#;ll find a panel on each side, 2 back panels, and a further 2 panels along the front. Since 5-panel hats feature no seam down the middle of their front panel, they are often the preferred choice for bold, uninterrupted designs.
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Get Started TrustpilotAs we&#;ve mentioned above, there are multiple reasons why 5-panel hats remain so popular. They&#;re comfortable, practical, and appropriate in numerous settings. Unlike bolder hats (such as snapbacks), 5-panel hats don&#;t take over your outfit. They&#;re complementary, meaning they can be worked into casual and formal outfits alike, especially when customized accordingly. The possibilities are near endless.
Panels refer to triangular pieces of fabric sewn together to form the hat itself. They are separated by seams of varying thickness and often meet at a central point atop the hat or towards the back. The more panels a hat possesses, the more seams will appear in its design.
The 5-panel hat may have been around since the 80s, but it shows no sign of losing popularity any time soon, and we completely understand why. They&#;re versatile, comfortable, and useful. Also, with the right innovation and design inspiration, they can be worked into almost any outfit. Accessories can make a big difference to your overall look, so don&#;t miss out on an opportunity for eye-catching creativity.
Create your own custom 5-panel hat with The/Studio today!
The company is the world’s best custom 5 panel hats supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.