What is a Trucker Hat? All You Need to Know

Do you know that the headwear industry is expected to reach $36.34 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.47% from 2023 to 2028 (according to Mordor Intelligence)?

Looking at these incredible numbers, we can see the huge potential of these products. When it comes to headwear options, there are countless options in the market, and trucker hats are one of them. So what is a trucker hat? How to design trucker hats for print on demand? We will answer all these questions in today’s article. Keep reading till the end!

What is A Trucker Hat?

Trucker hats are a type of baseball cap that features a sturdy front and a breathable mesh back. It often has an adjustable buckle to fit any head size at the back. Originally designed as a promotional item for agricultural and trucking companies to promote their brands, trucker hats have become a popular fashion accessory over time.

Design and Features of A Trucker Hat

Trucker hats are both a convenient and fashionable accessory, designed with many outstanding features to meet both daily use and personal style needs:

• Front Structure: Reinforced with foam or cotton panels, which help the front of the hat keep its shape and stability. This area is often tagged with logos, designs, or patches.
• Mesh Back: The hat’s back is made from breathable mesh panels, which help circulate air, reduce heat, and prevent sweating in hot weather or strenuous activities.
• Adjustable Buckle: This hat is equipped with a snap buckle or adjustable strap, allowing the user to easily change the size to suit different head shapes and sizes.
• Classic Curved Brim: The curved brim design brings a classic and nostalgic beauty while helping to protect the face and eyes from the sun.
• High Dome: Unlike traditional baseball caps, the trucker hat’s crown is designed higher, creating a distinctive shape and unique style for the wearer.

History of Trucker Hats

History and evolution of trucker hats

Trucker hats are also called feed caps, mesh caps, or gimme caps. It began appearing in the 1960s in the US as a promotional item. Initially, agricultural and feed companies distributed the hat to truck drivers, farmers, and farm workers as an advertising gift.

In the 1970s and 1980s, automobile and agricultural machinery manufacturers continued to use the trucker hat as a marketing tool. With practical design and breathability, these hats became an indispensable accessory for those who worked long hours in hot weather. Gradually, it became a symbol of the American working class, factory workers, construction workers, and farmers.

The trucker hat was not just an accessory, but also a statement: “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty", and was seen as a badge of honor for the working class.

Transformation into a fashion trend

Since the early 2000s, trucker hats have gradually transformed from utilitarian items into mainstream fashion items. Celebrities and fashion icons began wearing trucker hats, turning them into a statement of personality. Besides, trucker hats appeared on magazine covers, in music videos, and in street fashion, becoming an indispensable part of popular culture.

By the mid-2000s, trucker hats had been established in both fashion and everyday life. Today, despite competition from baseball caps, trucker hats have maintained their appeal thanks to a combination of humble origins and the ability to adapt to modern trends.

Different Types of Trucker Hats

Nowadays, trucker hats are not limited to solid or color-block designs but have become more diverse thanks to print-on-demand services. Let’s explore popular trucker hat versions for print on demand.

Retro Trucker Hat | Yupoong 6606

• Features: Curved canopy, structured design, easy to adjust with snapback closure and mesh back for ventilation.
• Best for: Vintage designs or retro logos.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery, screen printing, and heat transfer.

5 Panel Trucker Cap | Yupoong 6006

• Features: Structured design, flat brim, mesh back, and convenient snapback closure.
• Best for: Bold, trendy graphics or street-style designs.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery or screen printing.

Snapback Trucker Cap | Richardson 112

• Features: Curved canopy, structured design, adjustable with snapback closure.
• Best for: Versatile designs, suitable for both casual and sporty styles.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery and patches.

Pigment-Dyed Cap | Sportsman SP510

• Features: Unstructured, low-rise design, tie-dyed for a classic, rustic look.
• Best for: Vintage, classic designs or casual, relaxed outfits.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery or heat press.

Closed-Back Trucker Cap | Flexfit 6511

• Features: Structured design, moderate curvature, elasticized waistband for a comfortable fit.
• Best for: Professional, sleek designs with a premium feel.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery.

Foam Trucker Hat | Otto Cap 39-165

• Features: Foam front, moderate rise, structured design, mesh back.
• Best for: Vibrant designs or designs that benefit from sublimation printing.
• Printing Technical Options: Sublimation, screen printing, and heat transfer.

Camouflage Trucker Hat | Otto Cap 105-1247

• Features: Structured design, moderate curvature, camouflage pattern with mesh back.
• Best for: Nature-inspired, outdoor, hunting, or military-themed designs.
• Printing Technical Options: Embroidery or patches.

The above trucker hat models are all ideal choices for you to create diverse products with personalized styles. Besides, you can create unique designs to attract customers and serve their varied needs and interests.

How to Design Trucker Hat for Print on Demand

Our all-over print trucker cap is sturdy and durable. It comes with a mesh back, sweatband, and a strong pre-curved visor to keep your head cool and dry. The adjustable snapback makes it easy to fit various head sizes. Follow these simple steps to create and sell your personalized trucker cap through Merchize’s print on demand platform.

• Customize Each Side: Use easy-to-use online design tools to customize the artwork on each side of your hat. Upload your own graphics, images, logos, or illustrations that you want to display.
• Preview Your Creation: See a digital mockup of your custom trucker hat ideas come to life. Visual tools show exactly how each design you choose will be wrapped onto the hat template before you order.
• List Your Custom Hats: Add your personalized trucker hats to e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, etc. Next, you need to connect your store to Merchize’s fulfillment system. We will fulfill orders for your exclusive designs as customers purchase them and ship them directly to the buyer.

As a print on demand seller, you can create unique designs to create your own trucker hat. Additionally, you can also set your prices to make a profit on each order sold through this print on demand model.

Trucker Hat: A Timeless Personalized Fashion Icon

Trucker hat is more than just a fashion item; it is a symbol of creativity and personal style. With its iconic design, versatile customization, and timeless appeal, the trucker hat continues to make a name for itself in the fashion world, winning the hearts of fans of all ages.

In the field of on-demand printing, trucker hats are a suitable product to explore the possibility of personalization. Its breathable mesh combined with the spacious front makes the perfect platform for creativity. Whether you want to convey a brand message, express your style, or simply create a unique fashion accessory, a trucker hat is the choice not to be missed.

More than just protection from the sun and wind, the trucker hat is a statement of individuality and difference. From retro fashion inspiration to modern designs, this hat always allows the wearer to tell their own story. Let the trucker hat be a vehicle to express style, spread inspiration, and prove that style has no limits.