Key Differences Between Dad Hats And Snapbacks

Have you been shopping for baseball caps and are now experiencing a bit of confusion as to the difference between dad hats and snapbacks?

With a wide flat brim and six panels, the snapback is a popular style of baseball cap. On the back of the hat, there is an adjustable strap, which gives it a perfect fit for most heads. It's pretty much a "one-size-fits-all". Created for youngsters who love style, this cap is an icon. On the peak, more times than not, there will be a sticker, making this type of hat very recognizable. Individual stickers are created by fashion brands.

With a considerably looser fit and five panels, the dad hat has many things in common with your basic baseball cap. The five panels do set it aside somewhat. Also different is the rear closure. While still adjustable, these can be made from Velcro or have a metal closure.

Let's expound on some of the differences between these two hats.

Design

The design of the snapback is more or less one that screams "in-your-face". With a detailed embroidery design, a more subtle hat is the dad hat. The two styles are completely different, even though non-hat wearers may have a hard time detecting them.

Possibly most recognizable, even when brand-new, the dad hat looks worn, comfy, and broken in.

Wearability

Not surprisingly, people who wear "dad hats" the most are… Dads. These hats are vintage. Fitting most everybody, one of the never-ending trends for hats is the dad hat.

Adopted in no uncertain terms by the hip-hop scene, baseball games were once where snapbacks were typically seen. Eventually, they were also embraced by the EDM scene (electric dance music).

Fashion tip: Both the cap itself and the print on it must be exceedingly visible if you choose to wear a snapback.

Sticker

Earlier, we mentioned this sticker. On the snapback, it is an absolute must-have. The authenticity of a snapback is indicated by the official Merchandise Essentials sticker.

While not the entire essence of the cap, you may also find dad hats with stickers on them. It's just not the same.

Closure

Also referred to earlier, the rear closures on these two hats differ. A metallic or Velcro closure is on the dad hat while plastic snap-together straps are used on the rear of the snapback. This is pretty much where they get their name. Both are "one-size-fits-all", thanks to their adjustable closures.

Panels

The number of panels was also referred to at the beginning of this blog. Panels are not pre-shaped but, rather, are soft on the dad hat. On the snapback, the front panel is hard and pre-shaped.

Brim

There is a pre-shaped, round brim on dad hats, while the snapback’s brim is flat.

Angle

If you look closely at these two hats side-by-side, you'll see that they each have a different shape. Between the brim and the cap of the snapback, there is about a 90° angle. The snapback's front panel is extremely visible.

On the other hand, there's more of a gradual angle involved with the dad hats. Compared to the snapback, it doesn't look quite as "big".

Looking to Buy a Hat?

At Hat Heaven, we carry an array of both dad hats and snapbacks. We also carry a large selection of fitted caps. No matter the baseball style cap you’re looking for, we’ve got it here. Shop at Hat Heaven today!