Baseball Caps – The Classic
The most well-known cap: the baseball cap. Originally worn by the New York Yankees in the 1840s, it has become a global staple. It features a curved brim and a mid-height, rounded profile. Unlike the dad hat, the front panel is reinforced to help the cap maintain its shape. Closure options range from snapback and strapback to stretch fit. The brand New Era refers to its classic baseball caps as 9Forty, and the term basecap is often used as a general name for all brimmed caps.

Snapback Caps – The DNA of NEBELKIND
Snapbacks, along with baseball caps, are among the most popular cap styles. Originally, the term referred only to the snap closure, but today it represents an entire cap style. Typical features include a flat or slightly curved brim, which NEBELKIND interprets as a "flat-brim with slight curvature." The snapback also has a high profile, with the front panel almost vertical to the brim. Despite varying closures, the classic snapback closure remains a hallmark. A signature detail is the silver or gold hologram sticker – always included with every NEBELKIND cap. The snapback gained mainstream popularity in the late '90s and early 2000s, particularly in the hip-hop scene in Germany and Europe. Today, it’s more than just a trend – it's a true lifestyle product and a statement with character.

Image: Barbed Wire, Berlin and Classy Snapback Cap

Trucker Caps – Iconic with Mesh
Trucker caps originally started as promotional giveaways but have since become a cultural icon, appearing in many collections. They combine a reinforced foam front with a breathable mesh back. While some people love them and others debate their place, every cap style has its own appeal. At NEBELKIND, we don’t get involved in that debate – trucker caps have their rightful place, but they’re not part of our core collection, which is why we don’t traditionally offer them. They’re typically characterized by a snapback closure, a highly curved brim (though sometimes flat), and a high, structured profile that sets them apart from classic baseball caps.

5-Panel vs. 6-Panel Caps
A panel refers to a single piece of fabric in the crown of the cap. These panels are often sewn together like slices of a pie, though that’s not always the case. A key difference lies in the crown construction. 5-panel caps are made from five individual fabric pieces, while 6-panel caps consist of six panels.

Dad Caps – Casual & Shapable
Dad caps are reminiscent of classic baseball caps but feature an unstructured, soft front for a relaxed look. They maintain their shape even when packed and usually have a curved brim. The name comes from "dads" who wore their caps until they fit just right – a trend that continues to this day.

Image: Dad Cap black and bordeaux

Sunvisor Caps – Airy Sun Protection
Once known as "sun shields," sunvisor caps combine practicality with style. Featuring a hook-and-loop closure and a curved brim, they offer optimal protection. In addition to fabric options, they’re also available with (semi)transparent plastic brims – a trend that gained popularity in the 80s.

Military Caps – Also Known as Army Caps
Military caps, often referred to as army caps, are characterized by a distinctive cylindrical shape with a flat top and slightly curved brim. Originally from the military, they are now sought after as a fashion accessory. The soft, unreinforced front allows for easy storage. Typical colors include military green, sandy tones, or earth colors. They are also known by names like Cuba cap, Jailhouse cap, or cadet hat.

Strapback Caps – Flexibly Adjustable
Strapback caps feature a strap closure that allows for continuous size adjustment. In fact, this isn’t a distinct cap style, but rather a closure option used on various cap types – whether baseball caps, trucker caps, or caps with a high crown. At NEBELKIND, we consciously offer both the classic snapback and strapback options.

Docker Caps – No Brim, Full of Style
Docker caps resemble a baseball cap with a strapback closure from the back, but they forgo the brim. Instead, they feature a distinctive band and have a beanie-like appearance from the front. The trend of wearing short hats that leave the ears exposed (Helixing) makes docker caps a unique style element.

Closure Label
The closure often features a small brand label that adds extra flair to the cap. This detail enhances the feeling of wearing a high-quality, well-designed cap.

Inner Tag
The inner tag contains important manufacturer information and material details. It ensures you can properly care for the cap and helps maintain its durability, ensuring it doesn’t lose quality over time.

Sweatband
The sweatband ensures a comfortable fit and helps wick away sweat. It is usually in black or a contrasting color, adding both functionality and style to the cap.

Inner Taping
The hidden inner taping strips conceal the seams and provide extra stability to the cap. They are often printed with logos or slogans, contributing to the brand identity.

Inner Lining
The inner lining is often made of lightweight satin material that covers the panels. It not only enhances the overall appearance, giving the cap a more premium look but also ensures a comfortable fit.

Flat Brim
The flat brim is typical of snapback caps and is considered their signature feature. At NEBELKIND, we’ve deliberately chosen a flat brim with a slight curvature.

Curved Brim
A curved brim is typical of various cap styles, especially trucker caps and baseball caps, where the curvature is most pronounced.

Shape and Material of the Brim

Shape: The shape of the cap brim determines the overall look. Rounded brims give a classic old-school style, while square brims with their sharp edges represent a modern new-school style. The brim depth also varies – whether short or long, it’s a matter of personal taste. A special highlight is the sandwich brim, where an additional layer is inserted between the top and bottom of the brim. This layer can be in a contrasting color or feature logos and text, creating a high-quality, harmonious look.

Material: Cardboard is sensitive to moisture, loses its shape quickly, and cannot be washed, limiting its durability. In contrast, plastic is durable, flexible, and can be molded into different shapes without losing stability.

Profile Variants of the Cap Brim

High Profiles stand almost at a right angle to the brim, giving the cap a bold, striking appearance. They are especially typical for snapbacks, offering a prominent and edgy look.

Flat Profiles slope sharply backward, providing a relaxed, laid-back look. They are characteristic of dad caps and convey an effortless, casual aesthetic.

Medium Profiles offer a balanced, streamlined appearance. They are the classic choice for baseball caps, combining sporty design with comfortable wear.

Snapback
The snapback features a plastic strap with buttons and holes that allow for step-by-step adjustment. Often, the strap is accentuated with contrasting colors or unique dot patterns. (Fig. 1)

Strapback
Allows for continuous size adjustment, as it is equipped with a flexible band that easily adapts to individual head measurements, ensuring optimal comfort. (Fig. 2)

Velcro Closure (Velcro®)
Practical, but hair may get caught. (Fig. 3)

D-Fit®
Velcro strap with a D-ring for a secure fit. (Fig. 4)

Tri-Glide
Sliding buckle for flexible adjustment. (Fig. 5)

Buckle
Metal clasp with hidden strap. (Fig. 6)

Plastic Clip
Backpack closure for an urban style.

Full Caps Fitted & Stretch-Fit
Full caps are not adjustable as they do not require a closure. There are two differences: Fitted caps have fixed sizes that need to be measured exactly. Stretch-Fit caps (Flex-Caps) feature a flexible band that provides a better fit (e.g., Flexfit by Yupoong). The advantage is that full caps offer more space for embroidery, prints, or patches due to the absence of a closure.

NEBELKIND relies exclusively on adjustable closures and therefore does not include full caps in its collection.

3D Embroidery
This technique makes designs appear raised. A special foam under the threads creates the distinctive, bold look.

2D Embroidery
The classic technique where the design is stitched flat onto the fabric. It is commonly used on the sides or the back of caps.

Brim Print
Brim printing is a digital printing process that precisely applies patterns or images to the top or underside of the cap brim.

Patches
Patches can be printed, embroidered, embossed, or laser-cut – made from fabric, leather, or even metal, and are either sewn or glued onto the cap.

Materials & Finish:
Caps are made from various fabrics, each differing in texture, functionality, and appearance.

▪️Cotton
Soft, lightweight, and breathable, but prone to lint and sweat stains.

▪️Polyester
Shape-retaining, wrinkle-resistant, and lightfast, but less breathable.

▪️Nylon
Durable, water-repellent, wrinkle-free, and often with a slight sheen – ideal for sweat-intensive activities. Some bestsellers like Barbed Wire, Pixel1, and Pixel2 are specifically made from nylon.

▪️Suede (Velvet Leather Look)
A synthetic, animal-free alternative made from polyester that is soft, elegant, and high-quality – often used in the brim area. The small details that make each cap unique.