There’s a whole world of hat styles out there to choose from. Some of them are classic, like the baseball cap; others are a bit more trendy, like the bucket hat. However, one style has risen in popularity over the years, becoming a men’s style essential. This is, of course, the 5-panel hat.
Synonymous with modern street-wear aesthetics, the 5-panel hat is all about maintaining a low profile. The sleek silhouette combined with innovative technology makes this an ideal choice for those constantly on the go.
The best 5-panel hats for men serve as functional and versatile accessories to add to any wardrobe. This list breaks down some of the best offerings currently available on the market. Whether you want something to provide a bit of coverage while out in nature or just something to throw on every day, this list has you covered.
So, let’s break down a few options in your search for the best 5-panel hats for men.
Key Takeaways
To compile this list of 5-panel hats, I took a look at dozens of different choices available on the market. I considered factors such as material, size, and functionality to land on these 7 candidates.
Overall, the Wallowa Camp Hat from Tillak is one of the best 5-panel hats for men to buy right now. Another fantastic option that was designed for use outdoors is the Coal Provo Tech 5-Panel Cap.
Why it’s great: The Tillak Wallowa Camp Hat epitomizes everything that’s so great about the 5-panel hat. The lightweight nylon fabric offers a ton of versatility to wear around the city or out in nature. The adjustable snap closure makes for a cozy fit on most heads, and the water-shedding bill keeps rain out of your eyes in the toughest conditions.
Who is this for? The Wallowa Camp Hat is perfect for any man who wants to own a stylish and versatile 5-panel hat. Tillak also donates a percentage of its earnings back into the environment, making this a fitting choice for environmentalists, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This hat is available in only one size and it’s on the larger side. For the best possible fit, make sure to review the measurements of the hat before purchasing.
Head Circumference: 20.5–23.5 Inches | Material: Nylon | Colors Available: 6
Why it’s great: This 5-panel hat from COOLSOME is a budget-friendly option that still fits the bill (pun intended). The simplistic design of this cap is made with quick-dry nylon, which also offers some solid water resistance. You also have the choice between two different sizes to ensure a perfect fit, no matter the size of your head.
Who is this for? This simplistic cap is perfect for any man who wants something to get the job done without needing to shell out a ton of cash.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The nylon fabric is relatively thin, which might be considered a downside for some people. That being said, it also means that this hat is a great choice for the spring and summer seasons.
Head Circumference: 22–23.6 (Medium) 23.6–24.4 inches (Large) | Material: 100% Nylon | Colors Available: 5
Why it’s great: As the name implies, the Ciele Athletics GOCap is designed for those on the go. Both the UPF +40 protection and pliable brim ensure that this hat effectively blocks out the sun—even on the brightest days. This cap is also washable for easy cleaning and can be packed down for quick storage.
Who is this for? This is one of the best 5-panel hats for men. The premium quality makes this cap great for men seeking a bit of luxury from their headwear. The design was made to accommodate active lifestyles, but this hat can easily be worn in many other situations as well.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The reflective “Ciele” detailing on the front of the hat may begin to peel off after being washed.
Head Circumference: 22.8 Inches | Material: COOLwick Fabric | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: The DongKing 5-panel Baseball Cap is a minimalistic yet unique option on the hat market. The design is low-profile, incorporating certain elements of both a baseball cap and a standard 5-panel hat.
The nylon strap on the back helps to quickly fit this cap to your head, and the ventilation holes on each side allow for a bit of added breathability.
Who is this for? This cap is a great option for any man who wants to get the best of both worlds from a baseball cap and a 5-panel hat. It also comes in a handful of versatile colors to easily incorporate within your specific wardrobe.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since this is essentially a hybrid design, the hat has a longer bill than what you might expect from a typical 5-panel hat. This could feel awkward for some men, especially if you’re already used to a standard 5-panel hat bill.
Head Circumference: 22.3–23 Inches | Material: Cotton | Colors Available: 11
Why it’s great: Carhartt is widely acclaimed for making durable men’s clothing, which is why this Canvas Five Panel Cap is a perfect everyday option. This hat features FastDry technology to help fight odor and a built-in sweatband to keep your eyes clear.
The rugged cotton canvas of this multipanel hat makes for a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe for year-round usage.
Who is this for? This is a very simplistic hat that will work well throughout the year, making it a perfect everyday option for most men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The bill of this hat is fairly wide, which might make for an awkward fit on some people’s heads. That being said, a wider bill does help to block out as much sun from your eyes as possible.
Head Circumference: 21.3–23.6 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: The Coal Provo Tech 5-Panel Cap features a soft polyester blend that offers maximum sun protection (UPF +50 Protection). There are also several vents incorporated in both side panels, which makes this hat super breathable.
On the back, there’s a shock cord for sizing, and on the front, there’s a reflective patch for nighttime visibility. Not to mention, the EVA brim helps this hat float just in case it flies off your head while out on the water.
Who is this for? With the word “outdoor” in the name of this hat, it should be no surprise that this is a fantastic option for hikes through nature. There are also a ton of unique colors and patterns available to help you express yourself out on the trail. All of that adds up to one of the best 5-panel hats for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although there are plenty of different colorways to choose from, it also means that they might vary a bit from what is seen in the photos online.
Head Circumference: 23 Inches | Material: Polyester Blend | Colors Available: 17
Why it’s great: If you want a 5-panel hat that will help you to stand out from the crowd, then the Hatphile 5-Panel Camp Cap is a great fit. This hat is available in several unique embroidered designs, all of them with a focus on animals.
Whether it be an array of dog sketches or the words “Cat Dad” etched across your forehead, this multipanel hat will add a pop of style to pretty much any outfit.
Who is this for? This is the perfect hat for pet owners and animal lovers because of the animal-centric designs you can get.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The biggest complaint to pin on this hat is that the adjuster strap may occasionally come loose. This means that you might need to frequently readjust the hat throughout the day.
Head Circumference: 22.8 Inches | Material: Cotton | Colors Available: 6
Buying Considerations For The Best 5-Panel Hats For Men
Material
Material is an important consideration for any hat you choose to buy. The type of fabric used directly affects the level of comfort, which ultimately determines how frequently you end up wearing it.
The most common materials used for multipanel hats are nylon and cotton, with a handful of polyester options out there as well. Nylon and polyester are both super lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. That being said, these fabrics should mostly be reserved for warm weather because they lack insulation.
On the other hand, cotton is a very well-rounded fabric that can be used throughout the year while offering plenty of durability. The only downside to cotton is that it lacks many of the aforementioned benefits associated with fabrics like nylon and polyester. It might also be a good idea to look for a blend between two or more of these materials.
Size
When purchasing a hat, you also need to pay attention to size so that it fits your head properly. The upside to multipanel hats is that they are often very flexible and pliable, making them more comfortable than some rigid hats out there. This also means that they can accommodate many different head shapes and sizes.
That being said, it’s still a good idea to measure your head and review the dimensions of a hat before making your final decision. Plenty of brands offer hats in multiple sizes to make it easier to find the perfect fit for both small and large heads.
Functionality
The best 5-panel hats for men offer a ton of functionality to meet your specific needs. If you want a hat to throw on while exercising or enjoying the outdoors, then it’s a good idea to look for options with sun protection, water resistance, and breathability.
If you want something durable that can consistently be worn throughout the year, it might be better to opt for a tougher design. Not to mention, there are plenty of 5-panel hats on the market that are able to serve multiple purposes with ease.
This is a hat style designed for functionality, but it’s still a good idea to determine what you specifically want from your hat.
How We Chose
With so many great hats out there to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one for you–especially when plenty of options may fall short of your expectations. This is why it’s crucial to hold products and brands to a certain standard so you don’t end up regretting your purchase.
We’ve done the legwork here, evaluating each of the products on this list according to the criteria below.
Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a good reputation? Is it known for making high-quality men’s accessories?
Customer Reviews: Do a majority of customers stand by their purchase, or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?
Personal Experience: Have I had a positive personal experience with the product or brand in question?
Why Trust Us?
Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and diligent product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.
His reviews span everything from travel clothes to EDC essentials, which reflects a thorough understanding of what many men are searching for.
Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their style.
This blend of personal experience, customer insight, and extensive research makes Ryan’s advice on FashionBeans a valuable asset to the modern man.
Final Verdict
To quickly sum it all up, one of the best 5-panel hats for men is the Tillak Wallowa Camp Hat. This cap perfectly embodies everything that a 5-panel hat can offer you. For those who frequently find themselves out in nature, the Coal Provo Tech Outdoor 5-Panel Hat is also a great choice to keep your head protected.
FAQ
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The biggest perk 5-panel hats offer over many other types of hats is that they’re designed to be soft and pliable. The panels offer very little rigidity, which results in a hat that fits on your head like a glove. This is why 5-panel hats are perfect for physical activities like skateboarding, running, rock climbing, hiking, etc.
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Most people refer to this type of cap as a “5-panel hat” or “multi-panel hat” because these names directly reference the design. These hats consist of five total panels–typically one large panel on each side, two panels on top, and a single panel on the front.
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