What does 5-Panel mean?

The term 5-panel refers to the configuration of the sewing pattern for a cap made with five pieces of fabric sewn together (excepted for the brim). This particular configuration has two sub-types: the classic configuration and the arched configuration.

The Classic configuration

If you need something with a mid to high profile, then the classic configuration will suit you best. This shape shares many similarities with its 6-panel cousin. The main difference is that the front seam does not go all the way down to the brim so that there is effectively only one panel on the front.

Most of the time, this type of hat has a structured front panel but some variants with a mid profile have no buckram. Below is an example of a custom classic 5-panel snapback cap using this configuration:

The Arched configuration

This shape is a different 5-panel configuration also known as the jockey camper configuration. It offers a lower profile as the panels are organized differently. One advantage often touted for these hats is the lack of a top button, making them ideal to wear with auditive protections or headphones.

As with many low profile hats, 5-panel caps using the arched configuration are usually unstructured. You can see below an example of a custom classic jockey camper cap using this configuration:

To view more similar models available for customization, you can browse through the custom 5-panel caps page.