The Dopest Hat Style On Trend (According To Gen Z Consumers)

A ton of studies have been circling the internet educating us on the next wave of consumers, Generation Z. As a design agency, we pride ourselves on the research and analysis we put forth when it comes to upcoming trends and demographic preferences to ensure our clients' promotional products are always on point, which is why we decided to chat with a group of Gen Z teens to hear from the source themselves.

After diving into a variety of categories, from brands they love, the music they jam to, snacks they can't live without, and even their celebrity crushes, one overwhelming takeaway was their hat style of choice: the five-panel hat.

It's All About The 5-Panel

Also commonly referred to as the "camper" or "camp cap," this stylish piece of headwear is essential to the Gen Z wardrobe. Constructed out of five panels instead of the traditional six, this hat style looks a bit unstructured, giving off a more casual vibe.

While this trend originally caught on in the early 2000s with Supreme, a wildly popular New York-based retail brand, the five-panel hat has recently picked up a ton of buzz among this younger demographic. Big-name retailers have began adding this piece to their collections, though, according to our sources, it's not so much about the popularity of the brand that they are concerned with but rather the design of the hat that catches their eye.

Check out five of our favorite five-panels we've designed for our clients (and one of our own!) to see what all the buzz is about.

1. Kind Designs Topo Camper

2. Slip Stream Sports 5-Panel

3. Upright Cyclist Camp Cap

4. STS9 Tribal 5-Panel

5. Anthem Branding Camper

After chatting with a group of teens about their favorite trends, the verdict is in: Generation Z is obsessed with the camper hat. If your business is looking to connect with the next generation of consumers, adding this key custom headwear piece to your brand's merchandise will help you reach your goals. Our branding experts can help with a design that is unique to the essence of your brand while resonating with your target audience. Let's create something together.