5-Panel vs 6-Panel Hat: Differences and Use Cases
A 5-panel and 6-panel hat have subtle differences that can affect…
If you’re a hat lover or collector, chances are you’ve never considered if you have too many hats. However, someone close to you may have questioned your hat abundance and even considered intervening. I can relate to this firsthand.
My friend’s family are generational ranchers in the panhandle of Texas. As you can imagine, he spent as much time as possible helping his granddad out in the summer sun with the cattle. Couple that with his participation in 4-H and rodeo during high school, and it seemed like he was always sporting some kind of headwear. In fact, there is scarcely a picture of him growing up without a cowboy hat or ball cap perched on his handsome head.
What I would call his obsession with hats (which he would correct me by saying the practicality of hats) didn’t end with high school, either. Looking around his house, I count no less than ten different hats waiting to be worn.
Add to that the fact that he now works in the construction industry where promotional custom hats are a dime a dozen – especially when you’re buying several thousand dollars worth of construction material in one go. Baseball caps, fitted caps, trucker hats, dad hats – you name it, and he’s got at least one lying around the house.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, the good news is that there are some pretty slick solutions to your hat storage problems.
So, here’s our top four list of what to do with old baseball caps:
1. Donate Them
You may be surprised to learn that you can donate your new or gently used ball caps to support some great causes. Of course, there’s always Salvation Army or Goodwill. But you can also give them to people battling cancer.
Another charity, Let’s Play It Forward, accepts all new and used sporting equipment – including baseball caps – to help underprivileged kids. Managers on a Mission (MOAM) also accepts all new and used sporting equipment to help disadvantaged people across the globe.
If you don’t want to go through a specific charity, contact your local hospital and ask them if they can use your gently used hats in the cancer ward. Oftentimes they are happy to take your Donations.
You may also consider giving out your hats to homeless shelters.
By donating your baseball caps, you not only get to declutter your own space but also contribute to a positive cause.
2. Store Them Creatively
If you can’t seem to part with any of your beloved hats, you may just need to think smarter and not harder when it comes to storage.
It is universally agreed upon that the stacking method doesn’t work. Just folding the hat in on itself and stacking often leads to a tumbling tower of baseball hats that does a disservice to both the caps and the cleanliness of your house.
If you don’t have enough space outside of your closet to house your hats, consider the inside of your closet. Install a shower curtain rod inside your closet, and hang your hats using the shower curtain rings threaded through the open portion in the back. It’ll look similar to the example below:
If you have a lot of fitted caps, look for shower curtain rings with a small clip at the bottom, or clip your hat to a ring using a black binder clip. That will keep your hats out of the way while ensuring they’re protected.
For those hats you wear more often, cleaning up and restoring the color before storing them is a good idea.
3. Sell Them
Depending on the quality and design of your hats, you could make a tidy profit by selling them. You might just be able to turn your love for hats into a business venture.
Collectors are always looking for autographed or vintage hats, so be sure to consider Amazon or eBay if you’re looking to sell.
Take high-quality photos to make your hats more attractive to potential buyers. Showcase interesting details like logos and embroidery. You also want to write accurate and compelling descriptions, indicating features like the material type, design, and style fit.
Here’s an example from a hat listing on Amazon:
Research similar listings so that you can offer a competitive price for your hats online.
Additionally, consignment stores like Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor often buy back name-brand hats and ball caps that have popular sports team logos and are in good condition. So, even if you’re not keen on selling yet, maintaining your hats should always be a priority.
4. Repurpose Them
Need more ideas on what to do with old baseball caps? You can always repurpose your hats to get some additional use. This works for regular designer hats as well as custom hats.
A combination of a t-shirt and hat quilt is a fantastic way to honor and highlight some of your favorite teams and events. It’s also a unique way to personalize your space.
To start, select your old baseball caps that hold sentimental value or have eye-catching logos. Carefully remove the brims from the caps, leaving the front panels intact. With their unique designs, these front panels will become additional elements for your quilt.
You can also add cut-outs from old T-shirts with unique logos. Then, arrange the cut-outs and cap panels in a visually pleasing manner on fabric backing. Ensure they overlap slightly. Afterward, you can proceed to stitch them in either manually or with a sewing machine.
Here’s one good example of a baseball cap quilt:
The very nature of the reinforced front panel might make your quilt a little stiffer than some other blankets you own, but what a neat way to upcycle!
Display your newly-designed quilt proudly on a wall or drape it over a couch or bed to add a vibrant and nostalgic touch to your home decor. It is not only a functional and cozy blanket but also a remarkable conversation starter.
Additionally, you can cut out the section with your favorite logo to make a drink cozy for game day or a rustic patch for your favorite pair of holey jeans. You can also repurpose your baseball hats into functional items like a mattress catch-all, scrap and thread holder, or hard hat birdhouse.
In Closing
Baseball caps are a popular fashion accessory. As such, it’s pretty easy to accumulate them over time. Instead of letting them collect dust or clutter your space, we’ve shared a list of what you can do with the old baseball caps in your possession.
First, you can choose to give them out, either directly to those who need them or through local foundations. You can also store them creatively to avoid clutter. If your hats are of good quality and not worn out, selling them is another good option. Finally, you can repurpose the hat into a quilt or some other functional item in your space.
With these tips, you (and your loved ones) don’t have to feel overwhelmed by caps cluttering up your living space. So feel free to use one of the above strategies to control your (practical) obsession.
Infographic
Old baseball hats can still be used in many different ways. Some of these ways may not include wearing it but will keep your baseball hats in good hands and good use. You can donate, sell, display, or reinvent it with your creativity and ingenuity. One thing is for sure, these baseball hats will not just go to waste. Learn more about it in this infographic.
