What’s Trending in 2026: Custom Hats & Apparel + Styling Tips
Explore the latest hat trends from seasonal styles to patch and embroidered details, plus tips for including Pantone’s Color of the Year in your custom gear.
Written By: Amy
January 6, 2026
Ready to level up your team’s look in 2026? You’re in the right spot. Custom hats and apparel with patches and direct embroidery are constantly evolving and we’re not keeping the trends we are seeing a secret! From sleek minimalism to subtle camo to vintage vibes, customization lets you add personality and purpose to everything you wear.
We’re breaking down all the biggest hat and apparel trends for 2026, plus how to style the Pantone Color of the Year like a pro. Get inspired, get creative, and get ready. When you’re done reading, reach out and your CPH designer will help you create something fresh for the new year!
Top Winter Hat Trends
A Cold-Weather Spin on the Iconic Richardson 112
Trucker hats are popular for a reason. They’re versatile, iconic, and basically the perfect blank canvas for customizations. If you already know the ins and outs of this classic style (and if you don’t, check out our Ultimate Guide to Trucker Hats), then you know one of its biggest perks is breathability. That mesh back keeps things cool in warm weather…but it can also make winter a little too breezy.
That’s why we were so excited when our friends at Richardson released the R112LN lined trucker. It is similar to the classic Richardson 112, but upgrades everything for colder months: a heavier twill exterior, a soft and cozy corduroy lining, and closed eyelets to capture heat. It’s comfortable and warm while still being in the same trucker hat family that everyone loves.
Richardson 112LN in Ice Grey with a woven clip label and in black with an offset woven patch
For the perfect finishing touch, we love this custom R112LN hat in Autumn Brown/Black with a leather patch. And don’t forget a winter ready hoodie!
Customer Favorites & Fresh Picks for Custom Beanies
If you love the classic warmth of beanies like the Sportsman SP12, the Richardson 146 or the Carhartt Watch Cap, you’re in good company. They’re customer favorites for a reason. But if you’re looking to switch things up, the new Grand Recycled Beanie with a Pom from LOCALE (aka the GRNDSR) is a cool throwback option to consider.
Beanies from left to right: Richardson R146 with flat woven label, Carhartt Watch Cap with embroidered patch, SP12 with PVC patch and Locale GRNDSR with suede clip label
These new LOCALE beanies come in nature-inspired colorways with knit trees and mountains, so they already feel like an adventure. The double-knit construction adds extra warmth and the 100% PET yarn (made from recycled plastic!) gives them that perfect mix of soft and strong with an eco-conscious edge.
Plus, the solid cuff is just right for adding a subtle patch or clip label that pops against the multicolor knit. Cozy, eco-friendly, and great for custom branding? It sounds un-beanie-lievable, but it’s true!
Cold days call for cool beanies. Check out all 10 colors of the LOCALE Grand Recycled Beanie here.
Custom Patch Hats Straight from the Sidelines
Whether your fantasy football season is thriving or you’re manifesting next year’s draft picks, we always have our eye on something not related to the stats: the NFL sideline hats and gear. And the trend we kept spotting? Small PVC patches in clean, monochromatic tones that match or complement the hat color. It’s understated, it’s polished, and it’s the perfect inspiration for your next custom PVC patch hat.
Hats from left to right: 1010 Hats R615 with PVC patch, black camo New Era NE407 with black leather patch, New Era NE404 with offset embroidered patch, and New Era NE501 with PVC patch.
Built for layering. Pair your performance hat with a hoodie and the classic Carhartt Duck Detroit Jacket.
If you want that on-field vibe, we recommend custom New Era hats like the NE501 or the sleek performance hat options from 1010 Hats. With their perforated back panels, they’re comfortable for both winter and summer sports, making it a versatile pick for any season.
Speaking of summer…
Top Summer Hat Trends
Subtle Style Meets Summer Comfort
Summer has an easygoing vibe, and your gear can match. Start with an unstructured dad hat and keep the decoration clean and simple. Monochromatic direct embroidery adds just a hint of dimension with thicker thread, giving your design a refined, relaxed look. Keeping the thread in the same color family as the hat or apparel makes it feel effortless—and if you want a hand picking the perfect tone-on-tone combo, your CPH designer’s got you.
Richardson R55 in Charcoal with light grey direct embroidery, MegaCap 8030B straw hat with frayed embroidered patch and Nomadix Original Towel in Poolside Navy
Heading to the pool or beach? Try a laid-back unstructured dad hat like the Legacy OFA or the USA Made dad hat from Royal Apparel. The Imperial X210P keeps you dry with moisture-wicking fabric, UPF50+ sun protection, and 100% recycled polyester. Pair these hats with a quick-drying, sand-resistant Nomadix towel made from 90/10 post-consumer recycled polyester and nylon. This towel also comes in a smaller size that’s perfect for golf, tennis, pickleball, yoga, or tossing in your bag for any everyday adventure.
Sun-Ready Style: Our Custom Lifeguard Hat Picks
If you prefer a bit more sun protection, we’ve got you covered with custom straw lifeguard hats. Go classic with no fabric lining under the brim and let your patch steal the show, or go bold with a solid color, camo, or floral underbill. We’re loving the gender-neutral floral pattern options on the MegaCap 8030B, or you can go incognito with the old-school or Mossy Oak Bottomland camo of the Lost Hat Co Natty Wake. Take a closer look at these wide-brim styles and find the right fit for your next custom order.
All-season versatility with summer-ready style. The Imperial X210P with a flat woven label.
Built for bright days. The MegaCap 8030B straw hat is available in four unique floral patterns.
2026 Pattern and Design Trends:
Add a Touch of Camo
Camo is blaze-orange hot right now, but if you’re not ready to go all in with full camouflage hats and apparel, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun, subtle ways to work camo into your merch designs. Lately, we’re seeing it show up as part of the patch itself or as an accent on hats, apparel and bags where solid neutral (and your patch!) still take center stage. It’s a simple way to give your gear an edge while keeping your overall look clean and polished.
Hats include: NE407 Black Camo with back clip label, OttoCap 39-165 in Blaze Camo with sublimated + embroidered patch, DriDuck 3091 in Saddle/Duck Camo with woven patch, R112PM Loden/Green Camo Mesh with embroidered patch, Lost Hat Co. Ea5y Hybrid Greenleaf with printed TPU applique.
Small Patch Styling
If you want a minimal look with maximum impact, go small. A downsized patch, especially one that’s slightly offset on the front, instantly gives your hats a modern, intentional vibe. And there’s another bonus. Smaller decorations can have you thinking beyond hats. You can use the same patch size/design on your whole lineup: bags, blankets, aprons, jackets. It’s an easy way to bundle everything together and score our sweet bulk discounts.
Comfort Colors Pocket Tee and Port Authority Denim Apron with matching flat woven labels
Reprime denim tote bag, Nomadix fanny pack, R256 rope hat, R146 beanie and Atlantis beanie with matching flat woven labels
Minimal Design, Bold Statement
Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring. The right font, color combo, or patch shape can take your design to the next level. Want a vintage vibe? A simple cursive font works wonders. You can also try contrasting colors on the crown and bill for subtle flair.
When it comes to patch shapes, we’d like to encourage you to think outside the rectangle: hexagons, shields, diamonds, even a simple arch at the top can make a big impact. Our personal favorite? The retro tapered arch like the Troyer Electric example below is classic, stylish, and just a little unexpected. Check out the patch shapes pictured below and let your CPH designer know which one catches your eye.
R256 rope hats with direct embroidery matching the rope color
Custom patch shape options to add personality to your hats
Patch Texture and Material Contrast Trends
Simple embroidered text layered over a printed photo using our sublimated + embroidered patch style can take a basic design to the next level. Puff embroidery, either directly on the hat or on your patch, adds dimension and makes even simple graphics or text stand out.
Want a touch of texture? A wooly embroidered patch with a soft, fuzzy background brings subtle depth. Simple embroidered patch designs can include a distressed, frayed edge for added texture. Metallic TPU applique can also be added to a twill fabric patch to create a striking contrast between its smooth rubber/plastic finish and the texture of twill fabric background. Felt can also be added to circular woven patches to mimic a look you might see on the golf course. Individually, these details are quiet but together, they give your minimal design a bold, stylish impact.
Patch styles featured: puff embroidered patch, woven + embroidered, metallic TPU + twill, wooly embroidered, woven + felt, frayed edge embroidered, sublimated + embroidered
Pantone Color of the Year 2026: Fresh Start with Cloud Dancer
Every December, Pantone announces its Color of the Year after months of trend spotting and research. For 2026, they landed on a bold and unexpected choice: Cloud Dancer, a soft, airy white meant to signal a fresh start. Pantone released several color palettes to spark inspiration, and we’ve created our own easy-to-use interpretation to help you bring it into your custom designs.
Versatile Base for Any Design
Subtle is its strength. We see Cloud Dancer as a versatile cream off-white base that pairs with nearly any design. Use it as a blank canvas for bold, contrasting logo colors, or keep it clean with white-on-cream details for a fresh, modern, intentional look. Hat and apparel brands are already embracing natural cream tones, making it simple to incorporate into your lineup.
R112 in Mink Beige/Charcoal/Amber Gold with woven patch
OttoCap 31-069 in Natural/Red with woven patch
Lost Hat Co Goat Rope in Cream with stamped leather patch
Fresh Hat and Apparel Picks
Here are a few standout options worth considering. District crewneck sweatshirts in Oatmeal and hoodies in Gardenia offers a clean, neutral base that is easy to wear and even easier to brand. For a more premium layer, The North Face women’s full-zip fleece in Gardenia White/Gravel delivers versatility with a polished feel. Cotopaxi’s Amado fleece, available as a vest or men’s and women’s half-zip styles, works especially well when outfitting teams with mixed preferences. Bonus points if your logo matches the sky-blue fjord color for a little extra pop.
Different styles. One consistent look. Cotopaxi Amado Fleece vest in Cream/Fjord and The North Face women’s full-zip fleece in Gardenia White/Gravel with direct embroidery.
On the hat side, the Otto Cap 31‑069 in natural color combos is a classic choice. We’re also loving the new 5‑panel Gramps R356 from Richardson, available in cream hats with contrasting bill options. Feeling ready for clear skies? Try the light denim bill to lift your look above the clouds. The R356 is a hot new drop, and preorders open in January. Connect with your CPH designer to reserve yours and stay ahead of the trend.
Cream color hat options from Richardson, Lost Hat Co, and OttoCap
The Imperial X210P Performance Cap in Macaroon with a PVC patch
If this year’s Color of the Year isn’t your vibe, no worries! Every hat and apparel pick we mentioned comes in other color options. Just ask your designer and they’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Take Inspiration for Your Next Custom Design
At Custom Patch Hats, we’re all about helping you create gear people actually want to wear. With so many fun trends in play, there’s bound to be something to spark your next idea. Here’s a quick snapshot to keep the inspiration flowing. Lots of these are timeless trends we anticipate extending past this year even.
- Seasonal styles: Lined truckers and cozy beanies for cooler weather, plus unstructured summer hats, performance caps, and straw lifeguard hats to stay relaxed and ready for the season.
- Small-but-mighty details: Small patches and tone-on-tone hat and decoration combos that make a subtle impact.
- Pattern pops: Minimalist fonts, subtle camo accents, and bold crown-to-bill color contrasts to really highlight your brand.
- Creative patch shapes: Hexagons, shields, diamonds, and retro tapered arches with textured options to add depth and dimension.
- Color moments: Use trending shades and color combos like Cloud Dancer cream with white accents and subtle pops of color to make your designs truly stand out.
We get it: endless possibilities are exciting…but they can also feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in! Every client at Custom Patch Hats gets paired with a friendly, knowledgeable designer who can help bring your vision to life. They know what works, can guide you through the options, and can take inspiration from anything that caught your eye in this post.
Photos by Ari, Josh, & Amy
