To some customers, the only difference between custom caps embroidered here in the US and caps embroidered overseas is just where they are made. In reality, there 5 very big differences that potential custom hat buyers should be aware of.

1)Time-frame. Custom hats embroidered here in the US can be done in just 3-5 production days after artwork approval. Hats embroidered overseas can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 weeks depending on the company you choose and the complexity of the design. The reason that US caps are embroidered so quickly is because the blank cap is already here in our warehouse ready to embroider. We just pull the style the customer ordered and then embroider the logo on them. The finished caps then ship domestically to the client’s location. Overseas caps, on the other hand, are made to order. There are no stock blank caps and the entire cap needs to be built, sewn together and then embroidered. The finished caps are then shipped from overseas to the US, where they are then repacked and shipped to the client.

2) Embroidery options. The standard embroidery location options for US embroidered caps are the front (4.5″x2.5″ max size), back over the cap hole (4″x2″ max size), and sides (4″x2″ size). Embroidery on the strap or bill of the cap is not possible on US embroidered caps. Overseas caps can be completely customized because they are built from scratch. Because the cap is not already built we are able to embroider on the flat pieces of fabric before they are assembled, allowing us to add embroider to the bill, back strap and any other area of the cap. It also allows for us to make the embroidery size much large and possibly even flow from the bill up onto the front of the cap and around the side.

3) Minimum order quantity. Because the US embroidered caps are held in stock, the minimums are usually much lower than fully customized overseas caps. Average minimum order quantity for US embroidered baseball hats are 48-72 while the average minimum quantity for overseas caps are 144-288 quantity.

4) Screen print plus embroidery. Many designs that customers want added to a baseball hat are very complicated. Sometimes they are so complicated that the details are not able to be embroidered clearly. The best way to combat this issue is with a combination of embroidery and screen printing. We would embroider any of the large easy to stitch parts of the design and then screen print any of the small detailed areas. This combination process is only available with the overseas caps.

5) Other customizations. Overseas hats have a large number of additional options available that US embroidered caps do not. Options include sandwich bill printing, private labels, custom buckles, woven labels, custom fabric patterns, imprinted taped seams or sweatbands and custom cut fabric for the panels of the hat.

Knowing these main differences will be vital in choosing between custom hats embroidered in the US or completely customized hats made overseas.

Author Bio: Dan Arakawa operates the Arakawa Custom Cap Company. They embroider custom hats including custom Flex Fit hats and custom baseball hats for over 12 years. View hundreds of styles available in stock and ready to ship in just 3-5 business days.

Category: Arts and Crafts
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