Think hats are just for sports teams and streetwear brands? Think again.

When most people think of custom hats, they picture team merch or big events—but in reality, some of the most creative and successful custom hat ideas are coming from the most unexpected places.

At Shirts in Bulk, we’ve seen blank hats become a low-cost, high-impact merch item across a wide range of businesses.

Here are five that might surprise you—and inspire your next order.

From clever sayings like “Whisk Taker” and “Caffeine & Kindness” to minimalist logo embroidery, local cafes and bakeries are using hats to turn customers into walking brand ambassadors. They’re perfect for staff uniforms, gift shop shelves, or seasonal launches.

Pro tip: Pair your hats with blank aprons or tees for a cozy, cohesive in-store look.

We also offer blank aprons—perfect for pairing with hats for a coordinated, professional look.

You wouldn’t think a zen, low-key yoga brand would go for headwear—but they are, and customers love it. Lightweight blank dad hats or performance caps work well post-workout or for that earthy, on-the-go vibe.

Style tip: Stick with calming colors—sage, charcoal, blush—for peaceful, wearable merch.

Whether it’s “Loyal & Loved” or a simple embroidered paw print, pet brands are having fun with headwear. Pet parents love subtle, stylish gear that shows off their animal-loving hearts. Hats also make great gifts-with-purchase or loyalty rewards.

Pro tip: Trucker hats are breathable and ideal for customers who love long walks with their pups.

We’ve seen indie bookstores and even small-town libraries order hats with literary quotes or custom patches. A well-placed “Plot Twist” hat? Instant conversation starter at the check-out line or book club.

Pro tip: Embroider a short quote or iconic symbol from a classic novel—it turns your merch into a collector’s piece.

This one’s more practical: hats offer sun protection for crews out in the field—and they boost brand visibility on every job site. Embroidered hats are tough, professional-looking, and super affordable when bought in bulk.

Bonus tip: Uniform hats make your team instantly recognizable—great for customer trust and word-of-mouth referrals.

If you’re not offering hats yet, now’s the time to think outside the box (or the cap). Blank hats are easy to customize, lightweight to ship, and surprisingly versatile across industries. Want help choosing the right style? We’ve got options—dad hats, trucker caps, snapbacks, and more—ready to ship in bulk.

And don’t forget: we also offer blank aprons—a natural upsell for food businesses, artists, and makers.

Need help getting started?

Shoot us a message or check out our blank hats collection to see what’s trending now.