18. april 2026/2 min. læsning
Rep Headwear: Caps, Beanies, and the Embroidery Test
Rep caps and beanies are the cheapest entry into streetwear reps but quality varies. A 2026 guide to embroidery quality and brand picks.
Rep headwear is the cheapest category to experiment with. A starter cap runs $25-50 landed. Quality variance is mostly driven by embroidery — the single most visible quality marker on any branded hat.
Browse current listings in headwear category.
Embroidery — the single most important check
Retail headwear uses high-density embroidery: 3D raised logos, correct thread count, proper color saturation.
- A-tier reps: dense, raised embroidery matching retail on detail areas
- B-tier reps: embroidery looks flat or thin
- C-tier reps: logo appears printed or iron-on (not in our catalog)
Popular brands and coverage
High coverage
- New Era × various MLB/NFL teams (generic, widespread)
- Supreme 6-panel
- Stussy bucket hats
- Carhartt beanies
- NYY / LAD caps with various label collabs
Medium coverage
- Travis Scott × Cactus Jack caps
- Kith
- Palace
Lower coverage
- High-fashion brand headwear (Dior, Gucci caps)
QC checklist
- Embroidery density — 3D raised logo if retail is 3D
- Thread color accuracy — especially multi-color logos
- Panel alignment — seams straight
- Closure mechanism (snapback, strapback, fitted) — hardware correct
- Interior label — printed/woven per retail spec
- Brim shape — flat brim is flat, not warped from packing
Sizing
- Snapback: adjustable, universal fit
- Fitted (7 1/4, 7 3/8 etc.): sized by head circumference
- Strapback: mildly adjustable
- Beanies: stretch, generally universal
Reps follow retail sizing typically.
Pricing benchmarks
| Piece | Seller-level CNY | Landed USD |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme cap | 90-150 | $24-40 |
| New Era MLB with brand collab | 70-130 | $19-35 |
| Travis Scott × Cactus Jack cap | 120-200 | $32-52 |
| Carhartt beanie | 60-110 | $17-30 |
Agent picks
- Any T1 agent works fine for headwear — small parcel, simple flow
- Kakobuy default recommendation
Shipping
Headwear is small and lightweight. Can consolidate 5-10 pieces in a single parcel under 2kg without issue. Great for bulk orders.
Care
- Avoid machine wash (warps brim)
- Hand wash or spot clean
- Shape dry (don't tumble)
- For wool beanies: hand wash cold, flat dry
Common QC issues
- Logo embroidery too flat — reject
- Panel alignment off — reject
- Brim warped from packing (can be reshaped with steam)
- Wrong closure hardware (snapback vs adjustable strap)
Frequently asked
Are rep snapback caps comfortable?
A-tier yes. Fabric and closure quality matches retail.
Do rep caps have correct size stickers?
A-tier yes. Size stickers are cosmetic and commonly included.
Can I wash rep beanies?
Hand wash cold, flat dry. Same as retail wool care.
What's the best starter rep headwear?
Supreme 6-panel or Carhartt beanie — both widely available, good A-tier coverage.
Do rep caps include interior tags with washing instructions?
A-tier yes. Interior satin tag with brand and care instructions is standard.
Browse current headwear listings on the headwear page. Pair with the hoodies/t-shirts guide for full streetwear outfitting.