o keep students excited and engaged, colleges can create and sell unique and stylish merch, like hats, in their bookstores. As a distributor or printer, you should encourage your university clients to offer fun gear drops throughout the year, the way streetwear brands use merch to create buzz and anticipation around new styles or designs. These limited-edition releases can turn ordinary college gear into must-have fashion statements!
Check out five of our favorite stand-out hat styles and help your college clients offer students fresh and trendy options. These hats go beyond the usual and will carry them through all four seasons of adventures on and off campus.
Groovy Colors Galore
The tie-dye craze is still going strong thanks to its eye-catching patterns that spark a fun and nostalgic vibe. College students love tie-dye because it offers a unique way to express individuality and creativity, making it a perfect fit for the spirited and diverse campus life.
Legacy Tie-Dye Ribbed Beanie
Beanies are a versatile and trendy hat style that college students won’t hesitate to wear. They keep students warm during colder months as they walk around campus or cheer on their team from the stands.
The Legacy Tie-Dye Ribbed Beanie is a really fun style that stands out and gives college bookstores a unique head-topper to sell. This 12" knit beanie is crafted from a high-quality, warm blend of acrylic, polyester, nylon, and wool. Featuring subtly colorful palettes like Blue Ice, Grey Marble, Sherbet, and Sunset, this beanie style has a matching cuff for a cohesive look, along with a Legacy brand woven label on the back cuff.
Beanies provide a great canvas for customization. Adding a custom patch with the college name, logo, mascot, or sports team turns a simple beanie into a cherished piece of school spirit gear.
Corduroy Cool
Corduroy cap styles are still trending at retail and in fashion due to their unique, versatile texture and vintage appeal. College students love them for their blend of retro charm and modern style, making these caps a versatile accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to any casual outfit.
The Game Relaxed Corduroy Cap
College students love making a fashion statement, and The Game’s Relaxed Corduroy Cap will help them do just that. This cap offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern style. Made from polyester/nylon corduroy, this unstructured, six-panel, low-profile cap features a pre-curved visor and a tri-glide buckle closure for a comfortable fit.
Available in vintage-inspired colorways like Coyote Brown, Grey, Light Olive Green, Navy, and Stone, it's ideal for showcasing throwback school or team logos. With uniquely textured accessories still trending at retail, this cap is a stylish and nostalgic addition to any wardrobe.
Splash-Ready Style
Richardson hats have become a staple among college students for several reasons. Their high-quality construction, comfortable fit, and trendy styles make them a top choice for those looking to showcase their school spirit in style. Richardson offers a wide range of colors and customization options allowing students to personalize their look and stand out on campus.
Richardson’s Rogue Wide Set Mesh Cap
Lightweight, mesh baseball caps are the go-to choice for outdoor summer adventures near the water. The breathable mesh construction keeps your head cool and comfortable, making them ideal for activities like kayaking, lounging by the pool, or hitting the beach. The quick-drying fabric is perfect for water activities ensuring wearers stay comfortable and stylish during all summer adventures.
The Richardson Rogue Wide Set Mesh Cap is a go-to choice for college students who love outdoor water adventures. Crafted from 100% polyester, its performance fabric front panels are durable and comfortable, while the honeycomb polyester mesh back panels keep your head cool under the sun. The hat features an unstructured, six-panel, low pro profile for a relaxed fit, and its flex packable, floatable bill keeps it above water, so you’ll never lose it. The Stay Dri performance sweatband keeps you dry, and the quick-adjust nylon backstrap closure provides a secure fit.
Available in eye-catching color combos like Charcoal/Cyan and Teal/Orange, as well as core neutral colors like Black, Navy, and Khaki – this cap is a stylish and practical choice for summertime fun. The Rogue’s packable design makes it easy to travel with ensuring students are always prepared for their next adventure near the water, whether they're lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or kayaking.
Roam Wild
Columbia's appeal comes from its reputation for high-quality, outdoor gear that combines functionality, durability, and style. This resonates with people who want reliable performance gear for their outdoor adventures. For college students, staff, and alumni, Columbia accessories offer a blend of practicality and trendiness, perfect for campus life and outdoor excursions alike.
Columbia Bora Bora™ Booney
Booney hats are a fantastic addition to any college bookstore, thanks to their versatility. These hat styles offer excellent sun protection and are adjustable for a comfortable fit, making them ideal for outdoor activities on and off campus. Plus, their adventurous look adds a touch of “rugged charm” to any outfit.
The Columbia Bora Bora™ Booney hat, which offers ultimate outdoor comfort and style, is crafted from 100% textured nylon poplin. This hat packs in performance features like Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 protection to shield wearers from the sun's harmful rays. The hat’s Omni-Wick™ moisture-management sweatband and mesh vents also keep students cool and dry, while the adjustable drawcord and toggle ensure a perfect fit. Choose from Collegiate Navy, Fossil, and Grill Sage to match college colors and style.
With its embroidered Columbia logo and patch tag on the back, this hat combines retail appeal with high-performance qualities, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. This style is a popular name-brand item that any university would be proud to showcase. When crafting your pitch deck for college bookstores, highlight retail-branded items like this to attract those seeking premium merchandise with higher profit margins for you.
Stay In the Game
Trucker cap styles remain popular due to their timeless appeal and comfortable fit. The mesh back allows for breathability, perfect for outdoor activities or long study sessions. College students love them for their casual, laid-back look that easily pairs with campus attire, making them a staple for everyday wear.
The Game Everyday Trucker Cap
The Game Everyday Trucker Cap is a versatile and stylish choice from a popular headwear brand students know and love. With its structured, six-panel design and mid-profile fit, this trucker cap offers comfort and durability.
The mesh back provides ventilation, making it ideal for long days on campus, at sporting events, or on outdoor adventures. Featuring a pre-curved contrast stitched visor, a performance sweatband, and a snapback closure, this cap ensures a secure and comfortable fit for everyone.
The Everyday Trucker Cap comes in more than 40 colorways from classic Cardinal/White to vibrant Oasis Green/White and Marina Blue/Navy/White, so there’s a perfect match for nearly every university’s colors. With heathered colors like Heather Light Blue and Heather Light Grey, this trucker cap adds a touch of trendiness to casual attire. Whether hitting the books or cheering on their team, this cap is a versatile and fashionable choice for any college student.
Pitch Headwear Styles for All College Students
Help your college bookstore buyers stock their shelves with the most popular hat styles for students, staff, alumni, and supporters to wear all year round. These five hat styles take you through all seasons and events, from summer fun to cheering on your team from the stands in cooler weather. Show your college clients that you’re in the know with fashion-forward, functional headwear that is perfect for people of all ages who want to wear their school pride.
