Premium custom headwear for brands that think outside the ordinary.
RECLab makes custom headwear simple: engineered shapes, premium fabrics, and unique fabrications built around your brand.
No generic blanks. No slapped-on logos. Just hats with the quality, character, and the point of view your brand demands.
Minimum Order
100 units
Production Lead Time
4–6 wks
Production
Factory-direct
Custom Headwear·Low Minimums·Full Design Support·Factory-Direct·6 Engineered Elements·Nothing Left to Chance·Custom Headwear·Low Minimums·Full Design Support·Factory-Direct·6 Engineered Elements·Nothing Left to Chance·
Process
How it works.
From intake to delivery, every step is documented and deliberate.
No samples without a locked spec. No production without approved samples.
STEP 01
Week 0
Spec, Tech Pack & Digital Mockup
We finalize your specs and tech pack, then build a digital mockup for your review.
STEP 02
Week 1
Digital Approval
You approve the digital mockup before we move to sampling.
STEP 03
Week 2 +15 DAYS (IF REQUIRED)
Sample Image & Approval
A sample image is submitted for your sign-off.
STEP 04
Weeks 3–5
Production
Your order goes into production at the factory, against your locked spec.
STEP 05
Week 6
QC & Delivery
Quality checked at source and delivered to your door.
100%Approved spec before production
0Surprise add-ons or hidden fees
6 wksTypical timeline: 6 weeks from kickoff to delivery.
1:1Direct line to the factory
Typical timeline: 6 weeks from kickoff to delivery.
Trusted by brands including
Who this is for
For those who think outside.
Brands
Off-the-shelf with a logo isn’t a brand. We engineer the shape, fabric, and finish to show up exactly like you do.
Operators
Spec sheets that fail in the field aren’t specs. We use materials proven against sun, sweat, salt, and cold — with documented performance you can verify.
Builders
Committing thousands of units before you know the right hat is a gamble. We lock the spec in a Build Review — you approve every variable before a single unit runs.
Transparent Pricing
An instant quote. No back-and-forth.
Move the slider. See your real per-unit price and project total — calculated against the same volume tiers we use in production.
Every quote includes branded closure label, inside label, crown embellishment, and full material & color sourcing. No setup fees.
100 – 250 units$10.50 / unit
251 – 500 units$9.50 / unit
501 – 1,000 units$8.75 / unit
1,001 – 2,000 units$8.50 / unit
2,001 – 3,000 units$8.25 / unit
3,001 – 3,999 units$8.00 / unit
4,001 – 4,999 units$7.50 / unit
Get an instant quote
Move the slider or enter your quantity. Pricing reflects standard production against the six RECLab elements.
Quantity
1004,999
Priced per color, per style. Volume tiers apply to each unique color/style combination.
Tier · 500–999 units
Price per unit$9.00
Estimated project total
$4,500.00
Lock in your spec and we’ll send a formal quote within one business day.
No setup fees100 unit MOQ
What’s included
Every quote covers the whole hat.
Crown Embellishment
Branded Closure Label
Inside Label
Custom Closure
Crown embellishment, branded closure label, inside label, and full material & color sourcing — priced in, not on top. No setup fees.
Materials — 12 mill-spec fabrics
Colors — stock palette
⬡
Low Minimums
Start from 100 units per style. Accessible for growing brands without sacrificing product quality or manufacturing standards.
◈
Full Design Support
In-house design team works with you from concept through production-ready files. Hourly rates, fast turnaround, real expertise.
◯
Factory-Direct Production
No middlemen. We work directly with our manufacturing partners — which means tighter spec control, better pricing, and direct accountability.
In the element
Built for the journey.
Studio shots don't tell you anything. These hats are designed against real conditions — weather, motion, hours — and that's where they're judged.
Infield · Team Wool
Packable · Carry System
Quick-Dry · All Mesh
Roadside · Patch & Twill
Roam · Topo Print
Transit · Run Build
Materials
What it's made from.
The Build
Six variables. Every one controlled.
Every RECLab hat is configured across six independent elements.
Change one and the outcome changes. Control all six and you control the product.
01
Structure
Fit, crown height, shape.
02
Material
Fabric, weight, hand feel.
03
Function
UPF, moisture, breathability.
04
Mobility
Packability and recovery.
05
Interior
Lining, sweatband, finish.
06
Expression
Branding, trims, identity.
"Most hats are decorated. Ours are engineered."
We start with what your headwear needs to do — and build backward from there.
Ready to build?
Let’s start with a 30-minute Build Review. No commitment. No pitch.
RL100
Step 01 · Pick a silhouetteAll nine silhouettes live. Pick one and start building.
PL—
Coming soon
Live customization for this silhouette is in production. Same process — chip selectors, twelve colors, real fabric texture. Want to start a build with this shape today? Submit a Build Review and we’ll set up your spec manually.
The Build
Six elements. Every variable controlled.
Every RECLab hat is configured across six independently-tunable elements.
Each one affects the final product in a specific, documentable way.
This is what separates an engineered headwear program from picking off a shelf.
01
Structure
Controls
Crown height and profile
Bill length and curvature
Fit system (fitted, adjustable, stretch)
Overall silhouette
Outcome
How the hat sits on the head. How it reads from a distance. Whether it's structured enough for daily wear or flexible enough to pack flat.
02
Material
Controls
Fabric weight and hand feel
Weave structure (ripstop, canvas, nylon, wool)
Surface finish (matte, waxed, coated)
Colorfastness and UV stability
Outcome
What the hat feels like. How it ages. The weight in hand before it's ever worn. Materials are selected against the use-case, never the other way around.
03
Function
Controls
UPF rating and UV blocking
Moisture-wicking capacity
Breathability and airflow design
Water resistance or treatment
Outcome
What the hat actually does for the person wearing it. Not marketing language — measurable, specified performance that justifies the material choice.
04
Mobility
Controls
Packability and pack size
Structural recovery after compression
Weight (specified in grams)
Fold or roll capacity
Outcome
Whether it survives a bag, a pocket, a 14-hour flight. Mobility is either designed in or it isn't — there's no middle ground.
05
Interior
Controls
Crown lining material and finish
Sweatband width and composition
Interior structure (stiffened, floating, bonded)
Skin-contact comfort spec
Outcome
What the wearer experiences. The part no one sees — the part they feel for hours at a time. This is where cheap hats lose and engineered hats win.
06
Expression
Controls
Brand application and placement
Trim color and hardware finish
Closure type and detail
Label, patch, or woven identity
Outcome
How the brand is communicated. Not as decoration — as a deliberate element of the product. Quiet, consistent, intentional.
Anatomy
59FIFTY low-profile — every variable labelled.
Interior
Knit construction — skin-contact spec, not afterthought.
Mobility
Packable nylon bucket — designed for the bag, not the hanger.
Ready to configure
Every one of these elements gets locked before any sample is produced.
Recent Builds
Three use-cases. One system.
These are complete, production-ready builds — each configured from a specific demand.
Use them as starting points or reference for your own system.
In environment · Field reference
Three configurations. Three demands. One controlled system.
01
Build 01 — Travel
The Travel Build
Built for transit, climate shifts, and bags that have no room.
Compresses to near-nothing. Recovers completely.
Performs on day one and day one hundred.
ExpressionTonal woven label, matte hardware, minimal trim
02
Build 02 — Climate
The Climate Build
Rated for direct sun. Engineered for sustained heat.
A functional shield that doesn't read as technical gear.
Built for environments that demand performance.
Full Configuration
StructureMid-crown, extended bill, mesh side panels
Your configuration is built from scratch — not copied from a template.
About RECLab
Worn closest to the face.
The last thing put on before stepping into the world. We build headwear for action — trail, water, range, transit — where fit and function aren't decoration, they're the product.
The premise
A hat that lives outside the box.
Most headwear is designed in a showroom and judged on a model's head. We design backwards — from the trail, the boat, the truck bed, the 14-hour transit — and the spec follows the use, not the other way around.
Why We Exist
RECLab was not formed to build hats.
It was formed around the object worn closest to the face. The last thing put on before stepping into the world.
What Fits
A hat that truly fits does not ask for attention. It just belongs.
The right shape. The right weight. The right fit. Nothing forced. Nothing extra.
How We Build
Every fabric earned its place. Every detail refined through reduction, not excess.
Because the best things are not the ones you notice most. They are the ones you keep reaching for.
What It's About
This is not about hats. It's about who you are.
RECLab builds headwear for the people who reach for the same hat every morning — on the trail, on the water, on the road. The piece that disappears into use, then becomes part of how you move.
River
Desert
Cold
"If it becomes options, it fails."
The moment headwear becomes a catalogue of choices with no filter, the engineering is lost. RECLab keeps the variables controlled and the outcome intentional.
Get Started
Headwear Build Review.
The starting point for every RECLab engagement.
A 30-minute structured intake where we map your use-case,
review the six elements, and produce a clear configuration recommendation.
No commitment. No pitch. Just a documented brief for what your headwear should be.
Your Build Review
A 30-minute intake call.
After you submit the form above, we reply within one business day with an indicative quote and a calendar invite for your Build Review. Calls are held over Google Meet.
No pitch deck — just questions, answers, and a clear next step in writing.
Length
30 minutes over Google Meet
Scheduling
Confirmed within 1 business day
Format
No deck, no pitch — a working conversation
Outcome
Honest read on whether we’re the right fit
Follow-up
Clear next step in writing after the call
After the Review
What happens next.
01
Build Review
45-min call. Six elements mapped against your use-case. Output: documented build brief with configuration recommendation.
02
Spec & Design
Full six-element specification locked. Design team produces tech pack, colorways, and production-ready art files. Timeline: Week 0–Week 1.
03
Sample Review
Physical samples built against the locked spec. You review and approve before any production decision. Timeline: Week 2 (+15 days for physical sample).
04
Production
Factory-direct production against approved samples. QC at source. Delivery to door or 3PL. Timeline: Weeks 3–6.
Pricing
Honest pricing. No hidden fees.
Per-unit cost is set by quantity. What's included at every tier is identical — branded labels, embellishment, and material sourcing. Volume is the only lever.
Every unit includes
No setup fees. No surprise add-ons.
01
Branded labels
Closure woven label and inside crown label, both with your brand identity. No generic blanks.
02
Crown embellishment
One brand embellishment per unit — embroidery, woven patch, leather, debossed, or rubber.
03
Material & color
Full access to the RECLab material library. Hundreds of fabrics and colors sourced direct from mill.
Per-unit pricing
Seven tiers. One ladder.
Programs begin at 100 units per style, per color. Pricing reflects standard production against your locked six-element spec.
Quantity
Per-unit
Best for
100 – 250 units
$10.50/unit
Entry program — first-run brands and pilot drops.
251 – 500 units
$9.50/unit
Small batch — limited capsules and launch runs.
501 – 1,000 unitsMost popular
$8.75/unit
Standard retail drop or seasonal release.
1,001 – 2,000 units
$8.50/unit
Mid-scale program — retail and wholesale lines.
2,001 – 3,000 units
$8.25/unit
Scale program — multi-style or repeat production.
3,001 – 3,999 units
$8.00/unit
High-volume — multi-style or year-round.
4,001 – 4,999 units
$7.50/unit
Volume — multi-season and recurring orders.
Minimum 100 units per style, per color. Same baseline included at every tier.5,000+ units — see Preferred Member Pricing below.
Preferred Member Pricing.
Multi-season brands, retailers, and recurring programs receive custom pricing through a dedicated account lead. Volume, blanket POs, and seasonal sampling are all considered in the rate.
Optional add-ons
Priced clearly. Optional always.
Most programs ship on the base unit price. These are the optional services some brands choose to add — listed openly so you know exactly what they cost.
Physical pre-production sample
Actual sample hat built and shipped before production. Adds ~15 days. Photo samples remain free.
$200 + shipping
Pre-production photo sample
Detailed photo proof of your hat before production starts. Required before approval.
Free
Digital mockup
Rendered preview of your design across colorways for approval and stakeholder review.
Free
Design support
Hands-on art assistance — logo cleanup, embroidery digitizing, or full graphic dev.
Quoted per project
Rush production
Expedited timeline against the standard 6-week lead. Subject to factory availability.
Quoted per project
Specialty fabrics
Leather, suede, technical performance, or sourced specialty materials.
Quoted per project
Intricate or multi-position artwork
Designs with high stitch counts, multi-location placement, or specialty techniques.
Quoted per project
International shipping (outside U.S.)
Additional fees may apply depending on destination and customs.
Calculated at quote
See how it scales for your program.
From concept to delivery
Five steps. One clear path.
Custom production fails when steps are skipped or specs left ambiguous. Every RECLab program runs against the same five checkpoints — each with a documented deliverable you approve before we move forward.
STEP 01
Week 0
Spec, Tech Pack & Digital Mockup
We finalize your specs and tech pack, then build a digital mockup for your review.
STEP 02
Week 1
Digital Approval
You approve the digital mockup before we move to sampling.
STEP 03
Week 2 +15 DAYS (IF REQUIRED)
Sample Image & Approval
A sample image is submitted for your sign-off.
STEP 04
Weeks 3–5
Production
Your order goes into production at the factory, against your locked spec.
STEP 05
Week 6
QC & Delivery
Quality checked at source and delivered to your door.
Typical timeline: 6 weeks from kickoff to delivery.
Step by step
Built on approvals, not assumptions.
Each step has a documented deliverable you approve in writing before we move forward. Nothing enters production without your sign-off. Nothing ships without QC at source.
01Spec, Tech Pack & Digital MockupWeek 0+
We finalize your specs and tech pack — silhouette, materials, trims, colorways, art placement, label placement, and packaging — then build a digital mockup for your review.
Every detail is written down. Nothing left to factory interpretation.
You receive
Full tech pack PDF
Colorway sheets
Digital mockup renders
Production-ready art files
02Digital ApprovalWeek 1+
You review and approve the digital mockup before we move to sampling. This is the moment to flag anything that doesn't match the brief.
Once signed off, the spec is locked and we proceed to sample stage.
You receive
Approval form
Locked spec confirmation
Sample timeline
03Sample Image & ApprovalWeek 2+
A detailed photo sample is produced against your locked spec and submitted for your sign-off. Multiple angles, materials, and detail shots.
Most programs greenlight from photo approval alone.
You receive
Photo proof of pre-production sample
Approval form
Production schedule
04Physical Sample ApprovalOptional+15 Days+
For brands that want to feel the product before production, a physical sample ships to you. Once approved in writing, we move into production.
Skip this if photo approval is enough — most repeat programs do.
You receive
Physical pre-production hat
Tracked shipment
Sample review form
05ProductionWeeks 3–5+
Your order goes into production at the factory against your locked spec. We monitor each stage — cut, sew, embellishment, trim, finish — against the tech pack.
You receive a midpoint progress update with photos from the line.
You receive
Production kickoff confirmation
Midpoint progress photos
Estimated completion date
06QC & DeliveryWeek 6+
Every order is inspected on the floor before shipping — fit, finish, stitch density, embellishment registration, color match, packing. Anything off-spec is rebuilt before the order leaves the factory.
Then it ships, tracked to your door or 3PL. Your spec stays on file for two years — reorders skip the early steps and go straight to production.
You receive
Source QC report
Inspection photos
Tracked shipment
Reorder-ready file set
Ready to start the process?
Frequently Asked
Every question. Straight up.
If you're considering a custom headwear program, you have questions. We answer them all here — minimums, timelines, payment, files, IP, sustainability, and everything in between.
RECLab's MOQ is 100 units per style, per color. Designed to keep growing brands accessible without sacrificing manufacturing standards.
Can I order multiple designs in one program?+
Yes — each design is treated as a separate style. The 100-unit minimum applies per style and per color. We don't split single orders across designs.
Do you support first-time customers?+
Absolutely. The Build Review is built for first-timers — we walk you through every element, file format, and decision before production begins.
Are there discounts for returning customers?+
Repeat brands and recurring programs are eligible for Preferred Member Pricing — custom rates based on volume, cadence, and program scope. Reach out to discuss.
Timing & Production
What is the typical lead time?+
Standard production is 6 weeks from kickoff to delivery (digital mockup, approvals, sampling, production, and QC included).
Do you offer rush production?+
Yes, for an additional fee and subject to factory availability. Contact us with your timeline and we'll confirm feasibility.
Can I make changes once production starts?+
No. Once you greenlight production, specs are locked. This protects your timeline and your unit cost. Review carefully before approving.
How do I track my order?+
You receive shipping confirmation with a tracking number as soon as your order leaves the factory. Production progress is shared at midpoint with line photos.
Samples & Approvals
Can I get a sample before placing the full order?+
Yes. Pre-production photo samples are free and required before approval. Physical samples are optional: $200 plus shipping, with an additional 15-day production window.
What's the difference between a photo sample and a physical sample?+
A photo sample is a detailed photographic proof of the actual hat before production. A physical sample is the real hat, built and shipped to you for in-hand review. Both reflect the same construction.
Do you provide digital mockups?+
Yes — free with every program. Renders across colorways, ready to share with stakeholders or internal review.
Customization
What customization options are available?+
Thirteen foundation silhouettes, hundreds of fabrics and colors, and embellishments including embroidery, woven patches, leather patches, debossing, and rubber. Custom labels and inside tags are standard.
Can I request custom labels or inside tags?+
Yes — branded closure labels and inside crown labels are included in every unit at every tier. Specialty branding (woven, leather, custom shapes) is supported.
Do you offer specialty fabrics?+
Yes — leather, suede, technical performance fabrics, and sourced specialty materials. Additional cost and extended timelines apply; quoted per project.
Are there extra charges for intricate designs?+
Highly detailed designs, high stitch counts, or multi-position artwork may carry additional charges. We provide an exact cost during the spec phase before any commitment.
Can you match specific Pantone colors?+
Yes — we match most Pantones, with the standard caveat that thread and fabric dyeing can show slight variance. For critical color, we recommend confirming with our team during spec.
Do you provide hat design templates?+
Yes — every silhouette has a design template with sizing guides, embellishment zones, and label placements. Available after kickoff.
Do you offer design services?+
Yes. Logo cleanup, embroidery digitizing, and full graphic development are available. Pricing is quoted per project based on complexity.
Artwork & Files
What file formats do you accept?+
High-resolution vector formats: AI, EPS, or PDF. Submit artwork at 100% scale for accurate placement.
What is your artwork policy?+
All artwork must be approved in writing before production. RECLab is not responsible for errors in client-provided files. Please review every detail before sign-off.
Who is responsible for intellectual property rights?+
Clients are responsible for ensuring their submitted designs don't infringe on trademarks or copyrights. RECLab is not liable for any IP disputes arising from client-provided artwork.
Can you replicate an existing hat?+
Yes, if you own the rights to the artwork. We do not reproduce designs owned by other brands.
How long do you keep my files on record?+
Up to two years — making reorders simple. Need longer retention? Just let us know.
Payment & Shipping
What are your payment terms?+
100% payment is required upfront to initiate production. This is the only payment milestone — no setup fees, no progress invoices.
How is shipping calculated?+
Shipping is quoted separately at order confirmation based on destination, weight, and carrier. We pass through actual freight cost — no markup.
Do you ship internationally?+
Yes, worldwide. International shipping, duties, and customs fees are quoted at order confirmation and billed separately from production cost.
What if my package is lost or damaged in transit?+
Contact us immediately. We work with the carrier to resolve the issue and ensure your order arrives.
Policies
Can I cancel or return my order?+
Custom orders cannot be cancelled once production has begun. We don't accept returns on custom items unless there is a manufacturing defect.
What if there's a manufacturing defect?+
Notify us within 3 days of receiving your order. This is a strict window. We resolve verified defects quickly and at no cost to you.
What sustainability options do you offer?+
Recycled materials and eco-friendly inks are available on request, and we work to minimize production waste at every stage.
Can I provide feedback after delivery?+
Please do. We follow up after every order to confirm you're satisfied and to capture anything that should evolve in your next run.
How do I contact support?+
Email hello@palette.co or send a note via the quote form. We respond within 24–48 hours on business days.
Still have questions? Send us a note.
Get Started
Tell us about your program.
A few quick questions — silhouette, quantity, timeline — and we'll come back with an indicative quote and a Build Review invite within one business day.
No spam, no pitch. Just a documented start to your headwear program.
Reference · Cap Silhouettes
Nine shapes. One system.
Every RECLab program starts with a silhouette. These are the nine foundation shapes we build from — each one a known volume, a known fit, a known production path. Pick the form, then engineer the rest.
Pick a shape. Build the rest.
3/4 View
Crown profile
Panels
Brim
Structure
Closure
MOQ
Best for
Compatible materials
Reference · Fabric Library
Twelve fabrics. The hat begins here.
Fabric is the first decision a hat makes — it sets weight, hand-feel, finish, and how the piece wears in. Every swatch here is sourced from a vetted mill with documented specs. Tap any swatch for the full spec sheet; custom mills available at scale.
RECLab Editions · Season 01Available now
Seasonal prints. Limited by design.
Every season we release a curated print program — developed in-house, produced on two base fabrics, retired when the drop closes. Cotton Twill for the woven classics. Micro Sport Ripstop for the experimental sublimated work.
For programs at scale (5,000+ units annually) we develop custom fabrics with our partner mills.
Reference · Decoration
Seven Techniques. One Identity.
How the brand reads on the cap. Each technique carries a different signal — heritage, performance, casual, premium. Pick the one that matches the wearer, not the mood-board.
EM001
Direct Embroidery
Stitched directly into the crown panel — frames out logos cleanly with merrowed edge. The premium default. Looks great with script fonts and large lettering. 5mm minimum for text legibility.
EM002
Embroidered Patch
Pre-stitched patch sewn onto the crown. Reads as heritage, workwear, badge-of-honor. Crisp shape control and full-color flexibility without panel disruption.
EM003
Felt Patch
Old-school letterman look. Embroidery layered over a felt base with stitched raw edge. Tactile, collegiate, and built to age well.
EM004
Screen Print
Ink applied directly to the fabric. Regular flat paint or puff paint available. Casual, retro, low-minimum-friendly. Pairs with washed canvas or cotton twill.
EM005
Chenille Patch
Another old-school staple. Fuzzy yarn texture with embroidered merrowed edge. Vintage athletic energy — reads like heritage from across the room.
EM006
Woven Patch
Perfect for logos or art with lots of detail or smaller text — ideal for tech hats and dense logo applications. Holds gradients and fine line work cleanly.
EM007
Rubber Patch
3D molded PVC or silicone patch with raised relief. Modern, technical, weatherproof — the right call for performance programs and outdoor apparel.
What’s included
Priced into every build.
Crown Embellishment
Branded Closure Label
Inside Label
Custom Closure
Crown embellishment, branded closure label, inside label, and full material & color sourcing are part of the set quote — not add-ons. No setup fees.
Materials — 12 mill-spec fabrics
Colors — stock palette
One technique. Done right.
We won't recommend a style off a mood-board. The Build Review tells us which technique fits your wearer, your program, and your budget.
Reference · Closure Types
Four closures. How the hat holds.
The back of the hat is a real design decision — it sets the silhouette, the fit range, and the wearer signal. Snapback reads street. Nylon strap reads sport. Metal clasp reads heritage. Bungee reads technical. Every RECLab silhouette can be built with any of the four.
CL001
Snapback
Plastic snap tab with eight posts. One-size-fits-most sizing with hard, defined adjustment steps. Reads streetwear, ballpark, retro-athletic. The most recognizable back-of-hat closure on the market.
CL002
Nylon Strap
Woven nylon webbing with a smooth-slide buckle. Continuously adjustable, lightweight, and lays flat under a hood. Reads sport, performance, technical outdoor — the modern default for run and travel programs.
CL003
Metal Clasp
Antique-brass slide clasp on a matching twill strap. Continuous fine-tune adjustment with a heritage hardware finish. Reads dad cap, workwear, elevated basics — the closure that ages with the fabric.
CL004
Bungee
Elastic cord with a molded toggle. Cinches down for a snug fit and releases fast — pairs naturally with five-panel and camp-style crowns. Reads technical, outdoor, packable — the closure built for movement.
Not sure which closure fits? That's what the review is for.
Closure choice depends on the silhouette, the wearer, and how the hat gets used. We recommend the right one during the Build Review — no guessing off a mood-board.
