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What is a 5 Panel Cap ? Everything you need to know

What is a 5 Panel Cap ? Everything you need to know

By Aurélien
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May 20, 2025
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4 min read
what is a 5 panel cap

You’ve probably seen it before: flat brim, low profile, effortless style. The 5 panel cap is everywhere — worn by skaters, cyclists, runners, and streetwear lovers alike. In this guide, we break down exactly what a 5 panel cap is, how it's built, how it stands out from traditional caps, and why it’s become a staple in today’s wardrobes.

1. What is a 5 Panel Cap? The Model, Simply Explained

5 panel cap simply explained
Credit to @OTTO Cap

A 5 panel cap is a type of flat-brim cap made with — you guessed it — five panels of fabric. It features a single, seamless front panel that sits across the forehead, two side panels, and two more panels that form the top and back of the crown.

This symmetrical construction gives the cap a sleek, clean look and a close fit on the head. Also known as a "camp cap" or skate cap, the 5 panel has deep roots in streetwear and skate culture.

2. How to Identify a 5 Panel Cap?

how to identify a 5 panel cap
Credit to @OTTO Cap

Here are the key features that define a true 5 panel cap:

  • A large, seamless front panel (no center seam)

  • Five stitched panels: 1 front, 2 sides, 2 top/back

  • A flat or slightly curved brim

  • Side ventilation eyelets

  • Adjustable back strap (clip, Velcro, or snapback)

  • Lightweight materials like cotton, nylon, or polyester

It’s a low-profile cap that contours nicely to the shape of your head. Compared to a classic baseball cap, it offers a cleaner, more streamlined look.

3. What Does “5 Panel” Mean? And How Does It Compare to Other Caps?

Credit to @OTTO Cap

The term “5 panel” directly refers to the cap’s five-panel construction. It’s an English term widely adopted in fashion, as the style originated in the U.S. and spread globally through streetwear culture. In contrast, most standard caps feature six panels — hence the term “6 panel cap.” This is especially true for traditional baseball caps, which are rounder in shape and typically have a curved brim.

Let’s quickly compare the 5 panel to a few other common cap styles:

  • 5 Panel Cap: Five fabric panels with a seamless front, low crown, flat profile, and generally a flat brim. Available in low profile for a subtle, snug fit or mid profile for a slightly higher crown — perfect for showcasing logos or patches. 5 panel caps are the go-to in modern streetwear, praised for their comfort and signature skate look.
  • 6 Panel Cap (Baseball Cap): Made from six triangular panels, creating a more rounded crown. The front usually features a center seam that meets at the top (often hidden under a small button). Traditional models come with a curved brim, while newer snapback versions may have a flat one. This style sits higher on the head and offers a looser fit compared to the 5 panel.
  • Trucker Cap: A spin-off of the 6 panel baseball cap, made famous by American truckers in the ’70s and ’80s. Known for its tall, structured front (often made from foam or dual-panel fabric), curved rigid brim, and breathable mesh back. Most trucker caps use a 5 panel layout to maximize logo space on the front, giving them their iconic retro appeal.

4. Why Is the 5 Panel Cap So Popular?

Credits to @nikearchives

Its practical build and distinctive design quickly caught the attention of youth in skate and hip-hop scenes. In the ’80s and ’90s, urban fashion icons helped spread the 5 panel across major cities. But it was Spike Lee’s Nike ad with Michael Jordan that really brought the style into the mainstream.

Later, cult brands like Supreme cemented its streetwear status by launching their own version — the now-iconic “Camp Cap” — a favorite among urban trendsetters.

Need more? Get the full picture in our 5 Panel Cap 101 guide.

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