Bear Grips Pro ShopsOtto Cap vs Richardson: Which Custom Hat Should Your Brand Sell in 2026?
- Both the Otto Cap 5-panel and the Richardson rope hat cost $29.86 VIP base in the Bear Grips catalog.
- The Otto Cap style has a lower, structured 5-panel crown; the Richardson style is a rounded rope hat with a rope-textured front seam.
- Both use printed decoration, so the choice comes down to look rather than print method.
- Otto Cap leans modern and streetwear-adjacent; Richardson leans classic and outdoor.
Otto Cap and Richardson are two of the most recognized names in blank headwear for the promotional and team apparel trade, and both show up in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog at the same price point. When a gym, team, or small brand is deciding between the two, the decision usually comes down to look and audience rather than cost or decoration method, since both styles carry identical printed decoration at the same base price.
Otto Cap vs Richardson Side by Side
| Otto Cap Premium 5-Panel | Richardson Classic Rope Hat | |
|---|---|---|
| Crown profile | Low, structured 5-panel | Mid, rounded with rope-textured seam |
| Decoration | Printed | Printed |
| VIP base price | $29.86 | $29.86 |
| Free plan base price | $34.88 | $34.88 |
| Look and feel | Modern, streetwear-adjacent | Classic, outdoor, trucker-inspired |
| Best fit | Gyms, fitness brands, modern team merch | Outdoor, trades, classic team or club look |
When to Pick the Otto Cap 5-Panel
Choose the Otto Cap style when the brand wants a current, low-profile look that sits closer to the head. It photographs cleanly next to modern athleisure apparel like performance tees and leggings, which makes it a natural match for fitness studios, functional training gyms, and brands leaning into a contemporary visual identity.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.When to Pick the Richardson Rope Hat
Choose the Richardson rope hat when the brand wants a classic, slightly rugged look. The rope-textured front seam reads as outdoor and trucker-inspired, which fits trades businesses, outdoor clubs, and any brand aiming for a lived-in, heritage feel rather than a sharp modern edge.
Selling Both in the Same Shop
Nothing stops a vendor from listing both styles in the same shop and letting the customer pick. Since both carry the same base price, margin math stays identical regardless of which style a customer chooses, and offering the choice can widen appeal across a broader customer base than committing to a single hat style.
Compare Both Styles Live
Otto Cap 5-panel or Richardson rope hat, same base price. Upload your logo and see it on both.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is one style cheaper than the other?
No. Both the Otto Cap 5-panel and the Richardson rope hat carry the same $29.86 VIP base price and $34.88 free plan base price.
Are both printed the same way?
Yes. Both styles use printed decoration in the Bear Grips catalog, so the choice between them is about crown shape and look rather than print method.
Which style is more popular for gyms?
The lower, more structured Otto Cap 5-panel tends to fit modern fitness and athleisure branding better, while the Richardson rope hat fits a more classic or outdoor identity.
Can I sell both hat styles in one shop?
Yes. Both plans allow multiple products, so listing both styles side by side is a common approach.
