Flat Bill Hats vs. Curved Bill: Which Style Matches Your Adventure?
Whether you're hiking high ridges, road-tripping through the Rockies, or grabbing coffee downtown, the right hat isn't just about sun protection—it's about style, comfort, and matching your vibe.
At Outer Wings, our leather patch hats come in all shapes and profiles. But one question always comes up: flat bill or curved bill? Let's dig in.
What’s the Difference Between Flat Bill and Curved Bill Hats?
On the surface, it might seem like the only difference is the bend of the brim. But each style serves a purpose and fits a lifestyle.
Flat Bill Hats
- Defined by a straight, structured brim
- Typically higher profile
- Popular with modern outdoor adventurers and trend-conscious explorers
- Great for making a style statement
Curved Bill Hats
- Pre-curved visor that follows the natural contour of your face
- Lower profile, snugger fit
- Classic and functional, especially for active wear
- Subtle, timeless mountain style
Top Picks: Flat Bill Hats Built for Style & Performance
We recommend two Outer Wings designs that nail the flat bill vibe from two different angles:
-
Rustic Ridge (Richardson 168):
Clean leather patch design meets rugged high-profile trucker build. With its sharp lines and modern mountain styling, this is your go-to for bold looks. -
Active Mountain (Richardson 935):
Built for adventure. This water-resistant, lightweight performance hat features a flat, packable visor, breathable mesh back, and quick-adjust strap. Ideal for biking, paddleboarding, or staying cool under pressure.
Top Picks: Curved Bill Hats That Go the Distance
Prefer that time-tested fit and curved look? These two are best sellers for good reason:
-
Modern Mountains (Richardson 115 or 112):
Sleek, subtle, and structured. With a curved bill and mountain-themed leather patch, it brings clean Colorado vibes wherever you go. -
Paddle and Chill (Richardson 935):
Don’t let the chill name fool you—this hat performs. Its floatable, unstructured visor can curve or lay flat. Lightweight, packable, and made for summer days by the water.
How to Choose the Right Hat for Your Adventure
Match your needs and preferences with the right style:
- Want a bold, modern style? → Flat bill hat
- Prefer a classic, timeless fit? → Curved bill hat
- Spending the day on the water or trail? → Performance hat (935 styles)
- Need something low profile and relaxed? → Richardson 115
- Looking for packability and versatility? → Unstructured visor hat like Paddle and Chill
What Makes Our Leather Patch Hats Different?
At Outer Wings, we handcraft every hat with genuine leather patches, engraved in Colorado and sewn for long-term durability. Whether you're choosing a trucker hat, flat bill, or low profile style, the leather patch is the finishing touch that adds timeless quality.
- Real leather, not faux
- Laser-engraved designs
- Hand-sewn patches (never glued)
- Designed to age with character
Explore different style baseball caps →
People Also Ask
Q: What is the difference between a flat bill and a curved bill hat?
A: A flat bill has a straight brim and a modern, structured look. A curved bill has a pre-bent visor and a more traditional, athletic fit.
Q: Are flat bill hats good for outdoor use?
A: Yes. Styles like the Active Mountain on the Richardson 935 offer water resistance, breathability, and packability for adventure.
Q: What are leather patch hats?
A: Hats that feature a genuine leather patch, often engraved and sewn for durability. At Outer Wings, every design is crafted in Colorado.
Q: Which hats work for both style and function?
A: Try the Paddle and Chill (935) or Active Mountain for water-friendly, stylish performance.
Ready to Find Your Fit?
Whether you want a sharp flat bill hat or a classic curved style, Outer Wings has your head covered. Every hat is handcrafted with real leather patches and built to last.
Shop Flat Bill Trucker Hats →
Explore Our Mountain Hat Collection →
