Journal · 3 min read
Structured or unstructured: choosing a golf cap
October 9, 2026 · Ninth & Pine
AI-generated imageTwo caps can look similar on the shelf and feel completely different on your head. The biggest difference is structure: whether the front panels are stiffened to hold their shape.
Unstructured: soft and low-key
An unstructured cap, often called a dad cap, has soft front panels that sit close to your head. It has a relaxed, broken-in look from day one and is easy to fold into a bag pocket.
Most have an adjustable back, so one size fits most people.
Structured: a cleaner line
A structured cap has a reinforced front that keeps its shape, giving a sharper, more tailored look. Fitted styles with a stretch band skip the strap at the back entirely.
Fitted caps come in sizes, so it is worth measuring before you order.
How to measure your head
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about half an inch above your ears and eyebrows, where a cap would sit. Note the measurement and compare it with the size chart. If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually more comfortable for a full round.