Richardson 112 Trucker Hat: Buying & Custom Guide

If you’ve been shopping for a hat that people actually wear, not just accept and toss in a drawer, the Richardson 112 Trucker Hat keeps showing up for a reason.

It’s the go-to for businesses building merch, resellers who need a dependable blank, and anyone who wants a classic trucker look that doesn’t feel cheap. But the real win isn’t just “buy the 112.” It’s choosing the right version, the right decoration method, and the right setup so your logo looks clean on a curved surface.

This guide breaks it all down: specs, fit, size options, blank vs custom, embroidery vs patches, and a practical checklist so you don’t waste a run.

Quick Snapshot: What the Richardson 112 Is

The 112 is widely listed as:

• Structured, six-panel

• Mid-profile / Mid Pro

• Pre-curved bill

• Adjustable plastic snapback

• Common material callout: 60/40 cotton/poly front with 100% polyester mesh back

That combination is why it works so well for branding: the front holds shape (good for logos), and the mesh breathes (good for everyday wear).

Why the 112 Stays Popular

Richardson positions the 112 as a consistent, structured mid-pro shape with trucker mesh and broad model options. That consistency matters if you’re ordering hats more than once, because the worst feeling is a “restock” that fits differently than the first run.

From a buyer's standpoint, the 112 works because it hits these practical goals:

• Reliable structure for decoration (logos don’t collapse into the crown)

• Comfort for long wear (mesh back helps with heat)

• Classic shape that fits a wide range of people

• Easy ordering (common style across suppliers)

Fit & Profile: The Fastest Way To Choose The Right 112 (Or Not)

What “mid-profile” actually means

“Profile” is basically the crown height and angle. The 112 is commonly described as mid-profile, while the Richardson 115 is a lower-profile option that sits more snug and angled.

Richardson 112 vs 115: who should pick what?

Pick Richardson 112 Trucker Hat if you want:

• A more classic trucker silhouette

• A front panel that holds a patch/logo cleanly

• A fit that works for a wide audience

Pick Richardson 115 if your audience tends to say:

• “I hate tall hats.”

• “I want it lower on my head.”

• “I don’t like a boxier front.”

If you’re doing a business order and you can’t survey everyone, the 112 is usually the safer bet because it’s the “middle ground” shape.

Size & Fit Guide

One underrated advantage of the Richardson 112 Trucker Hat is that it’s offered in multiple sizes, not just “one size.”

Presto lists these size options: Youth, Small, OSFM, and XL, with standard hat measurements.

The sizes (quick reference)

• Youth (Y): 6 3/8 – 6 5/8

• Small (SM): 6 1/2 – 7

• One Size Fits Most (OSFM): 7 – 7 3/4

• Extra Large (XL): 7 1/4 – 7 7/8

A smart sizing mix (for businesses and events)

If you’re ordering for a group and you can’t collect head sizes, here’s the simplest plan:

• Most units = OSFM

• Add some Small (for smaller heads or tighter preference)

• Add some XL (for larger heads or looser preference)

• Add Youth only if your audience includes kids/teens.

This “mix strategy” reduces the number of hats that end up unworn.

Blank Vs Custom: Which One Should You Buy?

This is where most people get stuck. So here’s the decision map.

Buy blank Richardson 112 hats if you:

• Resell blanks or want inventory flexibility

• Plan to decorate later (or test designs first)

• Want the simplest order with the fewest moving parts.

Buy custom hats if you:

• want a finished product delivered, 

• ready to wear

• Need a consistent look across a team or brand,

• are ordering for a launch, event, staff, or customer gifts

Customization Options: Embroidery Vs Patch (And Why It Matters)

On trucker hats, the decoration method can make or break the final look, especially if your logo has fine details.

Option 1: Direct embroidery (stitched right into the hat)

Best for logos that are:

• bold

• simple

• not dependent on tiny text

Direct embroidery looks classic and professional. It also tends to hold up well because it’s literally part of the hat.

Watch-outs: tiny lettering, very thin lines, and overly complex designs can lose detail when stitched on a curved surface.

Option 2: Embroidered patches (logo stitched onto a patch, then applied)

This is often the “best of both worlds” option:

• Easier to keep edges crisp

• Better readability for detailed logos

• Consistent appearance across larger runs

Presto specifically promotes custom embroidered patches for the 112 and positions it as a customization path.

Option 3: Leather patch (different vibe, same idea)

Leather patches work well for:

• Outdoors brands

• Workwear aesthetics

• Minimal logos that look sharp in a stamped/engraved style

If You Care About Quality, Why Are They Trickier Than Shirts

A hat isn’t flat. It’s curved, structured, and often reinforced in the front. That changes how the thread behaves.

Commercial embroidery guidance emphasizes that proper backing is essential for caps, helping stabilize the surface and maintain tension for cleaner stitching. They also note that using the right backing (often a thicker cap backing) helps prevent common problems during cap embroidery.

That’s why a “good logo on a t-shirt” can still turn into a messy hat if you don’t plan for the medium.

Logo Checklist: How To Make Your Design Look Clean On A 112

Use this checklist before you place any custom order (especially bulk).

1) Keep it readable at 3–6 feet

A hat logo isn’t viewed up close like a business card. If it’s packed with tiny text, it usually won’t stitch as cleanly.

2) Decide what matters more: detail or texture

• Want texture + classic thread look → direct embroidery

• Want sharp edges + detailed logo → embroidered patch.

• Want workwear vibe → leather patch.
  
  

3) Simplify small text

If your logo includes a slogan, consider removing the slogan from hats

• Placing the slogan on the side/back as a smaller secondary hit

• Or using a patch method if you must keep the detail
  
  

4) Plan your placement (don’t decide last minute)

Common placements on trucker hats:

• Front center (most popular, highest visibility)

• Side hit (subtle brand detail)

• Back hit (looks premium but requires careful setup)

Back-of-cap embroidery can be trickier without the right setup and stabilization, which is why many shops treat it as an add-on rather than the default approach.

Buying Guide By Use Case 

If you’re a business ordering branded hats

Your priorities are usually:

• Consistent fit across different people

• Branding that looks clean and professional

• A process that won’t derail your deadline

Recommended setup:

• Start with OSFM as the base

• Choose patch embroidery if your logo has detail.

• Choose direct embroidery if your logo is bold and simple.

Checklist before you order:

• What’s the hat used for? (uniforms vs giveaways vs merch)

• What colors match your brand and hide dirt?

• Do you need multiple sizes (Small/XL), or is OSFM enough?

• Do you want one design or multiple designs for different departments?

If you’re a reseller (selling hats to customers)

Resellers win by reducing complexity.

Your best strategy:

• Pick a few top colorways that sell year-round (black/white/charcoal/navy)

• Standardize decoration placement (front patch only, for example)

• Stick to one or two decoration methods so your product photos match reality.

If you’re doing a drop, patches can be your friend because they’re consistent across runs and photograph well.

If you’re buying for personal use (or a small group)

Personal buyers usually care about:

• Comfort

• Style

• “Will I wear this more than once?”

Recommended setup:

• If it’s a simple design (initials, short text), direct embroidery works great.

• If it’s a detailed logo (club, hobby group, small graphics), go patch.

Ordering Process (What To Expect)

Here’s what a smooth order typically looks like:

1. Choose your hat style and colors (and sizes if needed)

2. Choose blank vs decoration type (patch, embroidery, leather patch)

3. Provide artwork (best quality you have)

4. Digitizing (if needed)

• A one-time file conversion/digitization fee may apply for new artwork.

5. Mockup/proof step

• Digital previews/mockups are available after purchase.

6. Production + delivery timeline

• Most jobs are completed within 7–10 business days, depending on size/complexity, with rush sometimes available.

Minimums (important if you’re doing patches)

Presto Embroidery requires a minimum order of 12 units per custom design. That minimum is common in patch workflows because patch runs are more efficient when produced in batches.

Conclusion

The Richardson 112 Trucker Hat is popular for a simple reason: it’s a reliable, structured trucker that decorates well and fits a wide range of people.

If you want the shortest path to a hat that looks clean in real life (not just on a mockup), choose the right decoration method for your logo, follow the sizing guide, and don’t skip digitizing when it’s needed.

When you’re ready to order blanks or build a custom run, Presto Embroidery is the next step.

FAQ

1) What is a Richardson 112 Trucker Hat?

It’s a structured, mid-profile trucker cap with a pre-curved bill and adjustable snapback, commonly listed with a 60/40 cotton/poly front and a polyester mesh back.

2) Is the Richardson 112 good for custom logos?

Yes. The structured front and mid-profile shape helps logos sit cleanly, which is why it’s widely used for branded hats.

3) What sizes does the Richardson 112 come in?

Common size options include Youth, Small, OSFM, and XL, with standard head-size ranges listed in size guides.

4) What’s the difference between Richardson 112 and 115?

The 112 is generally described as mid-profile, while the 115 is a lower-profile version that sits lower and has a more angled crown shape.

5) Is embroidery or a patch better on a trucker hat?

Embroidery is great for bold, simple logos. Patches often look better for detailed logos or small text. Proper backing and stabilization also impact stitch quality on caps.

6) Why do embroidered hats sometimes look puckered or uneven?

Hats are curved and structured, so the fabric can shift during stitching. Commercial embroidery guidance emphasizes using proper backing to stabilize caps and reduce common stitching issues.

7) Do I need digitizing for embroidered hats?

Usually, yes. Logos typically need to be converted into a stitch-ready embroidery file; some shops may charge a one-time digitizing/file conversion fee for new artwork.

8) How long does it take to get custom hats made?

It varies by order size and complexity. Presto’s FAQ states most jobs are completed within 7–10 business days, with rush sometimes available.