Posted by Dani State
on September 07, 2026
There are some kids things that should be really simple to buy, but somehow aren’t. A good cap is one of them.
In summer, a hat is basically non-negotiable for us. If we’re heading to the beach, the park, out for lunch, anywhere really, I want something I can throw on the kids without thinking too much about it.
The problem is, finding a kids cap that actually does its job, fits properly and doesn’t ruin an outfit is weirdly difficult.
A lot of kids caps and toddler caps look cute, but the brim is tiny. Which sort of defeats the purpose.
For us, one of the most important things was having a bigger brim. You want a cap to actually give some shade across their face, rather than just technically qualify as a hat. Especially through an Australian summer when the sun can feel relentless.
A cap obviously isn’t a replacement for sunscreen, shade or other sun protection, but the right shape can add another bit of coverage when kids are running around outside.
Then there’s the fit.
Kids’ heads grow quickly, and sizing can be all over the place. A cap that fits perfectly one month can suddenly be sitting halfway up their head the next.
That’s why an adjustable strap at the back was another non-negotiable for us.
Our kids caps are designed to fit most little ones from around age 0 to 5, so the adjustable back really matters. It means you can get a much better fit on a baby or toddler, then loosen it as they grow, rather than buying a new cap every five minutes.
It also helps with the very specific toddler problem of hats constantly falling off their heads while they’re running, climbing, scootering or generally refusing to stand still.
Shape was another thing I cared about more than I expected.
I wanted a proper dad-style cap shape, just scaled for kids. Not too sporty, not overly structured, and not something that looks like it only belongs with activewear. Just an easy shape that looks good with swimmers, shorts, a T-shirt or whatever else they’ve been dressed in that day.
And then, colour.
Ours come in brown and cream because I wanted both to be really easy to wear and easy to pair with everything else. No weird colour matching required.
The brown has turned out to be particularly practical for kids because, unsurprisingly, caps get filthy. Sunscreen marks, sticky hands, sand, snacks, whatever they’ve managed to find on the ground. Brown is a little more forgiving when real life starts happening.
But I still love the cream. It feels light and summery, and it works with pretty much everything. You just might notice the evidence of the day a little sooner.
For me, that’s the sweet spot with colour. Something simple enough to go with everything, but practical enough that you’re not precious about actually using it.
I think that’s what makes a really good kids cap.
A proper brim. An adjustable fit. A dad-style shape that actually looks good. Comfortable enough that they’ll keep it on. And colours you won’t get sick of looking at.
Basically, I wanted the kind of cap that ends up permanently living by the front door, in the pram or at the bottom of the beach bag because you’re actually reaching for it every day.
Probably with a sunscreen mark on it by week two.
Shop our kids caps here
