What’s The Difference Between a Cap and a Full Brim Hard Hat?

Did you know there are different styles of hard hats? There is always something to make purchasing safety gear more difficult. Too many choices can make life very confusing. The good news in this case is there are only two choices full brim or cap styles.

Full Brim Hard Hat

The full brim hard hat has several great features that make this style a good choice. It doubles as a sun protector with 360-degree protection to protect your face, ears, neck, and shoulders from sunburn. It also offers protection from falling objects overhead, non-toxic splashes, electrical shock, weather elements, and bumping into stationary objects all without hampering your view. Full brim hard hats are great for a variety of occupations including construction workers, electricians, utility workers, steel workers, and farmers. (One word of caution: not all full brim hard hats have electrical hazard protection.)

Cap Hard Hat

The cap hard hat has unique features too. It closely resembles a baseball hat with a smaller brim. Cap hard hats are available in two different designs: slotted or non-slotted. Slotted hard hats feature two slots just above the ear areas for accessories including flashlight holders, helmet-mounted hearing protection, and fold-down face

shields. Non-slotted hard hats do not have accessory slots. A common feature offered on the non-slotted design is a rain trough to prevent rain from running from running down your neck.

Safety features on a cap hard hat are similar to the full brim that it offers protection from falling objects overhead, non-toxic splashes, electrical shock, and weather elements. Cap hard hats are ideal for several occupations including steel workers, utility workers, farmers, electricians, and construction workers. (One word of caution: not all cap hard hats have electrical hazard protection.)

In all actuality, there are not many differences between the two styles. The full brim style hard hat offers all around protection from the sun. Cap style hard hats are designed with or without accessory slots. Both full brim and cap style provide excellent head protection. The only aspect that matters is your personal preference. Remember to wear your hard hat and be safe.