Blog

Home » The Northwest’s Voted #1 Cap Supplier

The Northwest’s Voted #1 Cap Supplier

Share

Our embroidery shop has been distributing top-quality baseball caps throughout the Northwest since 1977. We work with several suppliers who provide us with blank caps, and I would like to discuss why we choose to partner with them and the types of caps they offer. Instead of solely focusing on price, we believe having a solid partnership with a cap supplier is more beneficial. Over the years, these top suppliers have consistently provided Northwest Custom Apparel with high-quality and valuable products.

Richardson Headwear

Richardson, our longest-standing supplier of team baseball caps, offers various cap styles and designs. As a second-generation cap company, they provide direct and 3D puff embroidery services. However, placing your order early is essential to ensure timely delivery for your season. Among all the cap styles, the most popular one from Richardson is the 112.

Pacific Headwear

Pacific Headwear is a hat distributor based in Eugene, Oregon. The company was established as a spinoff of Richardson Caps. One of its founders, Don DeZarn, is an expert cap designer, and his vision is evident in the high-quality and fashionable headwear that Pacific produces. Moreover, the company offers a variety of services, including direct embroidery, 3D Puff print on caps, and the sale of blank caps. Recently, Augusta Sportswear has acquired Pacific Headwear. This acquisition will enable Pacific Headwear to leverage Augusta’s resources and expand its product range while retaining its unique brand identity and commitment to quality. With this partnership, Pacific Headwear is poised to continue its growth and success in the hat industry.

Fahrenheit Headwear

Century 21 is the parent company responsible for distributing the Fahrenheit caps brand in Seattle. They offer inspiring embroidered caps that are perfect for corporate and resort markets. They specialize in overseas custom embroidered caps at very competitive prices. Century 21 is considered the “granddaddy” of custom caps, offering high-quality products at reasonable prices. We take pride in representing this company due to its quality products and excellent service. Jeffrey Hoch, the founder of the Fahrenheit brand since 1978, is the visionary and captain of this company. His leadership has made the Fahrenheit brand a staple in Seattle since 1978. You can often find Jeffrey flying his private plane or relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii, daydreaming about new cap styles, fabrics, and colors.

A row of sophisticated white SWF embroidery machines in a workshop setup, ready for production. Each machine is equipped with multiple needle heads and spools of thread, showcasing the capability for multi-colored embroidery on baseball caps that are hooped and mounted in preparation for stitching. The work area is well-organized, with an array of colorful thread spools on the racks in the background, indicating a professional environment geared towards high-quality custom apparel production

Outdoor Cap

We recommend checking out Outdoor Cap as a cap supplier if you’re looking for embroidered caps. They’re a cap supplier in Bentonville, Arkansas, serving customers nationwide. They offer various embroidered caps, including heavy-duty caps, wax fabric, and mesh-back truckers. Furthermore, Outdoor Cap supplies a significant portion of their inventory to Walmart, and they’re known for providing the lowest prices in the industry, making their prices highly competitive. This philosophy of offering low prices also extends to the promotional cap market. So, if you need embroidered caps, Outdoor Cap is a reliable and affordable option.

Close-up of a gray baseball cap with a detailed embroidered patch that reads 'SURVIVOR' in bold yellow letters against a backdrop of a snowy mountain, possibly Mount Rainier, and evergreen trees under a blue sky. The phrase 'HERE FOR GOOD' arches above the mountain, and the website 'nwcustomapparel.com' curves below alongside the year 2020, all encircled by a red border. The cap's design commemorates resilience and endurance, likely referencing the challenges faced in 2020.

And the Winner of the Best Cap Supplier is!

Determining the best cap supplier among the four suppliers in the Northwest region is a challenging task. Moreover, they all possess great qualities such as leadership, customer service, and quality products. However, we will eliminate Outdoor Cap from the list since they are located in Arkansas, which is not part of the Northwest region.

The top three suppliers in the Northwest region, in order, are Century 21 in Seattle, known for its forward-thinking and resort designs; Pacific Headwear, known for its creative designs and unique fabric that they introduce every year; and Richardson, which has been in the industry for a long time and produces the highest quality caps. Century 21 needs to focus on its marketing strategies and reach customers more effectively to improve its position. Meanwhile, Richardson emerges as the clear winner after careful consideration. Richardson is a brand staple in the country, and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kelly Richardson and the team for being the #1 cap supplier for 2023.

A composite image featuring a cheerful man in a 'WSU' (Washington State University) cap on the left, and a creative metal cut-out sign of a stylized vintage gentleman holding a doughnut on the right. The man is wearing a red hoodie and has a friendly expression. The sign reads 'DOUGHNUT' at the bottom, suggesting a whimsical theme possibly associated with a doughnut shop. The artwork has an industrial flair and is set against a vibrant turquoise textured background, fastened with visible rivets.
Erik Mickelson is the author of Northwest Custom Apparel’s blogs and is a 2nd generation embroiderer with a Master’s Degree in Business.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Shop
Wishlist
0 items Cart
My account
Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

Alicia-Wada

Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

Erik-Mikelson

Erik Mickelson

Manager

Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

Ruth-Nhoung

Ruth Nhoung

Production Manager

Ruth Nhoung is our Production Manager and Northwest Custom Apparel is lucky to have her. Thanks to her vast knowledge of machine embroidery and dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive work environment, the production plant runs smoothly and customers are pleased with our work. She is a loving mother and grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with her siblings. She says, “I love everything about Northwest Custom Apparel: the people, the atmosphere, the work, and the customers. I love what I do and I embrace all of NWCA’s core values”.

Steve-Deland

Steve Deland

Art Director

Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

Taylar-Hanson

Taylar Hanson

Sales

Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nika-Lao

Nika Lao

Sales

Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

Bradley-Wright

Bradley Wright

Accountant

Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

Dominic-Nguyen

Dominic Nguyen

DTG Operator

Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

Sothea-Tann

Sothea Tann

Production Team: Trimmer

Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

Brian-Beardsly

Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

UT-Tri-Tran

UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

UT Tri Tran loves Northwest Custom Apparel so much that, although she has already retired after a long career in machine embroidery operations, she is happy to return part time. She says, “I love the family style work environment and how everyone shares food, laughter, and fun on a regular basis.” In her free time she is dedicated to living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle with her friends and family.

Bunsereytheavy-Hoeu

BunsereytheavyHoeu

Embroidery Machine Operator

BunsereytheavyHoeu, who goes by Theavy, won our Operator of the Year in 2021. She takes on many roles in the production team. She says, “These are not my co-workers, these are my family! I cherish all the memories we make together”. When she goes home to be with her family, she makes the most of her time with them by holding family get-togethers and even karaoke competitions.

Sreynai-Meang

Sreynai Meang

Embroidery Machine Operator

SreynaiMeang is a hard-working Machine Operator. She is most passionate about helping people. Sreynai, who goes by Nai, likes to exercise in her free time and talk with her family in Cambodia.

Kanha-Chhorn

Kanha Chhorn

Embroidery Machine Operator

Kanha Chhorn has been an Embroidery Operator with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. She is delightful and always makes everyone smile and laugh. Kanha takes on additional tasks that allow us to exceed our customers’ expectations. In her free time, she can be found at her local temple or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Savy-Sorm

Savy Som

Embroidery Machine Operator

SavySom is one of our Machine Operators who is passionate about embroidery and sewing. She enjoys working at NWCA because of its flexibility. She has two teenage sons and loves spending time with her family on the weekends.

Sorphorn-Sorm

SorphornSorm

Embroidery Machine Operator

SorphornSorm has been a Machine Operator since 2011. One of her four sisters works here as well. Her other relatives are in Cambodia. In her free time, Sorphorn studies English, listens to music, and enjoys exercising.

Jim-Mickelson

Jim Mickelson

CEO

Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.