I was looking for a hat that would keep my head cool in the sun, since regular hats tend to make my head sweat excessively. After searching online, I purchased these Letter Ski Caps, marketed as breathable cotton beanies ideal for summer.
I've worn these hats consistently for 90 days—three full months of summer heat and daily use. Here’s my detailed breakdown of how they performed over time.
The product name was unusually long: "y2k acrylic hip hop dice hat caps." That immediately raised a red flag for me. Such lengthy, keyword-stuffed names often indicate a generic import, which can mean lower quality.
I checked the material tag right away and was relieved to see it listed as 100% cotton. If it had been mostly acrylic, I would have returned it immediately. Acrylic works well for winter but traps heat in the summer.
The cotton felt quite thin—ideal for summer, as it allows better airflow. When I tried it on, the description promised a size range of 54cm–60cm. My head is on the larger side, and the fit was snug, especially around the ears.
I inspected the stitching and found it acceptable but not exceptional. The seams were basic, and with extremely cheap items, thin stitching often leads to quick tears.
Verdict: It passed the material test (genuine cotton) but felt slightly tight. I decided to wear it for a few days to see if it would stretch out.
I wore the hat everywhere during the first week, in temperatures around 85 degrees—whether working outdoors or running errands.
The hat managed sweat effectively, absorbing moisture rather than letting it bead up. That’s exactly why cotton is preferable to polyester for sweat absorption.
By Day 4, the tight fit began to bother me, so I decided it was time for the first wash.
Washing Process (Crucial for Cheap Cotton):