EA5Y Does It: The 5 Panel That Changed the Game - Lost Hat Co.

EA5Y Does It: The 5 Panel That Changed the Game

At Lost Hat Co., we’ve always kept our eyes on quality, fit, and timeless style—and the EA5Y 5 panel is no exception. This is the hybrid that has quickly made waves, not just because of its look, but because of how it feels and performs. The EA5Y (spelled with a 5 for the panel count) isn’t just a name. It’s the start of a new direction—one we’re already seeing take off.

The New Standard in 5 Panel Hats

While five panel hats have been around for decades, the recent rise in demand has brought them back to the spotlight. But when we looked around, we saw a gap. There were plenty of 5 panels out there, but few (if any) incorporated real camo patterns. Most options were knockoffs or mimic prints without heritage or recognition. So, we fixed that.

The EA5Y launched hard with ten legit camo variants right out of the gate. No filler patterns. No generic lookalikes. Just iconic camos like Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, Mossy Oak Greenleaf, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak New Bottomland, Mossy Oak Treestand, Old’s Cool Delta, Old’s Cool Brackish, Old’s Cool Slough, Realtree Advantage Classic, and Realtree Original. And all of them sit atop a clean neutral crown that lets your brand’s logo do the talking.

Breaking Down the Features

Let’s talk build. The EA5Y is a five panel design with a horn-front style and no center seam. The absence of that seam makes for a cleaner imprint area and an overall sharper look. Every hat shares the same cream crown base purposefully chosen to create consistency across the line and to let each camo pattern speak without being overwhelmed.

The crown height hits that sweet spot. It’s a mid crown fit - comfortable, versatile, and flattering on a wide range of head shapes. It fits both men and women without that overly tall or shallow feel you get from some other blanks. This is a shape we built from scratch. It wasn’t pulled from a stock mold or borrowed from overseas catalogs. We worked it, wore it, adjusted it, and worked it again until it felt right.

The shape sets it apart. Some factory-made hats have a tendency to sink in at the temples over time, especially with wear or moisture. Not this one. The EA5Y uses a stiff buckram backing that holds its form so there is no caving in, no collapsing on the sides, even after repeated use.

Thoughtful Design, Inside and Out

What really sets this hat apart are the details. We didn’t just pick camo patterns and call it done. Each EA5Y has a matching snap and eyelet color—pulling tones from the pattern itself. That means everything from the vent holes to the closure is intentionally selected to enhance the overall design. Nothing looks like an afterthought.

On top? The button matches the bill. Every. Single. Time. And that bill is finished with a throwback green underbrim, a subtle nod to the hats of the 80s and 90s. It's the kind of feature you don’t see much anymore, but once you do, it brings that old-school authenticity that decorators and outdoor brands love.

The result is a blank that doesn’t feel blank. It feels complete, like it already knows who it’s for. Whether you’re printing for a lifestyle brand, outfitting a hunting crew, or building out your own label’s next line.

The Hybrid Shape That Started It All

The EA5Y isn’t just a new style for us. It’s a whole new shape. We put real time into engineering a profile that stands out while still feeling familiar. Slightly wider on the bill. Pointed crown up front. Clean side lines that don’t crush in. This is the kind of shape that decorators love because it holds embroidery well. It's not going to fold or sag when stitched. Whether you’re screen printing, adding a woven patch, or going all-in on embroidery, it holds its structure without warping.

You’d be surprised how often we hear from customers, and even manufacturers, who send our hats to their own factories overseas asking them to “make something like this.” We take that as a compliment. But it also speaks to the amount of detail and care that goes into a shape like this. It’s not copied. It’s created.

Where the EA5Y Line is Headed

Right now, the EA5Y is available in ten camo versions, but we’re just getting started. This line is set to expand—fast. We’re already building out additional styles using the EA5Y shape, including solids, mesh backs, and low-profile rope options.

This isn’t a one-and-done launch. It’s a new foundation for future collections. Because while this version leans hard into heritage camo, the potential for color variety, seasonal drops, and custom partnerships makes it one of the most versatile hats in our lineup.

If you’re a decorator or brand looking to stand out, this shape has legs. It’s built to perform in the wild, on the street, and everywhere in between.

Who Is Lost Hat Co.?

Lost Hat Co. was built for outfitters, apparel brands, and outdoor-minded businesses who are tired of digging through hundreds of hat styles to find something that actually fits their vision. We offer premium blanks in timeless earthtones—no fluff, no filler—just the kind of quality you want your name on.

We keep it simple: durable construction, clean silhouettes, and a curated lineup that speaks to the outdoors. Whether you're running a brand, guiding in the backcountry, or outfitting a crew, Lost Hat makes it easy to find the right lid, every time.

Checkout our EA5Y line

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