Richardson 112 Trucker Hat Wholesale: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Why the Richardson 112 Is the #1 Wholesale Trucker Hat in America

If you’ve spent any time in the custom headwear space, you already know the Richardson 112. It’s the trucker hat that custom apparel businesses, embroiderers, hat shops, and brand owners reach for first. And there’s a good reason for that: the Richardson 112 combines quality construction, a massive color selection, and a price point that makes bulk buying a no-brainer.

Whether you’re launching a custom hat line, adding headwear to your existing apparel business, or stocking up for events and promotions, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying Richardson 112 trucker hats at wholesale prices in 2026.

Richardson 112 Specs: What Makes It Stand Out

Before we talk pricing, let’s break down what you’re actually getting with the Richardson 112:

Construction and Fit

  • Profile: Mid-pro (not too tall, not too flat). This is the sweet spot that fits almost every head shape comfortably.
  • Panels: Six-panel structured design with a pre-curved bill. No breaking in required.
  • Front Fabric: Cotton-polyester twill blend (60% cotton, 40% polyester) on the front two panels. Sturdy enough for embroidery, smooth enough for patches and heat transfers.
  • Back Mesh: 100% polyester trucker mesh on the back four panels. Breathable, lightweight, and built to hold its shape.
  • Closure: Adjustable plastic snapback. Universal fit, one-size-fits-most.
  • Sweatband: Standard cotton sweatband for all-day comfort.
  • Sizes: Youth (Y), Small (SM), MD-LG (standard adult), and XL for larger heads.

The mid-pro profile is a huge selling point. High-crown hats feel outdated for most buyers, and low-profile caps don’t work for everyone. The Richardson 112 sits right in the middle, which is exactly why it dominates the wholesale market.

Color Options: Over 80 Colorways to Choose From

One of the biggest advantages of the Richardson 112 is the sheer number of color combinations available. We’re talking 80+ colorways, broken down into:

Solid Colors: Same color front, back, and bill. Think classic Black, Navy, White, Red, Cardinal, Charcoal, and newer additions like Quarry and Loden.

Split/Two-Tone Colors: Different colors on the front panels and the mesh back. Popular combos include Heather Grey/Black, Khaki/White, Caramel/Black, and Navy/White. These are the best sellers for custom hat brands because the contrast looks sharp with embroidery or patches.

Tri-Color Options: Three different colors across the front, mesh, bill, and button. These give you maximum design flexibility without any custom work.

Specialty Prints: Camo patterns, printed mesh, and seasonal releases round out the lineup.

For wholesale buyers, this color range means you can offer variety to your customers without switching hat brands. One style number, dozens of looks.

Richardson 112 Wholesale Pricing in 2026

Here’s what you can expect to pay when buying Richardson 112 trucker hats in bulk:

Single Unit (retail): $8 to $12 depending on the vendor and colorway.

12+ Units: Most wholesalers start their first price break here, typically dropping to the $6 to $8 range per hat.

36+ Units: Another tier of savings. Expect to pay $5 to $7 per hat at this volume.

144+ Units (case quantities): At full case pricing, you can find Richardson 112s in the $4 to $6 range, depending on the supplier and any current promotions.

Key pricing notes:

  • Specialty colorways (camo, prints) may cost slightly more than solid colors.
  • Youth sizes (112Y) are typically priced the same or slightly lower than adult sizes.
  • Some wholesalers offer mix-and-match across colors within the same style, which is ideal if you want variety without committing to 36+ of a single color.

At Beytees, we carry Richardson 112 trucker hats at competitive wholesale pricing with fast shipping from Texas. Whether you need a dozen or a thousand, we can get them to you quickly.

Richardson 112 vs. Other Popular Trucker Hats

How does the Richardson 112 stack up against the competition?

Richardson 112 vs. Richardson 115 (Low-Pro Trucker)

The 115 offers a lower profile for buyers who prefer a sleeker look. Same mesh back, same quality, but the 115 sits closer to the head. If your target market skews younger or more fashion-forward, the 115 is worth considering. But for overall versatility, the 112’s mid-pro profile wins for most businesses.

Richardson 112 vs. Yupoong 6606 (Classic Trucker)

The Yupoong 6606 is another popular choice in the trucker hat space. It’s slightly more budget-friendly in some cases, but the Richardson 112 generally offers better structure, more color options, and a more premium feel. For custom branding work, the 112’s front panel material takes embroidery and heat transfers better.

Richardson 112 vs. Pacific Headwear 104C

The 104C is a solid competitor with similar specs. Pacific Headwear offers good quality, but Richardson’s brand recognition and broader color palette give the 112 an edge for businesses that want to market “Richardson quality” to their end customers.

Best Decoration Methods for the Richardson 112

The Richardson 112 works with virtually every decoration method used in the custom hat industry:

Embroidery: The structured front panels and cotton-poly blend make the 112 an embroidery dream. Flat embroidery, 3D puff, and combination designs all look great.

Leather Patches: Laser-engraved or debossed leather patches are huge right now. The 112’s flat front panel is the perfect canvas for patch application.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): For smaller runs or detailed designs, HTV applies cleanly on the 112’s front panel.

DTF Transfers: Direct-to-film transfers work great on the cotton-blend front panel. Full-color, photo-quality designs without the setup costs of embroidery.

Screen Printing: Less common on hats but doable on the 112, especially for simple one or two-color designs.

Sublimation: Standard Richardson 112s aren’t ideal for sublimation due to the cotton content. If you need sublimation, look at polyester-front options instead.

Who’s Buying Richardson 112 Trucker Hats in Bulk?

The 112 has become the go-to blank for a wide range of businesses:

  • Custom hat brands: Small businesses selling branded caps on Etsy, Shopify, and at markets.
  • Embroidery shops: The single most requested blank for custom embroidery orders.
  • Promotional products companies: Corporate events, trade shows, and company merch programs.
  • Outdoor and hunting brands: The camo and earth-tone options make it perfect for outdoor lifestyle brands.
  • Sports teams and leagues: Youth and adult sports organizations ordering matching team hats.
  • Wedding and event planners: Custom groomsmen hats, bachelorette party caps, and reunion merch.
  • Resellers and screen printers: Adding headwear as an upsell to their existing blank apparel offerings.

Buying Tips: How to Get the Best Deal on Wholesale Richardson 112s

1. Buy in case quantities when possible. The biggest savings come at 144+ units. If you have consistent demand, buying by the case saves real money over time.

2. Mix colors, not styles. Most wholesalers let you mix colors within the Richardson 112 style for bulk pricing. Take advantage of this to stock variety without over-committing to any single color.

3. Watch for seasonal promotions. Wholesalers often run sales during slower seasons (typically Q1 and early Q4). Stock up when prices dip.

4. Order popular colors in larger quantities. Black, Heather Grey/Black, Khaki/White, and Navy consistently outsell everything else. Keep deeper stock in these basics.

5. Consider the full Richardson lineup. The 112 is the flagship, but Richardson also makes the 112FP (five-panel), 112RE (recycled trucker), and 112PM (printed mesh). Offering these variants alongside the classic 112 gives your customers more options.

6. Factor in shipping costs. Hats are bulky. Shipping from a Texas-based wholesaler like Beytees can save you significantly on transit times and costs, especially if you’re in the southern or central US.

Richardson 112 Variants Worth Knowing

Richardson has expanded the 112 line with several popular variants:

  • 112FP (Five-Panel Trucker): Same quality, modern five-panel construction. Trending with streetwear and lifestyle brands.
  • 112Y (Youth Trucker): Sized down for kids. Same colors and quality as the adult version.
  • 112P (Patterned Trucker): Front panels feature patterns like camo, plaid, or heather prints.
  • 112PM (Printed Mesh): Mesh back panels feature printed designs for a unique look.
  • 112RE (Recycled Trucker): Made with recycled materials for eco-conscious brands.
  • 112WF (Waxed Front): Water-resistant waxed canvas front panels for outdoor use.

How to Start Selling Custom Richardson 112 Hats

If you’re new to the custom hat business, here’s a quick roadmap:

Step 1: Order a sample pack of 12 to 24 hats in your top color choices. Test the quality, fit, and how your decoration method looks on the actual product.

Step 2: Choose your decoration method. Embroidery is the most popular and professional-looking option, but leather patches and DTF transfers are growing fast.

Step 3: Price your finished hats for profit. A blank Richardson 112 at $5 to $7 wholesale, plus $3 to $5 in decoration costs, gives you a finished product that can retail for $25 to $45 depending on your brand positioning.

Step 4: List on your sales channels. Shopify, Etsy, Amazon Handmade, local markets, and wholesale to retailers all work well for custom hats.

Step 5: Scale by buying larger quantities. As demand grows, move to case quantities and negotiate better pricing with your wholesaler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order for wholesale Richardson 112 hats?
Most wholesalers set the minimum at 12 hats to qualify for bulk pricing. Some vendors have no minimum for individual orders but offer tiered discounts starting at 12, 36, and 144+ units.

Are Richardson 112 hats good for embroidery?
Yes. The structured cotton-poly front panels are one of the best surfaces for embroidery in the blank cap market. Both flat and 3D puff embroidery work well.

What’s the difference between the Richardson 112 and 112FP?
The 112 is a traditional six-panel trucker hat. The 112FP is a five-panel design with a seamless front, which gives it a more modern, minimalist look. Both use the same mesh back and snapback closure.

Can I mix colors when ordering in bulk?
Yes. Most wholesalers, including Beytees, allow you to mix colors within the Richardson 112 style while still qualifying for bulk pricing tiers.

How fast can I get Richardson 112 hats shipped?
From Beytees, most in-stock orders ship within 1 to 2 business days from our Texas warehouse. Standard shipping reaches most US addresses in 3 to 5 business days.

What sizes are available?
The Richardson 112 comes in Youth, Small, MD-LG (standard adult, fits most), and XL. The MD-LG with adjustable snapback fits the vast majority of adults.

Is the Richardson 112 good for sublimation?
The standard 112 is not ideal for sublimation because the front panels are a cotton-poly blend. For sublimation, look for polyester-front options or consider DTF transfers as an alternative that works on the standard 112.

Richardson 112 Care and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your Richardson 112 hats in top condition matters, especially if you are selling decorated hats to customers:

  • Spot cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild soap for small stains. This preserves embroidery and patches better than machine washing.
  • Hand washing: For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
  • Drying: Air dry on a hat form or over a ball to maintain the structured shape. Never put a Richardson 112 in the dryer.
  • Storage: Store hats on a shelf or rack, not stacked. Stacking can deform the pre-curved bill and structured front panels over time.
  • Shipping decorated hats: Use rigid mailers or boxes with tissue paper support. Embroidered and patched hats can be damaged if shipped in soft poly mailers.

Taking these steps protects your investment and keeps your customers happy with hats that look great for years.

Ready to Order?

The Richardson 112 has earned its reputation as the best-selling wholesale trucker hat for a reason. Quality construction, unmatched color variety, and a profile that works for everyone make it the safest bet for any custom headwear business.

Browse our full selection of Richardson 112 trucker hats at Beytees and get wholesale pricing with fast shipping from Texas. Whether you’re ordering your first dozen or your hundredth case, we’ve got you covered.

Looking for blank t-shirts to pair with your custom hats? Check out our guides on Comfort Colors 1717, Gildan 64000 Softstyle, and Bella Canvas 3001 vs Gildan 64000 to build out your wholesale inventory.

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