5 Wig Cap Designs & Their Importance

“The trick is getting the right cap design,”… But what does that even mean? Luckily, you have come to the right place because today we are covering all the details on cap construction for wigs. The top five wig cap designs are Capless, Standard Cap, Lace Front Caps, Monofilament Caps, and 100% Hand Tied Caps. Each of these designs has specific features to help your wig fit everyday life, bringing a natural look to your style. Some of the benefits of different caps are a more natural hairline, keeping your scalp cooler, offering multi-directional parting, and more. So, let’s dig into the details!

1. Capless / Open Wig Caps

Capless or Open Cap Wigs are loved for their open wefting on top of the cap. This style is a great option for a day in the sun! The cap is made of a lightweight material designed with open spaces between the wefting that will help you “keep it cooler.” A durable cap, and quite similar to your standard cap, makes this a very affordable option.  

Open cap construction photo showing a open cap or capless construction.

  1. Open Wefted Top + Back - Allows superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting.
  2. Open Ear Tabs - Allows customization with bendable wire.
  3. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference.
  4. Velvet Front Hairline/Nape - Allows for increased hairline comfort. The nape area includes two vertical bendable wires, allowing for customization.

Pros:

  • Superior Ventilation
  • Light-Weight
  • Durable Design

Considerations:

  • Not as Versatile for Styling

Shop Capless/Open Cap Wigs


2. Standard / Traditional Wig Caps

Standard Cap constructions are one of the most common cap styles and an affordable option! This traditional design features an open-wefted back and sides, closed sewn material on top, and provides maximum volume. 

Traditional cap design featuring an open-wefted back and sides, closed sewn material on top, and provides maximum volume.

Traditional Cap

  1. Enclosed Wefted Top - Allows maximum coverage with a full lace crown.
  2. Open Wefted Back - Allows superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting.
  3. Open Ear Tab - Allows customization with bendable wire.
  4. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference.
  5. Velvet Front Hairline/Nape - Allows for increased hairline comfort. The nape area includes two vertical bendable wires, allowing for customization.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Maximum Volume and Fullness
  • Very Durable
  • Large Selection To Choose From

Considerations:

  • Not as Versatile for Styling
  • Has Permatease, so I hope you're a fan!

Shop Standard/Traditional Cap Wigs


3. Lace Front Wig Caps

Lace Front caps focus on creating a natural hairline. This is done by tying individual hair fibers into a lace material that lays across the forehead. Lace fronts are included on many different cap designs, from hand-tied to monofilament caps, or even on a standard cap design. This feature is enjoyed for the ability to create off-the-face styling and a discreet look with your wig.

Lace Front caps with a natural hairline with tied individual hair fibers into a lace material which lays across the forehead.

Lace Front / Single Monofilament

  1. Smartlace Front (Welded Monofilament Lace) - Mimics a natural hairline; hair is hand tied one by one.
  2. Single Monofilament - Allows multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth.
  3. Open Wefted Back - Allows superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting.
  4. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape - Allows smooth customization with bendable wire.
  5. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference. 

Pros:

  • Offered in a variety of cap designs
  • Creates a Natural Hairline
  • Style Off-The-Forehead

Considerations:

  • Some find the lace front itchy

Shop Lace Fronts Wigs

4. Monofilament Wig Caps

Monofilament Cap constructions come with a variety of options, ranging from a full mono (monofilament) top to a partial mono top and even a mono crown. Monofilament is the portion of a cap referring to the mesh-like material that is uniquely configured to resemble the appearance of a scalp. Each hair fiber is pulled through the mesh individually, creating a natural look. 

Another benefit of monofilament is the ability to change the part of your wig. Due to this unique feature’s construction, you can easily maneuver the part from left to right, to crisscross, or whatever you dream of. 

Monofilament is the mesh material that looks like a scalp.

Lace Front / Single Monofilament Part

  1. Welded Monofilament Lace - Allows Multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth.
  2. Open Cap - Allows superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting.
  3. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape - Allows smooth customization with bendable wire.
  4. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference.


A monofilament top allows for multi-directional parting.

Lace Front / Single Monofilament

  1. Smartlace Front (Welded Monofilament Lace) - Mimics a natural hairline; hair is hand tied one by one.
  2. Single Monofilament - Allows multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth.
  3. Open Wefted Back - Allows superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting.
  4. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape - Allows smooth customization with bendable wire.
  5. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference. 

Pros:

  • Realistic Parting
  • Minimal Permatease
  • Light-Weight

Considerations:

  • Costs more than a standard cap
  • Needs a gentle touch with the mesh; don't loosen the knotting!
  • Will have less volume than a standard cap

Tip: Monofilament can accompany many different cap structures, including lace fronts, hand tied caps, and standard wefted caps. Oftentimes, you will see monofilament and lace front features on the same cap.

Shop Monofilament Top Wigs

Shop Monofilament Part Wigs


5. 100% Hand Tied Wig Caps

Hand tied caps are considered the epitome of a natural-looking wig. Think of it like having the entire wig cap made of monofilament material. That is how I picture it, but to break it down further, the hand-tied portion of the cap is typically located where your normal wefting would be and is made of a resilient material that molds to the shape of your head. Each strand of hair is individually tied to this lightweight material, giving the ultimate illusion of natural hair growth. These caps are more time-consuming to make, so you can expect them to be at a higher price point. The customer’s favorite part about this cap is the ability to have the hair move or shift on any part of the wig, and it still looks like your scalp, no weft showing, which means no worries!

Hand Tied caps are like having the entire wig cap made of monofilament material.

100% Hand Tied Cap

  1. Smartlace Front (Welded Monofilament Lace) Mimics a natural hairline; hair is hand tied one by one.
  2. Single Monofilament - Allows Multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth.
  3. 100% Hand Tied Cap - Each hair is individually hand tied, creating the appearance of natural growth.
  4. 100% Hand Tied Stretch Section - Allows customized stretch from front to back and ear to ear.
  5. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape - Allows smooth customization with bendable wire.
  6. Adjustable Tabs - Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference.

Pros:

  • Most Realistic Cap
  • Maximum Styling Versatility
  • Provides Natural Hair Movement

Considerations:

  • Less Ventilation
  • Higher Price Point

Shop 100% Hand-Tied Wigs


Final Thoughts

Now you have all the details on the most common wig cap designs! Thankfully, modern technology keeps advancing the comfort and design of your wig so that you can enjoy the lifestyle you love. Let us know if you have any questions!  - NBW Family 

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Text: 320.685.7104