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Nike vs Whelk: The Ideal Sport Cap
Originating in footwear, Nike is now a cornerstone of the sportswear industry. On the other hand, Whelk has been around since 2018 with a vision to make headwear more sustainable. So why should you consider Whelk over Nike when it comes to sport caps? Also, what’s the difference between both? Let’s break it down:
TL;DR: A quick head-to-head comparison ⏳
- Materials: Nike uses Dri-Fit polyester, while Whelk uses OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified polyester with a Blutech brim, featuring accelerated biodegradation technology.
- Design & Style: Both caps are unstructured and low profile; Nike features a Swoosh logo and velcro closure, while Whelk has no exterior branding and a plastic buckle.
- Price: Nike’s cap is 51.90% more expensive due to branding.
- Impact: Although both models are made overseas, Whelk’s cap is manufactured in a WRAP and ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. Whelk is also a member of 1% for the Planet.
Materials
Nike (Featherlight Cap – CJ7082)
While both hats feature 100% polyester, Nike has opted for its own Dri-Fit polyester fabric.
Whelk (PRFO Sport Cap)
For our choice of polyester, we’ve chosen a microfiber that is OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified.
Our hat brims are made with Blutech, an innovative technology that drastically accelerates the brim’s biodegradation rate.
Design & Style
Nike (Featherlight Cap – CJ7082)
- Fit: Unstructured & low profile
- Colours: Black, white
- Breathability: 4 mesh panels
- Branding: Contrast embroidered Swoosh logo
- Closure: Hook and loop with velcro
Whelk (PRFO Sport Cap)
- Fit: Unstructured & low profile
- Colour: Black (we will extend the options as demand grows)
- Breathability: 6 eyelets
- Branding: No exterior branding
- Closure: Plastic buckle
Pricing
Nike (Featherlight Cap – CJ7082)
Based on Sanmar’s price, the Nike Featherlight cap is 51.90% more expensive than Whelk’s PRFO cap.
Whelk (PRFO Sport Cap)
Why is our PRFO cap twice more affordable? You’re actually paying a premium for the right to wear their Swoosh logo on your head. At the end of the day, sustainability should be the norm, not a luxury.
Impact
Nike (Featherlight Cap – CJ7082)
The Featherlight Cap is made in Indonesia. We asked Sanmar for Nike’s production workplace health and safety standards – they were able to provide a lengthy statement on forced labor (publicly available on Nike’s website).
Whelk (PRFO Sport Cap)
Our PRFO cap is made in a WRAP and ISO 9001:2015 certified Vietnamese facility. Whelk is also a member of 1% for the Planet.
Whelk specializes in what Nike overlooks:
sustainable & affordable activewear
Choosing Whelk over Nike for your sport caps is not just a smart business decision; it’s a commitment to sustainability and ESG standards. As a promotional product distributor, partnering with Whelk ensures you offer affordable, eco-friendly headwear that aligns with today’s conscious consumers from B-Corp companies to your local corner store.
- Better pricing
- Biodegradable Blutech visor
- No exterior branding
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified polyester
- Member of 1% for the Planet