Whelk vs Yupoong: Are Sustainable Hats Worth the Switch?
Many people have unknowingly worn Yupoong caps, with iconic styles like the dad hat (model 6245CM) and retro trucker cap (model 6606) cementing their dominance in the headwear industry. However, their golden years of innovation seem to have succumbed to complacency, preventing them from addressing a huge issue in the clothing industry – its devastating impact on the environment.
Whelk exists to foster the adoption of sustainable headwear. We understand that sustainability and social responsibility matter more than ever. But talk is cheap, so we believe that the choice of branded products speaks volumes about a company’s values, emphasizing the significance of offering merch that aligns with a brand’s ethos. That’s why we’re laser-focused on making sustainable caps that people love to wear.
Here are a few concrete reasons we think our headwear is a better alternative to Yupoong’s hats and caps:
TL;DR: A quick head-to-head comparison ⏳
Materials:
- Both brands use cotton and polycotton. However, Whelk uses OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics.
- Whelk caps also have a Blutech brim, featuring enhanced biodegradation technology.
- Whelk’s dad hat is made with 50% recycled cotton.
Design & Style: Both brands offer caps with a similar build and fit, but Yupoong currently offers a wider range of colours.
Pricing: At entry-level pricing, Whelk’s dad hat is 4.9% more affordable, while Yupoong’s trucker cap is 10.8% more affordable.
Impact: Although both brands manufacture their caps overseas, Whelk manufactures its caps in a WRAP and ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. Whelk is also a member of 1% for the Planet.
Materials
Yupoong
- 6245CM: 100% virgin cotton
- 6606: Polycotton blend
As for the safety of the fabrics used, this information is not publicly available.
They also claim that their Permacurv visor is a technology that boasts its ability to maintain its proper shape and curve.
Whelk
- Dad Hat: 50% recycled cotton, 50% virgin cotton
- Trucker Hat: Polycotton blend
Our textiles are OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified, a renowned industry benchmark for textile safety. This signifies that it has been tested for harmful substances to protect your health.
When it comes to our visor, it is made with Blutech, a technology that accelerates the brim’s biodegradation process when the cap is thrown away.
No shortcuts 🚫
It’s important to understand that fabrics are dyed and treated to improve performance. The sad reality is that some textile mills might use toxic chemicals as a cheap, yet dangerous shortcut to achieve maximum profitability. For us, it does not make sense to risk the health of people and the planet, which is why we opted for OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified fabrics.
Design & Style
Yupoong
- 6245CM: 6 unstructured panels with a rear metal buckle. It is currently available in 12 different colours.
- 6606: 2 front polycotton structured panels and 4 rear mesh panels with a snapback closure. This model is available in 44 colour variants.
Whelk
- Dad Hat: Same specs as the 6245CM and is available in 8 colours.
- Trucker Hat: Same specs as the 6606, available in 3 colours.
We’ve chosen to prioritize the best-selling colours to begin with and will extend the options as demand grows.
Pricing
Yupoong
For this analysis, we used the pricing provided by the established distributor S&S Canada for a blank YP Classics dad hat and trucker cap. As is standard in the industry, the price decreases with higher order volumes.
Whelk
We compared our entry-level price points with Yupoong: our dad hat is 4.7% more affordable, while our trucker cap is 0.1% less expensive as well. Similar to Yupoong, we also offer discounts for bulk volume.
Sustainability shouldn't break the bank 💸
How do we keep our headwear competitively priced, all while committing to sustainable manufacturing? It’s all about cutting out the fat to focus on our environmental impact. We are a lean team with no physical stores. At the end of the day, we prefer to prioritize the planet over profits.
Impact
Yupoong
It’s near impossible to dissect Yupoong’s impact because of their opaque corporate communication structure. Their website mentions donations and volunteer work without quantifying their contributions.
Their headwear is made in Bangladesh & Vietnam.
Whelk
Our commitment to environmental responsibility goes a step further with our membership in 1% for the Planet. As a member, we pledge to donate 1% of our annual sales to ocean-cleaning efforts. To prevent greenwashing, we openly share all our sustainable efforts, ensuring transparency as part of our DNA.
Our headwear is ethically manufactured in a WRAP and ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Vietnam.
Whelk specializes in what Yupoong ignores:
our impact on the planet
From B-Corp certified businesses to promotional products companies, Whelk caters to the needs of conscious consumers seeking sustainable headwear. Contact us now to learn more about our offerings and how we can partner with you to amplify your brand’s commitment to sustainability.
- Blutech biodegradable visor
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics
- Member of 1% for the Planet
